MA Post Production Editing

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Bournemouth University

Program Overview

MA Post Production Editing gives you the chance to train like a professional film‑ and media‑editor: you work in top‑tier edit suites using the same tools (Avid, Adobe Suite, DaVinci Resolve) that industry editors use, collaborate on real film and video projects, and graduate with a respected, accredited master’s degree. This course is ideal if you already care about editing or storytelling and want to turn that passion into real skills and a professional portfolio.

Curriculum structure
Over the one‑year full‑time programme you are part of a creative “studio” with students from other film and media specialisms. Across the course you will:

In units like Editing Practice & Debate, you will explore the history, theories, technologies and practical realities of editing. You’ll engage in workshops and collaborative production work that will help you build a portfolio of edits and learn to critique and refine your work in context. Through Storytelling, you will study how narratives work across different audiovisual formats and cultures, learning to view editing not just as technical cutting, but as shaping story, mood and meaning.
In Editing Experiment & Enquiry, you’re encouraged to challenge conventions: you explore montage, experiment with form and style, and begin to find your own voice as an editor. This module combines theory, workshop‑based experimentation and practical editing tasks.
With Approaches to Industry, you’ll gain insight into how the media industry works, what professional expectations are, and learn how to position yourself for future job roles. Finally, in Media Production Master’s Project (or the equivalent), you pull everything together: use your editing and narrative skills — individually or in collaboration with production‑specialist peers — to create a polished project (or research-based work) that becomes part of your professional portfolio.

Because the programme runs as part of a larger media‑production framework at Bournemouth, you’ll often collaborate with students specialising in directing, cinematography, sound or producing — so your final project reflects real-world workflows.

Focus areas: Post‑production editing, narrative & storytelling through editing, experimental montage, documentary/fiction editing, industry-standard editing workflows (Avid/DaVinci/Adobe), collaborative production, professional portfolio development.

Learning outcomes: On finishing the programme you will have developed confident technical skills with industry‑standard editing tools; an ability to understand and shape narrative, rhythm and structure across different media formats; a professional “showreel” portfolio demonstrating your editorial voice; knowledge of the media industry’s workflows and expectations; and readiness for roles such as assistant editor, editor, DIT/data wrangler or post‑production assistant in film, TV or digital media.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is accredited by the International Moving Image Society (IMIS), and students benefit from the university’s status as an AVID Learning Partnership institution — meaning you may also earn official AVID Certified User credentials alongside your degree.

Reputation (employability strength): Graduates from MA Post Production Editing go on to roles such as Post Production Assistant, Assistant Editor, Digital Technician, Editor or Video Editor across film, television, broadcast, digital media and other sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one at Bournemouth, you won’t just study theory — you’ll get your hands on the same kind of editing tools, workflows and creative projects used in the real media industry. You’ll work in fully equipped, professional‑level edit suites; collaborate across disciplines; practise with industry‑standard software; and build a real showreel. The environment is designed to mirror how post‑production houses really operate, helping you build both technical and creative confidence before you graduate.

Here’s how your experiential learning is structured:

You’ll work in state-of-the-art edit suites, including an Adobe & AVID Mac‑Lab, eight online edit‑suites, and four finishing suites — all supported by an extensive EditShare network.
You’ll use professional-level software: the course uses Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve (for colour grading), and the Adobe Suite (e.g. for compositing, graphics, effects) as part of your normal workflow.
You’ll collaborate with fellow students from across the production & post‑production specialisms in your “MA Media Production Framework studio” — working together on a variety of real projects: from short films to documentaries, commercials, music videos, experimental pieces, and more.
Over the year you’ll typically be involved in 6 to 12 narrative short films (and other formats) — giving you a strong chance to build a diverse, professional-level showreel by the end of your master’s.
As part of the course, you have the opportunity to complete AVID‑certified training (Media Composer 101 Editing Essentials, possibly Effects Essentials) — an official credential that can help your employability in post‑production industries.
Teaching and guidance come not only from academic staff, but also from qualified practitioners, technicians, and industry professionals, plus guest lectures from working filmmakers and editors — giving you insight into real-world practices and networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Post Production Editing enter the creative media industry ready to work as editors, assistant editors, or post‑production technicians — many go on to work as Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs), Video Editors or Post‑Production Assistants in film, TV and digital media. With the hands‑on experience and industry‑recognised skills gained at BU, you’ll be in a strong position to secure entry‑level roles and build a solid career in editing and post‑production.

Why this degree gives you real, long‑term career value:

University support & services for employment: Through BU you benefit from the AVID Learning Partnership — upon graduation you can earn AVID Certified User status, which adds recognised professional credibility when applying for editing jobs.
Strong industry‑connections and collaborative experience: Over the course of the MA you collaborate with UK and international students on 6–12 narrative short films per year — this gives you a ready-made portfolio of real production work by the time you graduate.
Preparation for multiple types of roles: Graduates often take on roles such as Assistant Editor, Digital Technician, Editor, Video Producer, Video Editor — giving you flexibility to enter whichever niche in post-production suits your interest.
Accreditation & long-term credibility: The degree is accredited by the International Moving Image Society (IMIS), signalling to employers that your training meets industry standards — a strong foundation if you want a sustainable, respected career in media.
Tangible graduate outcomes: Upon graduation and during early career you are equipped with both technical editing skills and a real production portfolio — vital for standing out in a competitive job market.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to deepen your expertise or shift into research or teaching, you could apply for a PhD at Bournemouth University — BU offers fully‑funded and match‑funded PhD studentships for outstanding candidates from MA programmes, meaning this MA can be a stepping stone to advanced academic or research-based careers.