Filmmaking studio

Knowledge and skills

A media and filmmaking degree gives you the perfect opportunity to develop and refine your technical skills and methods, which are essential to work in creative media production, but you will also develop a broad range of transferable skills which are desired by a wide range of employers. These include:
  • research
  • critical analysis
  • teamwork
  • project management
  • time management
  • flexibility
  • creativity.

Career options

Studying media and filmmaking at University of Plymouth will open a wide range of career choices. The most obvious career pathways for graduates to work in include film, television, radio, digital media, computer games, animation, visual affects and publishing. These include working as a film director, television/ film/ video producer, photographer, magazine journalist or writer. There is also a wealth of other media related roles such as media buyer, media planner, media researcher, social media manager and web content manager.
A typical entry route for these can be working as a runner in broadcasting, film and media – this gives you vital experience and knowledge of the production process, along with offering valuable networking contacts. Creative roles also include working as a music producer or UX designer.
Many graduates are self-employed – looking for freelance work, or setting up and running their own businesses – whilst others are employed. Typical employers include the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky.
When considering your options, remember that your digital portfolio is essential to presenting your work to potential employers and evidencing your skills. To find out more about going freelance or running your own business check out our self-employment and freelancing page.
You could also use your creative skills to inspire others and work as a teacher (primary, secondary, further education) or higher education lecturer. Teaching opportunities are also available outside of a traditional classroom setting and you could consider using your artist flair to engage with people as a Community Arts Worker.
Many media and filmmaking graduates take the skills they have learnt elsewhere and find their way into less directly related graduate professions including marketing, public relations, the civil service and the charitable sector.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Employment opportunities

Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth media graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as ‘stepping stones’ to other roles by providing relevant workplace experience.
  • Assistant Technical Operator / Runner
  • Communications Assistant
  • Creative Digital Content Producer
  • Apps And Social Media Phone Developer
  • Digital Assistant
  • Digital Media and Content Executive
  • Film Maker
  • Freelancer Videographer And Editor
  • Junior Digital Marketing Executive
  • Junior Graphic Designer
  • Marketing and Digital Communications Officer
  • Multi Media Producer
  • Multi-Skilled Camera Operator
  • Photographer
  • Primary School Teacher
  • Sales and Marketing Executive
  • Self Employed Production Assistant
  • Technical Operator
  • Videographer
  • Voice over artist

Employers

  • Aardman Animations
  • BBC Studios
  • Cornwall Council
  • Discord
  • Effervescent Media Works
  • Heron Primary School
  • The Independent
  • Jellysmack
  • McCanm Manchester
  • Mint Velvet
  • Silverstream TV
  • Sky
  • Somerset County Council
  • Soundview Media
  • Spike Productions
  • University of Plymouth
Things to consider when choosing a career or considering further study after studying a geography degree
Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with a media degree, and learn how you can stand out to graduate employers.
We encourage you to:
  • undertake career planning and research
  • build your networks, meet employers and graduates
  • gain essential work experience during your course
  • attend industry events
  • continually develop your professional/creative portfolio
  • proactively explore working for yourself (freelancing and business start-up)
  • get involved with relevant clubs and societies
  • visit the Careers Service for advice.
Student Hub

Where could your degree subject take you?

Architecture and built environment
Biological sciences
Business, economics, management, marketing, accounting and finance, and maritime and logistics
Chemistry
Computing
Creative arts: art, illustration and photography
Design: interior/product and furniture design, graphic design and game arts/digital design
Earth, geography and environment
Education and teaching
Engineering
Hospitality, tourism and events management
Humanities: anthropology, art history, English and history
Law, criminology and policing
Marine
Mathematical sciences
Media and filmmaking
Medicine, dentistry and biomedical sciences
Music
Nursing, midwifery and allied health professions
Performing arts: acting, drama and musical theatre
Psychology
Sociology, international relations and politics