Film and Media

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional Costs

• Shorthand tuition (external provider) - approx £155