Bachelor of arts in Film and Television Studies
A degree in film studies provides you with a combination of theoretical and technical skills that you can apply to a wide range of jobs in the creative industries
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
Broadcast presenter
Film director
Location manager
Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video
Television camera operator
Television/film/video producer
Television production coordinator
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
Advertising art director
Archivist
Community arts worker
Event manager
Marketing executive
Public relations officer
Runner, broadcasting/film/video
Work experience
Careers within the film industry are notoriously competitive and you'll need resilience and determination to succeed. Work experience and networking are the most effective ways of opening doors to the right opportunities, so start making contacts early to give yourself the best chance of success.
While some film studies degrees combine both technical and theoretical knowledge, others focus more on the theory of film and filmmaking, and work experience will help you to decide which direction to take after your degree.
Developing a portfolio of your work is essential if you're hoping to pursue a career in film. Take advantage of opportunities during your degree to showcase your work, for example at festivals and competitions, and attend guest lectures and events from people in the industry.
Explore the possibility of work experience at local media outlets and cinemas and try contacting independent filmmakers to see what projects you can get involved in. You could also approach your local BBC office, as well as independent production companies.
Typical employers
Popular sectors include the media, creative, cultural and heritage industries. As well as traditional destinations in the film and broadcasting industries, graduates may also be interested in other media sectors such as publishing and research.
Employers include:
large broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky
cinemas
independent production companies
newspapers and specialist film magazines
market research companies.
Other types of employer include:
advertising, PR and marketing companies
organisations involved in festival and cultural event management
cultural and heritage organisations involved in film preservation, curating and archiving
multimedia authoring and digital design companies
further education and higher education institutions (for teaching and academic research roles).
Skills for your CV
During a film studies degree, you'll typically develop subject specific skills in both film theory and film-making practice that will prepare you for a career in film-related roles, ranging from film and video production to journalism. Courses vary and some may have more emphasis on the theory of film.
Your technical skills may include camera operation, studio production, sound recording and editing, and you may have the opportunity to specialise in an area of particular interest, for example screenwriting or film journalism.
Theoretical skills are based on the analysis of film and you develop skills in areas such as film and culture, national cinema traditions, specific film genres and how directors approach their work.
You also develop a broader range of skills, including:
skills in critical analysis
research skills
communication skills and the ability to effectively articulate an opinion
the ability to work to a set brief independently or collaboratively
a flexible approach to work
self-discipline and self-direction
the ability to tailor your writing to suit different audiences
the ability to develop ideas through to outcomes
a resourceful and creative approach to work.
Further study
Masters courses are available in film studies, providing an opportunity to research further into your degree subject. Check specific details carefully, as different courses may have research strengths in particular areas, for example in film history or film theory.
Masters opportunities are available in related areas such as film production, filmmaking, film curating, scriptwriting, documentary film and film directing, allowing you to develop a specialism. Some Masters courses include television, video or creative media as well as film. There are also opportunities to continue postgraduate research to MPhil and PhD level.
Some jobs such as teaching or lecturing require further qualifications.
