MA Editing TV, Film and Digital Media

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Salford

Program Overview

The MA Editing for TV, Film and Digital Media at the University of Salford gives you the chance to go beyond simply cutting footage — you’ll learn how to craft narrative through editing, collaborate on real projects, and build a professional‑standard portfolio. If you enjoy working behind the screen, shaping stories, handling post‑production workflows and want to launch a career in broadcast or film editing, this is a smart fit.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1 (Full‑time)/Semester 1: You will dive into modules such as Media Theory and Practice and Creative Development Projects where you build critical insight and begin hands‑on practice of editing and storytelling. These units lay the foundation for understanding how editing shapes stories in TV, film and digital media.
Year 1/Semester 2: Then you progress to Collaborative Projects and Advanced Production Practices, working on live briefs and honing your craft in editing, sound, VFX and teamwork. By this stage you'll engage with industry‑style workflows, pitch ideas, and refine your specialism.
Year 1/Semester 3: Finally you’ll undertake your choice of Major Project: Dissertation or Major Project: Practice Research Project. This is your opportunity to lead a self‑directed project that demonstrates your advanced creative, technical and critical skills — and graduate with a strong piece of work you can show employers.

Focus areas:
editing workflows; post‑production for TV, film and digital; narrative crafting; collaboration on industry briefs; sound & VFX in editing; portfolio development

Learning outcomes:
graduates will leave able to edit and shape content across formats, apply advanced post‑production techniques, work collaboratively and lead their own creative projects, and present a professional portfolio that shows readiness for the creative media industry.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This programme is delivered in the heart of the media industry hub at MediaCityUK and ensures you have access to industry‑standard facilities, guest lectures and live briefs in collaboration with production companies, positioning you well for the world of professional editing.

Studying at Salford gives you access to studios and gear used by the BBC, ITV and others, and recent graduates of media programmes here have gone on to roles in editing, VFX, sound engineering and production. The location, industry connections and portfolio‑focus make this a strong choice for employability in the creative industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the MA Editing for TV, Film and Digital Media at University of Salford, you’ll dive straight into the craft of post‑production, working in studio and digital settings that replicate what real editors use in broadcast and film today. You’ll develop your narrative sense, technical editing skills, and collaborative finesse—all within a creative community that actively connects with industry. With access to top‑tier facilities, you won’t just practice editing—you’ll build a portfolio of work you’re genuinely proud of.

Here’s how the experiential learning is structured:

Hands‑on technical work: You’ll spend around 80 % of your time on practical projects (according to the course page), working with real footage and will use industry‑standard software and workflows.
Live briefs and collaboration: You’ll work on assigned briefs from real industry clients and broadcasters, pitching ideas, collaborating in teams and producing finished pieces under professional‑style deadlines.
Industry‑standard facilities: At the MediaCity campus you’ll use TV studios with green‑screens, audio post‑production theatres, editing suites with Avid, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Cloud and more.
Major project—practice or research: In your final phase you’ll choose either a practice‑research project (creating a finished media piece) or a dissertation, giving you the space to specialise and showcase your strengths.
Networking & industry links: The programme brings in guest lecturers and industry practitioners (editors, producers), and your Manchester/MediaCity location puts you in proximity to high‑profile media companies.
Portfolio build and employability focus: You’ll graduate with a tangible portfolio of editing work, sound design, VFX or digital post‑production output that aligns with current industry demands

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate outcomes summary:
This MA equips you with professional‑level skills in editing, post‑production and storytelling for TV, film and digital media — preparing you for roles like Assistant Editor, Post‑Production Coordinator, VFX Editor or Multiplatform Content Editor. Many graduates move directly into key creative roles because their portfolio and experience are built during the course.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services: The University of Salford’s Careers & Employability team supports you in building your professional portfolio, arranging industry‑placements and networking events. You also benefit from being based at the MediaCity campus with access to industry‑standard editing suites, studios and post‑production facilities.
Employment roles & salary figures: While specific salary figures for this programme are not publicly listed, the course page notes graduates secure roles in editing, camerawork, VFX, sound engineering and post‑production with employers such as the BBC, Dock10 and Flix Facilities.
University–industry partnerships: The programme features live briefs and guest lectures from top‑industry professionals (e.g., editors from BBC drama, documentary directors and producers from top UK companies) and is linked to The Network’s masterclasses and mentoring scheme via the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Long‑term accreditation value: By gaining hands‑on experience, working with professional facilities and building a portfolio through real‑world briefs, your qualification holds credible weight in production and post‑production industries and makes you competitive in the job market.
Graduation outcomes: Recent alumni have launched professional careers in editing studios and post‑production facilities working on broadcast, streaming and digital content.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this MA, you could continue to a doctoral research programme (e.g., a PhD in Film & Television Production Studies or Post‑Production Studies) if you’re interested in academia or research‑intensive roles. Alternatively, you might take a specialist postgraduate certificate or diploma in areas like advanced visual effects, motion graphics, immersive media/editing for VR, or transition into a business‑oriented master’s (e.g., Production Management) to move into leadership roles in media.