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Accessibility statement
An Open University film and media student using mobile a camera rig to record a subject.
Film, television and digital media shape how we see, share and understand stories in everyday life. This Certificate of Higher Education introduces you to film, media and the  creative industries through a combination of critical study and creative practice. You’ll develop skills in storytelling, content creation, and media analysis while exploring contemporary issues, including AI, sustainability, ethics, and representation. Along the way, you’ll build confidence in academic, digital and communication skills, giving you a strong foundation for further study and helping you take your next step towards opportunities in film, media and the wider creative industries.
A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this certificate of higher education is also equivalent to the first third of the BA (Honours) Film and Media (R90).
This film and media certificate has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

At Stage 1, you’ll discover how the creative industries work and be introduced to film and media practice. You’ll start developing your creative, analytical and digital skills while building confidence in studying and producing media.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Exploring the creative industries (P100)60Oct

By studying this certificate, you'll:
You’ll be supported by experienced tutors, interactive learning materials, regular feedback and opportunities to hear from industry specialists.
You’ll be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Film and Media upon successful completion.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this certificate in as little as one year and have a maximum of eight years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
As this is a new certificate, its modules are being introduced one year at a time, so the fastest pace open to you depends on when you start.

1-year certificate

If you start in October 2028 or later, you can complete this certificate in one year by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
2-year certificate
If you start in October 2027, you can complete this certificate in two years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:
Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.
Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
2027/28 fees and funding information will be available in March 2027, when this qualification opens for registration.
You’ll learn about the big issues and debates within the creative industries and begin to develop practical film and media skills. You’ll explore how ideas are researched, turned into stories and used to create content for different audiences. You’ll also learn to share your ideas and review your work. These skills can help you take your next step into further study or training.
This Certificate of Higher Education gives you an introduction to film, media and the wider creative industries. It can help you explore future study, training and entry-level opportunities involving film, media or digital content. You’ll also gain a clearer picture of how the creative industries work and where your interests could take you next.
You can start exploring some areas of our Careers and Employability Services now. Once you register with us, you’ll have full access to the services throughout your studies and for up to three years after you finish.
As a registered student or recent graduate, you can use online tools, resources, workshops, events and one-to-one guidance from careers professionals to explore your options, set goals, find opportunities, prepare applications, build your CV and practise your interview techniques. Whether you’re planning your first career move, changing direction or developing in your current role, you’ll find support to help you move forward with confidence.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):
This new course opens for registration in March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.
Ask a question
Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
Request a prospectus
This new course opens for registration in March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.
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