Film studies

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Broadcast presenter
• Film director
• Film/video editor
• Location manager
• Production designer, theatre/television/film
• Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video
• Runner, broadcasting/film/video
• Television camera operator
• Television/film/video producer
• Television production coordinator

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Advertising art director
• Arts administrator
• Community arts worker
• Concept artist
• Event manager
• Magazine journalist
• Marketing executive
• Public relations officer
• Special effects technician
• Talent agent
• VFX artist

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Employers often focus on your ability to demonstrate practical skills and experience as well as academic knowledge, so having relevant work experience can help you get a foot in the door. Networking is an effective way to find opportunities, so start making contacts early to give yourself the best chance of success.

While some film studies degrees combine technical and theoretical elements, others focus more on the theory of film and filmmaking. Gaining practical experience can help you 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, online platforms and competitions, and attend guest lectures and events led by industry professionals.

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 or other public service broadcasters, as well as independent production companies and digital content studios.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

The most common sectors you may find work in are the media, creative, cultural and heritage sectors. As well as traditional destinations in the film and broadcasting industries, you may also consider opportunities in related areas such as publishing, journalism and research.

Employers include:

• large broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky
• film and TV streaming services such as Amazon, Netflix and Disney+
• cinemas
• independent production companies
• newspapers and specialist film magazines
• market research agencies.

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, curation and archiving
• multimedia and digital content companies
• further education and higher education institutions (for teaching and academic research roles).

Find information on employers in creative arts and design, marketing, advertising and PR, media and internet and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

During a film studies degree, you'll typically develop subject specific-skills in both film theory and film-making practice. Courses vary, and some may place more emphasis on the theory of film.

Technical skills usually include camera operation, studio production, sound recording and editing. You may also have the opportunity to specialise in an area of particular interest, such as screenwriting or film journalism.

Theoretical skills are based on the analysis of film, and you may explore areas such as film and culture, cinema traditions, specific film genres and how directors approach their work.

You also develop a broader range of skills, including:

• critical analysis
• research skills
• communication skills and the ability to articulate ideas effectively
• the ability to work to a set brief independently and collaboratively
• a flexible approach to work
• the ability to respond creatively to ideas and questions
• self-discipline and self-direction
• the ability to tailor your writing for different audiences
• the ability to develop ideas from concept to completion
• a resourceful and creative approach to work.

Further study

Masters courses are available in film studies, providing an opportunity to develop your knowledge and research skills further. Check specific details carefully, as different courses may have research strengths in particular areas, for example in film history or film theory.

Opportunities are also available at Masters level in related areas such as international 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. You could also continue to postgraduate research at MPhil and PhD level.

Further study can help you tailor your career if you have a specific area of interest. For example, film studies graduates who want to move into media may study journalism, PR, advertising or event management to work in areas such as film promotion. Apprenticeship options are also available and may be a useful next step for some graduates. mostly situated within larger broadcasters or media organisations. While often targeted at college and school leavers, a number of graduate-level apprenticeships are also open to applicants from a university background. To find out more, see Media Apprenticeships.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in film studies.

What do film studies graduates do?

A fifth (19%) of film studies graduates work as arts officers, producers and directors (10%), photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators (8%) or authors, writers and translators (1%).

Find out what other film studies graduates are doing 15 months after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA.