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Newcastle University’s BA (Hons) Film and Media is an engaging three-year degree that combines hands-on documentary filmmaking with the study of media and culture. This program is perfect for students who are passionate about storytelling through film, interested in understanding how media shapes society, and eager to develop both creative and technical skills for a career in the evolving media industry.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
In the first year, you’ll establish a strong foundation in both filmmaking and media analysis. Modules like Introduction to Documentary Practice and Digital Cultures introduce the technical side of filmmaking and the cultural context in which media operates. You’ll also explore Introduction to Journalism Practice, gaining a grasp of journalistic methods and storytelling techniques.
Year 2:
The second year builds on your foundational knowledge, deepening your understanding of media and cultural studies while honing your filmmaking skills. Modules such as Journalism: Pasts, Present and Future and Marketing Communication & Promotional Practices examine the evolution of journalism and the strategies behind media promotion. This year also includes practical projects that help refine your documentary filmmaking abilities.
Year 3:
In your final year, the focus shifts to advanced film production and critical analysis. Modules like Media, Communication and Cultural Studies and Digital Cultures encourage you to critically engage with contemporary media issues. You will also complete a major film project, which serves as a portfolio piece and prepares you for professional opportunities in the media industry.
Focus Areas
Documentary Filmmaking
Media Studies
Cultural Analysis
Journalism Practice
Digital Media
Marketing Communication
Learning Outcomes
Hands-on filmmaking and technical skills
Critical media and cultural analysis
Understanding of journalism and storytelling techniques
Digital media literacy
Professional communication skills
Professional Alignment
The program is designed with industry relevance in mind, preparing students for careers in film production, media analysis, and journalism. While specific accreditations aren’t highlighted, the curriculum aligns with contemporary media practices and industry standards.
Reputation
Newcastle University is well-known for its strong research and teaching quality. The School of Arts and Cultures, which offers this program, is recognized for its expertise in media and cultural studies, giving students both a solid academic foundation and skills that are highly valued in the professional world.
Newcastle University’s Film and Media BA Honours degree offers an exciting mix of theory and hands-on practice. Students don’t just study the world of film and media—they actively engage with it, gaining the practical skills needed to build a successful career in the industry.
Experiential Learning at Newcastle University:
Students in this program become part of a lively, creative community within the School of Arts and Cultures’ Media, Culture, Heritage department. The degree emphasizes real-world experience, helping students apply what they learn in meaningful, practical ways. With access to modern facilities and industry-standard equipment, Newcastle University fosters both creativity and professional skill development.
Key experiential learning opportunities include:
Work Placement: Students can take a 9–12 month industrial placement, in the UK or abroad, usually in the third year. This provides valuable real-world experience and a head start on their careers.
Facilities: The program offers access to professional video and audio equipment, studio space, AV-editing facilities, specialist computing labs, industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, and a mobile studio suite—everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life.
Support: Students receive guidance from academic staff acting as personal tutors, support from a dedicated team of technicians, and mentoring from peers to help navigate the first year and beyond.
Field Trips: Opportunities abound to attend film festivals, such as Aesthetica Film Festival in York, Glasgow Short Film Festival, and Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival. Students also engage with the local North East film industry through visits, cinema events, and guest sessions.
Modules: Courses such as Filmmaking: Ideas to Screen and Film Industry and Alternative Practices encourage students to combine their knowledge of World Cinema and film theory to produce short experimental films.
Research Skills: Students develop film-based research skills through hands-on filmmaking experiences and by presenting their work to public audiences.
Dissertation: The degree culminates in a film-based dissertation where students collaborate in crews to create a festival-ready creative documentary. This final project acts as a powerful portfolio piece for entering the industry or pursuing postgraduate study.
By blending practical experience with academic study, Newcastle University’s Film and Media BA Honours equips graduates with the confidence, skills, and creative insight needed to thrive in the fast-moving world of media.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates of the Film and Media BA Honours at Newcastle University are well-equipped to thrive in the fast-paced creative industries. With hands-on filmmaking experience and a solid foundation in media and cultural studies, they often step into roles such as:
Documentary Filmmakers
Media Producers
Film Editors
Content Creators for Digital Platforms
These roles benefit from the program’s balanced focus on both creative practice and critical thinking, ensuring graduates are ready to make an impact in a variety of media settings.
University Support & Industry Connections
Careers Service: Newcastle University’s award-winning Careers Service provides tailored guidance for students aiming to break into the creative industries. This includes specialized advice for film and media careers.
Industry Engagement: The program features modules like Working in the Film Industry, where students hear directly from professionals. These sessions offer invaluable networking opportunities and insights into the realities of the film world.
Graduate Success: Alumni have gone on to produce award-winning documentaries, earning recognition from prestigious organizations such as the Royal Television Society and the Grierson Awards.
Accreditation: The program meets the QAA Subject Benchmarks for Communication, Media, Film, and Cultural Studies, ensuring a strong academic foundation alongside practical skills.
Further Academic Progression
For those wishing to continue their studies, the BA Honours provides a pathway to advanced programs, including:
MA in Film Studies: Deepen theoretical understanding and research skills in film.
MFA in Film Production: Enhance practical filmmaking expertise and creative production skills.
PhD in Media and Cultural Studies: Conduct in-depth research and contribute to the development of media theory and practice.
These options allow graduates to specialize further and make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving world of film and media.
A-Level ABBIB: A minimum of 32 points.IELTS 6.5 or equivalent with no less than 5.5 in each of the four elements of the test.TOEFL: 90 overall (with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing)For Indian Applicants: Typically we recognise a 75% average in Standard XII as comparable to ABB at A Level. This can be awarded by: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Council for the Indian School Certificate (CISCE) National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) Various state boards Autonomous schoolsFor US Applicants: The University does not ask for a minimum GPA as part of the admissions requirements, however they may ask to see a copy of your High School Graduation Certificate when processing your visa paperwork (if applicable). Applicants to submit 3 AP tests or class scores. UK A Level requirement A B B to be considered equivalent to AP test scores 5 4 4 or AP class scores of A B B A SAT score of 650 per section is equivalent to an AP score of 4/B, while 700 per section equals an AP score of 5/A.An ACT composite of 26 corresponds to an AP 4/B, and 28 corresponds to an AP 5/A.A grade of B in an Honors or Dual Enrollment class corresponds to a 4 or B on the AP test, while an A corresponds to a 5 or A.The applicant is requested to provide: A current US high school transcript The school's profileAdditional information about the curriculum may be requested to verify comparability with AP courses in relevant subjects.Film DirectorScreenwriterCinematographerFilm EditorProducerProduction ManagerSound DesignerVisual Effects ArtistFilm CriticMedia AnalystScript SupervisorCamera OperatorMarketing and Distribution SpecialistContent CreatorMedia Researcher
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