Name: BA (Hons) Media Production
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BA (Hons) Media Production

UCAS CODE: MED1 (Full-time) or MED4 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

This industry facing course will help provide you with an in depth skill base in media production, incorporating a wide range of disciplines and practices. You’ll use state-of-the-art industry standard facilities and be taught by media professionals as you create and produce content across a range of platforms, from video and audio to photography and online.

You will spend the majority of your time studying at our High Wycombe Campus to develop the knowledge and skills you will need to seamlessly transition from university into employment. However, you may also have the opportunity to study at our teaching base at Pinewood Studios, putting you right in the heart of this world famous creative hub.

No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*

*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)

No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*

*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)

Why study Media Production at BNU?

Industry focused skills

At BNU, you'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment like cameras, lighting, and sound gear. This practical training ensures you're job-ready from day one, giving you a competitive edge in the media industry. You'll also learn to use the latest software for editing and production, making you proficient in the tools that professionals use daily. With modules from Client Video Production to Advanced Post-Production Skills you'll graduate with a professional standard set of skills, ready to Enter a wide range of industries.

Learn from experts

Our lecturers are seasoned media professionals with extensive industry experience. They bring real-world insights into the classroom, helping you understand the latest trends and techniques in media production. You'll benefit from their mentorship and guidance, which can be invaluable as you navigate your own career path. Their connections in the industry can also provide you with unique opportunities for networking, internships, and job placements.

State-of-the-art facilities

You'll have access to cutting-edge facilities, including our High Wycombe campus and the our teaching base at the world renowned Pinewood Studios. These environments provide you with the perfect setting to hone your skills and get a feel for life in the media industry. Equipped with professional quality cameras and microphones as well as a green screen room and multiple editing suites, our facilities are designed to simulate real-world production environments, giving you a taste of what to expect in your future career.

Real world projects

You'll engage in live project briefs that mirror industry challenges. These opportunities allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, building a strong portfolio that showcases your talents to potential employers. Working on these projects helps you develop problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure, both of which are crucial in the media industry. You'll also receive feedback from industry professionals, helping you refine your work and improve your skills.

Creative freedom

BNU encourages you to explore your creative ideas and push boundaries. With the freedom to experiment and innovate, you'll develop a unique voice and style that sets you apart in the media world. Our supportive environment allows you to take risks and learn from your experiences, fostering growth and creativity. You'll be encouraged to think outside the box and challenge conventional norms, preparing you for a range of careers in media production.

What facilities can I use?

Whilst studying with us you will create Film & TV content in our industry-standard studios where we use professional Panasonic and Canon cameras. Furthermore, in our private and communal editing suites, you will get the chance to become skilled with all our post-production software including:

Final Cut Pro X
Avid Media Composer
Adobe Creative Cloud.

You'll also learn in our state-of-the-art recording studios, from individual edit rooms up to large Pro Tools HD studios with attached live rooms and vocal booths.

Studios 1 and 2 boast Avid D-Command control surfaces and 24 channels of Focusrite ISA828 microphone preamps
Studios three and four (Edit 6) are based around Digidesign C|24 surfaces
The edit booths are equipped with microphone preamps from Digidesign (HD Omni).
Our microphone stock includes Sennheiser, Neumann, AKG, Shure, Rode and Electrovoice
Studio monitoring includes 5.1 systems by Genelec and stereo systems by KRK
All studios feature a full range of plug-ins including RX3, Ozone6, Komplete and Speakerphone.

You'll also have access to industry-standard photography facilities, to build your confidence in using professional equipment.

What will I study?

On our BA (Hons) Media Production programme you will develop a range of media production techniques that can be used for online and offline media, with a particular emphasis on content creation related creativity, theory and technologies. We cover a broad range of media which you’ll combine theory and practice in. Some of these areas include:

Recording techniques
Photography
Journalism
Sound design
Podcasting
Video
Screenwriting.

Technical skills taught on the course include film and television production, sound design, photography and podcasting. You’ll also gain an understanding of the creative and editorial process in creating content for different platforms. Optional modules allow you to explore the latest technologies such as Virtual Production.

You will be introduced to fundamental and advanced creative production and content creation techniques. Creative and technical areas of advanced editing and post production will be explored, including software, and standards for media production delivery and workflows. You will also have the option to study advanced lighting techniques for specific environments that include studio, greenscreen and location. Other options include the opportunity to study virtual production which will prepare you for a crucial, developing area of the industry; news and current affairs; music; and art films. You will also collaborate throughout the course on creative major production work.

Your modules offer plenty of options, so you can begin to specialise in the areas which interest you most or which might prove valuable for your chosen career. Depending which modules you choose, you will also spend time studying at our teaching base at Pinewood Studios, putting you right at the heart of the UK Film and TV industry.

You will be learning from innovative, forward-thinking and highly motivated expert lecturers. Our lecturers have close industrial links and all work together to ensure that you have the best possible enriched and stimulating learning environment. To further enhance your education, we invite guest lectures to share their experience and expertise. You can also expect masterclass events which will give you the chance to put their knowledge into action on live briefs. You’ll have opportunities for applied learning in real or simulated work contexts; working in production teams on major film projects simulates real-world environments and exposes you to the complexity of collaborative working.

