BA (Hons) Film and Television Production Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BA (Hons) Film and Television Production at York St John University. You'll master production techniques through hands-on work and study, preparing you to enter the film and TV industry with practical skills and creative confidence.
About this course
Learn to create films and TV programmes that cut through the noise. Master production techniques and start your career in film and TV. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Film and Television Production is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Media & Communications, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Research and Professional Practice in Media ProductionCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will develop your research and academic skills. Working with visiting professionals, you will begin in depth research into an area that interests you. This research will be framed around the differences between regional, national and international industries. While investigating your chosen topic, you will also interrogate the issues surrounding media theory and practice.
- Television ProductionCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Working in television requires being able to work in multiple roles across multiple projects. On this module, you will learn the basic relevent technical, production and collaborative skills needed to produce a TV show. As an individual, you will produce different genres of studio shows. As a collaborator, you will work in a group to create a studio show. As well as learning new skills, you will understand the importance of health and safety laws, as well as production etiquette and research met
- Location and Documentary ProductionCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module, you will develop your knowledge of the processes and technical skills required for media production, such as: Production management as it relates to location production, Basic location camera and sound operation, Collaboration and conflict resolution, Awareness of roles and responsibilities of location production, Basic production research, Basic interview techniques. You will produce a package for news and features, a short documentary and a reflective document.
- Contemporary Issues in MediaCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will explore some of the contemporary debates and issues which impact media production today. We will consider the cultural, economic and political power of media, and what this means for both producers and audiences. Through this module you will further develop your study skills, including: Research methods, Essay writing, Theoretical and historical modes of study, Referencing skills, Sourcing and using evidence.
- Introduction to Fictional ProductionCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module brings together all of the practical film and television making skills and knowledge you have gained in your first year. Through this introductory module for creating fictional projects, you will examine and investigate various production techniques, conventions and styles. You will have the opportunity to engage in the practical activity of developing fictional content for the screen, as we nurture your creativity and professionalism in film and TV production. As part of the module
- Screenwriting and NarrativeCompulsory40 credits
Module details
On this module you will explore the art of storytelling and learn to write fictional narratives for the screen. This will involve investigating storytelling devices and techniques, along with scriptwriting conventions and styles. You will begin to develop your own stories for the screen, as well as learning professional formatting standards and engaging with the ethics of representation. You will learn to identify opportunities for exploiting story concepts, and turn your ideas into creative out
Year 2 6 modules
- Documentary Theory and PracticeCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module will involve exploring theories in documentary forms and contexts, as well as considering their implications for the audiences. Through lectures, visiting speakers, seminars, selected screenings and group tasks, you will discuss how to define a documentary, as well as the impact of different types of factual films. Your practice will develop through seminars, workshops, visits from documentary makers, and a practical exploration of pitching, funding and research.
- Experimental FilmmakingOptional20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to the exciting and controversial world of experimental film making. You will learn about underground, alternative, non-Hollywood and avant garde filmmakers, and their impact on mainstream media. Through this you will develop an understanding of the differences between distributing and exhibiting experimental films and more conventional media. For your assessment you will produce an avant garde work alongside a reflective portfolio.
- Transmedia ProductionOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will delve into the world of transmedia, defined as a narrative told across multiple media platforms. This is an opportunity for you to to find creative solutions to critical problems and develop your digital literacy. Your role will be as an independent producer of a piece of transmedia, and you will be responsible for all aspects of production, from the initial concept to creating the work.
- Short Film and Television Drama ProductionCompulsory40 credits
Module details
On this module, you will produce a short film or TV drama to be shown at a film festival. Your research will include alternative and historical film making practices. While creating your film, you will also be required to develop a marketing strategy, including: Research into potential audiences, Targeting specific film festivals or outlets appropriate for their film's exhibition, Social media marketing strategies, Crowdfunding, Creating press packs, posters, trailers and merchandise.
