Course may be subject to change.
Turn your creativity into a career with this one-year BA (Hons) Film and Media Enterprise top-up degree.
This course is designed for filmmakers, photographers, content creators
and media practitioners who want to take their skills further and start building
a future in the creative industries. You won’t just generate ideas, plan and
make creative work, you’ll develop whole new business idea, explore how the
industry operates, and begin to position yourself within it.
You’ll explore
innovation, understand how creative businesses and freelance careers work, and
collaborate with others on ambitious projects. The course reflects how the
industry actually works today: fast-moving, collaborative, and driven by new
ideas.
A key part of the course is the Collaborative Project. This is your opportunity to work with others to create something truly creative and professional that showcases the best of your talents and the skills you have developed throughout the course. Whether your focus is photography, film, video or audio, this final project is designed to reflect real-world practice and give you a strong piece of work you can take forward into the industry.
Entry Criteria
To gain entry to the programme a student must satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements to the programme.
Candidates with non-standard entry applications will be considered based on
relevant work experience and attainment of skills, which demonstrate an ability
to study at this level. Given the wide range of experience that applicants may
bring to this programme, applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL),
including prior certificated and experiential learning, are welcomed in line
with Academic Regulations. These should be discussed during the admissions
process, as claims for RPL are normally considered prior to enrolment and may
not be approved once a student has formally registered on the
programme.
Standard Entry criteria
• Applicants
should have attained a level 5 qualification (HND / FDA / International
equivalent 120 ECTS Credits) in a related discipline.
• All applicants
must be interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via
internet (e.g. Teams).
• To have or be working towards Level 2 in
English Language (or a minimum 6 overall IELTS score).
• To have
or be working towards Level 2 in Maths is desirable but not essential
Non-standard entry criteria:
• Evidence of
appropriate film and/or media production experience or employment within the
film and/or media production sectors (evidenced through portfolio, CV or
showreel)
• All applicants must be interviewed by the curriculum team
with international applicants being interviewed where required via internet
(e.g. Teams).
• To have or be working towards Level 2 in English
Language (or a minimum 6 overall IELTS score).
• To have or be
working towards Level 2 in maths is desirable but not essential
Once an
application has been received it is recorded and acknowledged by the college
admissions team. The programme team then views the application.
Additional Costs
A financial contribution towards optional trips and visits is expected.
Furthermore, it is recommended that you purchase a 64GB SD card (preferably class 10, 90MB/s), and optionally, a large memory stick or external hard drive, along with over-ear headphones.
What are the next steps?
The process for interview is as follows:
o Applications welcomed through UCAS and NCD Application Form. o All applicants are interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via internet (e.g. Teams). o Acceptance or rejection via UCAS and NCD application process after interview.
Entry to the programme is at the discretion of the programme team and based upon the combination of successful interview and achievement of 240 credits from previous relevant study that illustrates an ability to meet level 6 programme learning outcomes.
Study Aims
This course is built around three key areas: innovation, enterprise, and collaboration. You’ll explore new and emerging practices in film and media, looking at current trends, platforms, and audiences, while developing your own ideas and creative direction. Alongside this, you’ll gain an understanding of how the industry works, from freelance careers to production companies, helping you develop the skills needed to sustain your practice. Learning is practical, project-led, and focused on your development. You’ll take part in workshops, collaborative projects, research, and regular tutorials, with ongoing support from staff. The course encourages you to work independently, take creative risks, and build a portfolio that reflects your strengths and ambitions.
Modules Studied
Media Enterprise: This module equips students with the entrepreneurial skills to identify and address gaps within the media sector. It fosters strategic professional development, culminating in a comprehensive business plan for use after graduation. Integrated with the Innovation in Film and Media and Collaborative Project modules, this course ensures a cohesive learning experience. Students research innovative practices to inform their own enterprise plans, ensuring creative ideas are underpinned by sound commercial strategy.
Innovation in Film and Media: This module immerses students in the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary media production. Through research-led study, students critically engage with emerging trends, technologies, and practices to evaluate their industry applications and challenges. The module is designed to align with individual career goals, connecting research insights to the Media Enterprise and Collaborative Project modules. This approach bridges theoretical knowledge with creative and entrepreneurial outcomes, allowing students to experiment with innovative technologies in practical, project-based contexts.
Collaborative Project: The Collaborative Project module equips students with the practical, creative, and professional skills essential for success in the media and creative industries. By managing projects from inception to completion, students develop core competencies in workflow management, planning, and teamwork, facilitating a smooth transition into professional roles. This module emphasises the integration of technical and creative expertise, encouraging high-quality outputs that meet industry standards. Students are invited to apply emerging technologies and research from the Innovation module to enhance the originality and relevance of their work. Furthermore, the module supports entrepreneurial growth by providing project-based scenarios that mirror the business strategies explored in Media Enterprise. Through collaborative practice, students navigate team dynamics and professional decision-making, preparing them for the interdisciplinary demands of contemporary media production.
Times of Delivery
Thursday - 9am - 5pm Friday - 9am - 5pm
Please note: Any times indicated are based on current programme timetables and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
A range of teaching learning and assessment strategies are incorporated into the programme and are appropriate for those studying at Level 6. You will engage in:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Self-study
- Research
- Formative assessment
- Peer and self-assessment of learning.
Industry Links
The programme has been designed and developed to ensure you are provided with opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge desired by employers. The Film & Media team works with a range of employers to ensure our courses are up to date with current industry practice.
Placement
A work placement is not a fundamental expectation of this top-up degree programme. You will be encouraged to source work experience opportunities, to allow you to stretch your knowledge, understanding and practical skills beyond what you have learned in your modules. Work placements are a great chance for you to develop a range of work-based skills needed for progression. Work related skills will be developed across the course modules such as Enterprise and Collaborative Project.
What else?
While there are no formal ICT entry requirements, we recommend that applicants possess a high level of digital competency. The programme is intensive in its use of information technology and requires students to engage regularly with complex digital workflows.
After completing the course, you’ll be ready to take your next step into the creative industries or further study.
You could progress into freelance work across film, photography, video or
audio, or move into roles within production companies, agencies, and media
organisations. Opportunities also exist in content creation for digital
platforms, social media, and branded content.
You may choose to start your own creative business or develop your own media enterprise, building on the ideas and projects developed during the course.
Further study is also an option, including Master’s degrees in film, media, photography or related areas, or specialist postgraduate courses in directing, cinematography, editing, or creative enterprise for example.
The course is designed to help you leave with a strong portfolio,
professional experience, and a clear sense of your direction within the
industry.
