BA (Honours) Film and TV Production with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

The BA (Honours) Film and TV Production with Foundation Year at Sheffield Hallam University is designed for creative storytellers who want to bring their ideas to life on screen. You’ll gain hands-on experience in filmmaking and television production, learning how to plan, shoot, and edit professional-level projects while developing the creative and technical skills that drive the screen industries.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year
The foundation year helps you build essential creative and technical skills, preparing you for degree-level study. You’ll explore visual storytelling, media production, and creative thinking through modules such as Foundation Project, Storytelling and Narrative, and Introduction to Media Production, giving you a solid base in both theory and practice.

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of film and television production. You’ll work on short projects that teach you the entire production process — from idea development to filming and editing. Modules like Introduction to Film and TV Production, Storytelling: Context and Practice, and Creating and Understanding Screen Ideas help you build confidence behind the camera and in the editing suite.

Year 2
Your second year focuses on refining your craft and deepening your understanding of professional workflows. You’ll collaborate in specialist roles such as directing, producing, and cinematography, while exploring how to engage audiences across platforms. Modules include Film and TV Production 2, Production Practices, and Professional Development for the Screen Industries, helping you apply creative techniques to real-world contexts.

Year 3
In the final year, you’ll take full creative control with major production projects that showcase your voice as a filmmaker. You’ll manage all aspects of a professional-level film or TV production, supported by modules like Film and TV Production 3, Advanced Professional Practice, and Creative Media Enterprise. This final stage prepares you to launch your career or pursue further specialization in postgraduate study.

Focus Areas: film direction, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, producing, sound design, post-production, creative storytelling

Learning Outcomes: graduates develop technical expertise in production and post-production, creative storytelling and project management skills, teamwork and communication for professional film and TV environments

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): aligned with industry standards and supported by Sheffield Hallam’s strong media and production network, ensuring practical experience that mirrors professional industry practice

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Sheffield Hallam University ranks among the UK’s top modern universities for graduate employability and is consistently recognized in The Guardian University Guide for its creative media and film production courses

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re thinking about joining the BA (Honours) Film and TV Production with Foundation Year at Sheffield Hallam University, you’ll be stepping into a course built entirely around learning by doing. From your very first day, you’ll be working on real film and television projects — developing creative ideas, collaborating in production teams, and using the same professional tools the industry relies on.

From your foundation year onwards, you’ll gain hands-on experience in all areas of production — from camera and sound to editing and post-production — while working in a studio environment that mirrors real industry settings. You’ll collaborate with other students, take on live briefs, and get involved in trips and events that connect you directly with professionals in the field. By the time you graduate, you’ll be confident, skilled, and ready to step into creative roles.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

Create real projects: Produce short films, documentaries, or experimental pieces — both individually and as part of a team.
Master professional tools: Take part in technical workshops using industry-standard equipment and software, including professional cameras, sound gear, green screen studios, 4K and 35 mm projection, a Dolby 5.1 sound system, and editing suites with Avid Media Composer.
Build a strong foundation: In your first year, you’ll explore media arts and communication, build your creative portfolio, and become familiar with Sheffield Hallam’s impressive facilities, setting you up for success in the main degree.
Work on live briefs: Collaborate on real-world projects with external partners — from charities and local businesses to film festivals — gaining valuable professional experience and insights.
Explore the industry up close: Take part in field trips and attend film festivals such as London Short Film Festival, Aesthetica, Berlin, or Glasgow, giving you first-hand exposure to the creative industries and opportunities to network.
Gain professional experience: Choose to take a placement or “sandwich” year, spending a full year working in the film and TV sector to boost your employability.
Showcase your final project: In your final year, you’ll take on a specialist role — like director, editor, or sound designer — and see your work publicly screened. You’ll also develop a marketing or exhibition strategy and reflect on your production process in a professional way.
Access great resources: You’ll have 24/7 access to the Adsetts Library at the City Campus, plus a wide range of digital tools and resources to support your creative and research work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this course move into a range of creative and technical roles within the film, television, and wider media industries — including positions such as producer, editor, cinematographer, and sound designer. These are hands-on professions where your portfolio, practical experience, and industry connections are just as important as your degree.

University Support and Career Development
Sheffield Hallam University provides extensive career and employability support to help you make the transition from student to professional. You’ll have access to one-to-one mentoring, portfolio development workshops, and valuable networking opportunities through the university’s Screen & Creative Industries facilities. The course also integrates live projects with real industry partners, ensuring you graduate with tangible “real-world” experience.

Employment Outcomes and Salary
For related film and media programmes at Sheffield Hallam, around 90% of graduates were in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree. On average, graduates in cinematics and photography roles earn around £22,000 during this early stage of their career — a solid foundation to build upon in such a dynamic industry.

Industry Connections and Partnerships
The university maintains close ties with leading organisations such as Screen Yorkshire, Sheffield DocFest, the BFI Film Hub North, and local film production companies. These partnerships give students the opportunity to collaborate on real projects, building professional experience and networking directly with industry professionals.

Accreditation and Long-Term Value
As an honours degree from a well-established UK university with a strong reputation in film and media, this qualification carries genuine long-term value. It not only supports immediate entry into the creative industries but also provides a credible academic foundation for further study or career advancement.

Graduate Outcomes
By the time you finish the course, you’ll have built an impressive portfolio that includes short films, documentaries, and digital media projects. You’ll also gain valuable experience in distribution and exhibition, along with a solid network of professional contacts. Typical career paths include production crew roles, post-production editing, camera and sound operation, location management, and digital content creation.

Further Academic Progression
After completing your BA, you can continue developing your skills through postgraduate study — for example, a Master’s in Filmmaking, Screenwriting, or Media Production. You could also choose to specialise in areas such as editing, cinematography, visual effects, or documentary production. For those with a passion for research and creative exploration, further progression into professional diplomas or doctoral (PhD) study in film and media is also an excellent option.