- Independent CinemaOptional20 credits
Module details
Throughout the history of cinema there has been conflict as to whether 'indie' is a genre, with clear tropes and styles, or if it is a work that is made outside of the studio system. On this module, you will investigate the idea of 'independent cinema' and analyse the difficulties of agreeing on an absolute definition of the term. Your analysis will cover debates surrounding exploitation cinema, how we define quality, and the ways in which independent films are marketed. Specific topics you will
- Television Industries and InstitutionsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will explore how institutions and industries can impact television production. The media landscape is changing, and you will investigate the challenges and advantages of digital distribution. In an age of mass consumption and video on demand (VOD), more content needs to be made available than ever before. You will consider how a digitised industry can and has affected labour markets, especially with the rise of high production.
Year 3 5 modules
- Research ProjectCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will develop your own research project on a media topic you are passionate about. This could relate to your career aspirations, your practical work, or a theoretical concept. We will teach you about research methods and ethics so that you can apply ethical research methods to your work. You can choose to write a traditional dissertation or a piece of practice-led work. Alternatively, you could produce a piece of critical media and write a short thesis to support it.
- Workplace LearningOptional20 credits
Module details
The world of media is best explored practically. On this module you will complete 200 hours of work place learning. Working in small production groups or as an individual, you will apply creative and production skills to the specific demands of an industry client. You will research your intended client and audience as well as their story and idea. You will be supported in the ideation and pre-production processes by staff in seminars and lectures. You will also complete a project proposal detail
- Production Design and CinematographyOptional20 credits
Module details
Quality cinematography and production design are essential pieces of a successful media project. On this module you will develop your historical, theoretical, and intellectual understanding of production design and cinematography. We will also encourage you to explore and experiment with your approach to the techniques of cinematography, including: Movement, Lighting, Colour theory, Screen aesthetics, Texture.
- Performance and DirectionOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will explore a creative specialism related to your chosen professional practice in media production. Specifically, you will focus on how you will develop your vision with performances in mind. This includes analysis of how the body and voice are brought together on screen, as well as understanding the key components of connecting with a non-live audience.
- Production Management and CoordinationOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will study and practise skills related to collaboration, reflexive working, and keeping costs within budget. You will consider different styles of production co-ordination, organisational management, planning, communication, and people management. This is a great opportunity to identify and develop your own management style. Topics may include: Communication, Collaboration, Dealing with change and challenging existing forms of practice, Production hierarchies, Production manag
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course equips you to create films and television programmes that engage audiences, moving beyond foundational theory into practical production craft. You'll usually begin with the core mechanics of media communication, theories of representation and how audiences respond, alongside hands-on production skills in camera, audio and editing across different formats. Year 2 typically introduces digital platforms, storytelling techniques (through journalism or PR streams) and research methods. In your final year, you'll pursue specialist options such as journalism, PR & advertising, film & TV, social media, games & interactive work, or develop a production portfolio. You'll normally undertake an industry project or placement with a media organisation, and complete either a substantial media artefact or written dissertation.
Who it's for
You're drawn to storytelling through moving image and want to understand how films and television programmes are made from start to finish. You're curious about the technical and creative sides of production, cinematography, editing, sound, directing, and you're willing to learn by doing. Part-time study suits you if you're balancing other commitments while building a portfolio of work. This course will feel collaborative and hands-on; you'll work on real projects, develop a professional eye for production, and leave with concrete examples of what you can do.
University & format
This BA (Hons) is studied part-time at York St John University, a university founded in 1841, located at its Main Campus. Taught in English, it leads to a nationally recognised honours degree. The university holds Silver status in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 and is.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at York St John University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Media & Communications graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in media & communications · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Media & Communications nationally
National figures for Media & Communications graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Media & Communications graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Media & Communications graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Media companies
- Agencies
- In-house comms teams
- Broadcasters & charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Media & Communications graduates.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John University
Media, journalism and communications across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around YSJ Main Campus
2,229 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Media & Communications right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £12,100 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check York St John University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at York St John University
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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