Study film and the fascinating world of the media. Apply critical thinking and analysis and develop the transferable skills of problem solving, communication and presentation. Combine academic research with practical application, developing the talents to join an exciting and ever-changing industry.
Course overview
Love film and all aspects of media?
Gain personal professional, academic and production skills from studying film and media theory alongside practical-based modules in film production. You can do a research-based placement, write a script, or produce video essays. You’ll cover the historical contexts and contemporary debates in film, media and culture and explore the relationships between film and media content and real-world impact.
You’ll work with established research-active academics at the Centre for Research in Media and Cultural Studies and study alongside scriptwriters, film makers, and media practitioners. Share, discuss, challenge and explore your passion for film, TV and other aspects of the media with like-minded people.
Get involved with extracurricular activities, including:
- Organised trips
- CineClub
- Spark Sunderland
Why us?
- Acclaimed independent production company Fulwell 73 – makers of Netflix show ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’ – has launched a new regional office in our David Puttnam Media Centre. Get direct experience and insight into a leading production company and how it operates. Read more about Fulwell 73's new regional office, Fulwell North.
- Get experience. Take a work placement; get involved with award-winning Spark Sunderland; write for Sunderland’s daily paper, the Sunderland Echo; or work alongside BBC Newcastle journalists in our mediaHUB
- Our Media and Film Studies courses are 11th in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2023)
- The course prepares students for a wide range of careers and provides an excellent foundation for masters level study and postgraduate research
- Masterclasses from BAFTA-winning and Oscar-winning film producers, writers and other experts
Course structure
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work and e-learning. We encourage you to develop independent study skills.
As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also ongoing assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning.
Assessment methods include essays, reports, written coursework, projects, presentations and exams.
Part-time study
If you study this course on a part-time basis you will typically complete 40-80 credits in a year, rather than the 120 credits of full-time students. All modules are taught during the day time and you will be studying alongside full-time students.
Facilities
The David Puttnam Media Centre is a thriving place to study and experience media. Rub shoulders with BBC Newcastle and Tyne & Wear TV, who are both based in the building. Volunteer with award-winning Spark Sunderland, write for one of our suite of websites or edit Spark Magazine in our mediaHUB. Get hands on in TV and Radio Studios, Journalism and Digital editing suites. Learn from experts in this centre of excellence for training.
Career ready
Build transferable skills and gain experience, to get career ready. Open job opportunities such as teaching, consultancy, TV and film production, new media, marketing and research, PR, advertising and more.
Career destinations
Recent graduates from Sunderland have gained jobs with employers such as BBC (including Radio 1), Channel 4, Sky TV, MTV, The Guardian, I Daniel Blake, Capital North East, regional newspapers and PR companies.
You could choose to continue your studies on one of our Masters degrees such as MA Media Production (Film and Television) or MA Journalism.
Work placements
We actively encourage you to gain relevant work experience while at university. In every year of your course, you'll be guided and encouraged to gain meaningful experience that will fit around your studies.
You can choose to undertake a number of practice modules throughout your course, which can include live briefs from clients from outside the University. Get the opportunity to gain production experience with independent production company Fulwell 73 and build up a portfolio of work to show future employers.
Practical experience
Many students get involved in Spark Sunderland, a community radio station based at the University. Students are responsible for all news-gathering, programme production and advertising. Spark has won many awards including four golds at the Student Radio Awards 2012, and holds the Nations and Regions Award for Best Radio Station in the North-East.
Work alongside BBC Newcastle Journalists in our mediaHUB, home to student-run websites covering sport, news, entertainment, fashion and Spark online magazine.
Sunderland's daily newspaper, The Sunderland Echo, has a weekly page called 'On Campus' that is written entirely by students at the University. It’s an opportunity to find and research your own stories, take photographs, meet deadlines and see your name in print.
Throughout the course, we invite guest speakers to run workshops and master classes that allow you to relate your learning to real-life opportunities.
Creative Industries Week
Creative Industries Week gives everyone in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries the opportunity to participate in a range of projects, workshops, talks, industry visits and career events. This exciting week encourages interdisciplinary working, broadens your experience, to build your confidence and help develop your career path.
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