BA Film and Television

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bristol

Program Overview

The BA Film and Television at the University of Bristol offers a unique blend of critical, historical, theoretical, and practical approaches to film and television studies. It is ideal for creative and curious students eager to explore how films are made while engaging in hands-on projects and collaborative media work.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with foundational units that introduce them to the analysis of film and television. Through courses like Introduction to Film and Television Studies and Media Analysis, they develop essential skills in critical thinking, essay writing, and presentation, while participating in creative workshops that encourage collaborative filmmaking.

Year 2: The curriculum moves into more specialized topics, exploring historical movements and contemporary practices in the industry. Units such as Film History and Television in Practice allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, enhancing their research skills and deepening their understanding of production processes.

Year 3: In the final year, students focus on industry-focused and advanced studies, with opportunities for placements or industrial projects. Courses like Contemporary Media Practices and Final Year Project enable students to critically examine the film and television industries, produce original work, and prepare for professional careers.

Focus Areas: Film and television analysis, production techniques, media history, contemporary practices, industry engagement

Learning Outcomes: Develop critical, historical, and theoretical understanding; acquire practical filmmaking skills; demonstrate scholarly research and presentation abilities; collaborate effectively in media projects

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is designed to align with industry standards and professional practices, preparing students for careers in media production, criticism, and research

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Bristol is consistently ranked among the top UK universities, known for high graduate employability and strong performance in the arts and humanities according to QS World University Rankings and The Guardian University Guide

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Bristol, the BA Film and Television program offers students a dynamic environment to develop both creative and analytical skills through hands-on learning. From the outset, you will engage in practical projects, collaborating with peers to create short films while exploring the history, theory, and production processes of film and television. The program ensures access to industry-standard tools and facilities, enabling you to gain professional-level experience before graduation. Students also benefit from guidance by leading scholars and industry practitioners, helping bridge the gap between academic study and real-world practice.

Experiential learning opportunities include:

Collaborative group projects to design and produce short films.
Access to industry-standard filming and editing equipment and software.
Opportunities to learn from guest lectures and workshops led by film and television professionals.
Placement or industrial project in the final year for hands-on industry experience.
Use of university libraries with extensive film and media collections.
Support from dedicated research laboratories and media facilities within the Department of Film and Television.
Exposure to historical and contemporary filmmaking techniques through both practical and theoretical units.

This combination of structured practical work, professional guidance, and state-of-the-art facilities ensures students leave the program well-prepared for careers in film, television, and media industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA Film and Television at the University of Bristol leave with a strong blend of creative, analytical, and practical skills, ready to enter the dynamic media and entertainment industries. Many alumni move into roles such as Film Producer, Television Researcher, or Media Content Creator:

University Careers Services: Bristol’s Careers Service provides tailored support, including internships, placement opportunities, CV workshops, and one-to-one career consultations specifically for creative industries.
Employment Stats & Salary: Graduates enjoy high employability, with a significant proportion working in media, film, and television sectors; starting salaries typically range from £22,000–£30,000 depending on role and location.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from connections with industry professionals through guest lectures, collaborative projects, and placements, including partnerships with local production companies and broadcasters.
Accreditation Value: The degree is widely recognized in the UK and internationally, adding credibility for roles in film, television, and media-related fields.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni pursue careers in film and television production, broadcasting, content creation, journalism, and other creative industries, with many advancing into leadership and creative direction roles over time.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies with postgraduate programs in Film Studies, Media Production, Digital Media, or Creative Arts Management. Opportunities also exist for specialized training in film production, screenwriting, or television directing, allowing students to deepen both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.