We will help you to develop skills highly valued by employers, including working flexibly, communication, understanding of IT, team working and creating shared understanding. You will also be invited to show your work to industry VIPs at our end of year show in the John Barry Theatre at Pinewood Studios, giving you a chance to impress industry professionals with the quality of your work.

How will I be taught and assessed?

On our course the teaching will feature a variety of approaches and technology, blended together to engage your learning in class and beyond, and to encourage your full participation. The teaching and learning strategies have been designed to ensure that there is progression from formal teaching through to independent learning as you progress through the levels of the programme. Guided independent study will include activities such as reading and research, planning for productions, and self-guided production activity on location.

A variety of assessment vehicles will be used as appropriate to the modules you take, including assignments carried out in your own time, in-class assignments, workshops and presentations. Assessments will be appropriate to the task, achievable, motivating and vocationally focussed, forming a constructive part of your learning process.

Assessment approaches include:

group and individual portfolios of written work and media content that will include research, pre-production, production and post-production work submissions
critical self-evaluation and role analysis in the form of individual reflective written evaluations
peer evaluation in the form of discussion of work in groups
opportunity for external placement and work-based learning reports that will enhance each student’s capacity to adopt professional working practices
tasks aimed at the assessment of specific production skills which will target each individual’s career aspirations.
Independent work at the culmination of the degree comprising a short media production.

BA (Hons) Media Production Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BA (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Introduction to Technical Skills

The module is a practical introduction to the essentials of Film and TV Production with hands-on exercises in camera, sound, lighting, and editing. You’ll master self-shooting techniques, from setting up to capturing interviews and sequences, paving the way for advanced location filming in Term 2.

Introduction to Moving Image

Discover career opportunities within moving image-based industries. We'll help you gain a solid foundation of the knowledge and skills needed to plan, design and create moving image content. You'll also learn key industry-related words and phrases to help you understand terms used in future modules in related undergraduate programmes.

Location Filming

Advance your filmmaking skills with workshops that enhance your creative and production techniques for on-location shoots. You’ll gain the expertise to script, plan, and film a documentary, while mastering the art of storytelling through the critical stages of production.

Production Skills

Through lectures, screenings, workshops and tutorials, you’ll build upon your visual storytelling skills for narrative fiction filmmaking.Emphasis is placed on producing and directing, including conception and development of story, storyboarding, shot-by-shot scene coverage and post-production techniques.

Professional Skills Review

In this module, you’ll reflect on and develop professional skills through project production. You’ll enhance your reflective writing, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, gaining insight into your strengths and areas for growth.

Final Project

In this module, you’ll collaborate with other students on a project within your subject’s themes, honing vital professional skills like leadership, interpersonal relations, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving, essential for teamwork in real-world scenarios.

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Production Skills with Analysis 1

20

Credits: 20

Discover the skills needed to write for film and tv. You'll look at a variety of formats and focus on the components of writing in documentary. You'll delve into scriptwriting, documentary research, proposal writing and story-telling through practical writing exercises and exploration of the work of key practitioners. You'll also look at key aspect...

Filmmaking 1

20

Credits: 20

This is a practical introduction to film and TV production equipment, including technical and creative uses of camera, sound, lighting and editing. You'll also work on your creative and storytelling abilities and study concepts such as framing, interview setups and shooting for the edit.

Sound Design for Moving Image

20

Credits: 20

You'll explore technical and creative approaches required of Sound Design within cinematic and audio-visual forms. This hands-on module looks at audio post-production techniques such as Foley, ADR (dialogue replacement), field recording, SFX search, mixing and processing techniques and other specialist Sound Design areas.

Filmmaking 2

20

Credits: 20

You'll build on technical skills acquired in Filmmaking 1, and study the direction skills required for pre-production and production in the field of documentary, such as crewing, direction, use of camera, sound, editing and lighting. You'll look at researching, arguments of objectivity and advocacy and investigative skills for factual productions.

Filmmaking 3

20

Credits: 20

An introduction to direction skills required in the field of fiction. You'll study narrative continuity, work with actors in short films and look at fantasy franchises and screen drama. You'll analyse depictions of the virtual onscreen and ways transmedia narratives expand films and small screen franchises within the industry and as fan fiction.

Filming Society: current affairs and fiction

20

Credits: 20

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Advanced Post-Production Skills

20

Credits: 20

You'll study more advanced techniques using industry standard editing systems and be introduced to external effects software like Adobe After Effects. You'll also look at aesthetical uses of post-production and how to achieve a balanced result that serves the purpose of each specific film. You'll be able to focus on key skills relevant to your degr...

Introduction to Photography

20

Credits: 20

Discover the demands and practical skills of digital and analogue photography and explore ideas and practices around studio work, including use of lighting, sets, props etc. You'll also look at composing constructed images on location. You'll study a range of artists and have the opportunity to build a portfolio.

Virtual Film Production

20

Credits: 20

This module aims to give a comprehensive grounding and understanding of virtual production, a multidiscipline technology involving collaboration from many diverse areas, such as animation, computing and design. You'll study aspects such as Unreal Engine, coding and set design and will collaborate with students from other courses.

