Are you passionate about storytelling, filmmaking, and media? Our Film and Media course at Gray’s School of Art blends creative practice with critical analysis, preparing you for a career in the screen industries. From concept to post-production, gain hands-on experience while exploring the cultural and technological forces shaping media today.
Study within a vibrant creative community, gaining technical mastery in our professional-standard production facilities. You will collaborate on live industry projects, refining your skills in cinematography, sound design, and narrative editing. Our approach bridges theory and practice, empowering you to shape contemporary culture through impactful and innovative screen storytelling.
Year 1
You will build a foundation in creative practice and critical analysis, exploring how media and film shape our world. Initial learning focuses on the fundamentals of filmmaking, visual culture, and communication. You will develop an understanding of media audiences and the cultural impact of the screen industries, while gaining early hands-on experience in production and managing projects in creative sectors.
Year 2
At stage 2 you will develop specialist skills across a range of digital platforms, including documentary production, audio projects, and web design. The curriculum deepens your critical insight into media law and advanced analysis, ensuring you can interrogate complex narratives. This stage balances technical expertise with an understanding of industry frameworks, enabling you to create industry-ready content with deep conceptual depth.
Year 3
You will engage directly with industry through studio-based production projects and creative entrepreneurship. This stage offers significant flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies through professional work placements in the UK or international study abroad opportunities. You will refine your research skills and examine the relationship between cinema and society, preparing you for advanced professional practice
Year 4
Your final year focuses on high-level independent research and professional production. You will specialise in areas such as screenwriting, narrative filmmaking, and media strategy while exploring contemporary cultural movements. Through a major research project or practice-based output, you will build a sophisticated professional portfolio, demonstrating the technical mastery and critical thinking required for a career in the evolving screen industries.
Our sustainability commitment
Sustainability issues are embedded across all stages of the BA (Hons) Film and Media degree. Throughout the course, students explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals of responsible consumption and production (Goal 12) and gender equality (Goal 5) through discourse that relate to the circular economy, the future of application development and other media innovations, gender equality in the media and the sustainability of lifestyle branding and consumption. The fostering of an inclusive, critical discursive space enables students to develop their argumentation and complex problem-solving skills allowing them to apply these to both the current and future forecasting debates concerning sustainability in the media. The foregrounding of critical thinking with practical production skills ensures that graduates are responsible and accountable industry-ready practitioners.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 5, 12 and 13. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Learning Methods
You will engage in a dynamic mix of lectures, seminars, and intensive practical workshops designed to bridge the gap between media theory and creative practice. Much of your learning takes place in our professional-standard studios and editing suites, where you will master cinematography, sound design, and narrative editing under expert guidance. Masterclasses from industry professionals provide real-world insights, while collaborative live projects with external clients offer invaluable hands-on experience. You will also participate in group critiques, fostering a supportive creative community within Gray’s School of Art.
How long is the BA (Hons) Film and Media course?
The Film and Media degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills is obtained.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 25-75 students per group, 2-4 hours per week
- Seminars - 15-30 students per group, 2-4 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 6-8 students per group, 1-2 hours per week
- Practical class or workshop - 15-30 students per group, 2-4 hours per week
- Independent Study - 20-30 hours per week
Independent Study
Independent study is a crucial element, allowing you to refine your technical craft and deepen your research. You will spend time in editing suites developing film projects, conducting primary research for assignments, and building a professional portfolio that showcases your unique creative voice and technical mastery.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our staff team is comprised of research-active academics and industry practitioners with extensive experience in the screen and media sectors, including alumni from the BBC. This blend of expertise ensures the curriculum remains at the forefront of contemporary industry trends. The team is highly regarded for student support, frequently featuring in the student-voted STAR awards for teaching excellence. Their research informs modules in screenwriting, cultural theory, and interactive storytelling, providing you with a learning environment that is both academically rigorous and professionally relevant.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 5 portfolios
Year 2
- 3 written assignments, including essay
- 3 portfolios
Year 3
- 2 written assignments, including essay
- 3 portfolios
Year 4
- 2 written assignments, including essay
- 4 portfolios (including project outputs)
- 1 dissertation
- 1 exhibition or show - narrative film screening
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
As part of the course, there are optional 6-week, 12-week, or year-long professional placements available. Our dedicated Placement Office supports you in sourcing roles with industry partners throughout the UK using the In-Place system.
Previous students have worked with the Previous media placements have included TEDx, Aberdeen Journals, Scottish Rugby, Original 106, and independent production houses, gaining real-world experience and professional networking opportunities.
You can choose to source your own placement or access our Placement Office, who will support you in sourcing and validating a suitable position.
Study Abroad
In Year 3 we have competitive exchange opportunities available in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Netherlands, and the USA as part of our Study Abroad programme. For more information, please visit:
Job Prospects
Is Film and Media a good career choice?
Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles in the global media landscape, including:
- Film Director,
- Screenwriter,
- Producer,
- Cinematographer,
- Editor.
Many thrive in advertising, PR, and digital marketing as Social Media Managers, Brand Strategists, or Content Creators. Others find success in broadcast media as Podcast Producers, Journalists, or TV Researchers.
Previous graduates have secured positions at high-profile organizations such as Tottenham Hotspur, Scottish Rugby, the BBC, and Weber Shandwick, as well as in independent film production houses and thriving creative agencies across the UK and beyond.ocial and digital media, commercials, corporate video production and web design.
RGUflex
Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. RGUflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.
What is needed for a BA (Hons) Film and Media degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
Year 1 entry
- SQA Higher: BBBC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- GCE A Level: BCC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include English at H2 (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level English (or a written subject requiring the use of English) at grade 5.
Year 2 entry
- SQA Advanced Higher: BC at Advanced Higher plus CC at Higher (4 subjects)
- GCE A Level: BBB to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
Minimum Entry Requirements
Year 1 entry
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include English or a written subject requiring the use of English at B.
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3.
Applicants from Foundation Pathway Providers
Entry to year 1 or year 2 may be possible for students who have completed a Foundation Certificate or Foundation Undergraduate Pathway programme, from an approved UK provider, at 60% or above. For courses which require a specific subjects match, such as English or Maths, these would need to provided in addition to the Pathway Programme Certificate or result.
Advanced Entry
All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2026-2027
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £9535 |
| Year 2 | £9535 | |
| Year 3 | £9535 | |
| Year 4 | £9535 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17570 |
| Year 2 | £17570 | |
| Year 3 | £17570 | |
| Year 4 | £17570 | |
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £7220 |
| Year 2 | £7220 | |
| Year 3 | £7220 | |
| Year 4 | £7220 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £18300 |
| Year 2 | £18300 | |
| Year 3 | £18300 | |
| Year 4 | £18300 | |
Additional Costs
- Shorthand tuition (external provider) - approx £155
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.