Optional Modules

Credits

Art Film and Music Video

20

Credits: 20

Using a range of production techniques and practices, you'll look at a variety of approaches to and distinct styles of both art films and music videos. Practical work will be supported by screenings linked to workshops, which will provide a critical context for the module. You'll then create both an art film and music video of your own.

Sound Design Projects

20

Credits: 20

Undertake further practical sound design projects and pursue your own specialisms and interests within the field. Projects may be conducted in collaboration with students at Level 5 taking related courses within the university such as Animation and VFX, Performing Arts, Creative Advertising, etc.

Advanced Screenwriting and Pitching

20

Credits: 20

Study strategies for writing both fiction and documentary scripts. The programme will include advanced exercises in writing genre pieces, advanced narrative models and techniques for character development and how to combat writer's block. It will also introduce you to the skills and techniques of pitching your ideas and scripts.

Film Drama: Production and Analysis

20

Credits: 20

Learn to interpret scripts and tell compelling visual stories. You'll enhance your directing skills for fiction, focusing on narrative continuity and working with actors. Produce a short fiction film, choosing your style and genre. Analyse genre developments in film, TV, and streaming, understanding social, cultural, and technological impacts

Client Video Production

20

Credits: 20

You'll work in groups to respond to a client brief, creating a production of 1 to 5 minutes long. This provides the opportunity to gain confidence in pitching and presenting ideas from in-class work, develop interpersonal skills through group work, and continue to develop your technical skills and creative understanding of film and TV production.

Commercial Short Form Production

20

Credits: 20

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Podcasting: Creation and Production AND

20

Credits: 20

Podcasting is a cutting-edge digital media form that is becoming increasingly popular. It is form that ignores conventions of journalistic impartiality, allowing many podcast presenters to provide uniquely personal perspectives and insights on a range of topics and allows practitioners a marked degree of creative and intellectual freedom and agency...

Independent Production Project OR

40

Credits: 40

You'll produce a piece of work that demonstrates your creative thinking and craftsmanship in either film or television production work in its broadest scope, which can then head up your portfolio. You will need to negotiate your intended project through an academic process and to work with professionals from the media industries and elsewhere.

Independent Script Project OR

40

Credits: 40

You'll undertake a major film or television writing project with the aim of demonstrating and developing your skills. The project format will be agreed with your tutor and you'll receive guidance and support from your peers and tutor. You will have the opportunity to have your work assessed by industry professionals.

Industry Practice Research Project

40

Credits: 40

You'll produce a dissertation centred on professional working practice in your chosen area of the media industry, picked in negotiation with your tutor. Initial research will be based on a series of interviews with appropriate media production industry personnel and you'll be supported with secondary research including studying critical approaches.

Optional Modules

Credits

Individual Microfilm and Creative Group Production

20

Credits: 20

Creative group production: in small groups you'll produce a 5-7 minute moving image film. Individual micro film: you'll write, direct and edit a one minute film with the help of a small crew in any genre, and work as part of a crew on 2 other films in your class. The projects will be supported by a series of screenings, tutorials and discussions.

Non-Fiction and Factual Storytelling

20

Credits: 20

You'll consider documentary techniques and what makes ‘a story’. You'll look at how to research subject material, arguments of objectivity and advocacy and the investigative skills required to make factual productions. There will also be screenings and discussions of documentary productions that will provide additional context for this module.

Digital Marketing

20

Credits: 20

You'll study digital marketing management in the context of the music, event and entertainment industries. You'll look at current and future challenges presented by new and emerging technologies as they apply to marketing management, and consider how to apply an integrated marketing approach to promotion in the music, event and entertainment indust...

Sound Design Final Portfolio

20

Credits: 20

This module provides further opportunity to work on practical sound design projects delivered within the university at Level 6 or with external partners. You'll have the chance to build a portfolio with which to further your professional development and be introduced to the collaborative processes commonly encountered in production industries.

New Media and Innovation

20

Credits: 20

You'll study the ways digital new media, including digital film, have enabled identities, narratives and spaces to be represented through new forms and platforms, including opportunities offered for film and media creatives by new platforms and by hybrids of different media to create new innovative forms. Indicative topics include concepts of conve...

News and Current Affairs

20

Credits: 20

This is an introduction to digital production techniques that are essential when working in the field of news and current affairs broadcasting. We'll help you gain skills needed to work in multi-media journalism. You'll study how to create footage for tv and edit using specialist software. You'll look at factual programming in different genres, and...

Creative Skills with Applied Virtual Production

20

Credits: 20

You'll look at the fundamentals of virtual production (VP), including creative aspects and how it factors into studio productions. You'll write and produce a virtual production from scratch and study areas such as unreal engine, designing backgrounds and virtual environments and setting and configuring up cameras and studio equipment ready for a VP...

Professional Preparation

20

Credits: 20

During this module you will negotiate a project with your tutor to prepare yourself for the workplace, with due emphasis being placed on the working practice of the production freelancer.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 *
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

What are my career prospects?

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Our BA (Hons) Media Production course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities in areas such as: