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Accessibility statement
An Open University film and media student holding a clapperboard in a film studio.
Film and media shape how we communicate, tell stories and understand the world around us. This practical, industry-focused degree combines creative production with the study of film, television and contemporary media. You'll develop skills in filmmaking, digital storytelling, content creation, production and post-production through projects informed by current industry practice. You'll also examine how AI and other emerging technologies are transforming media, alongside issues such as sustainability, ethics and representation. By the end, you’ll have developed the creative, critical and professional skills to produce distinctive work and pursue opportunities across film, media and the wider creative industries.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Film and Media (W29) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree; similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in Film and Media (T61) corresponds to the first third.
This film and media degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

Stage 1 introduces you to the creative industries and the foundations of film and media practice. You’ll begin developing your understanding of how the sector works while building practical and creative skills.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Exploring the creative industries (P100)60Oct

Stage 2 deepens your understanding of film and media through global film cultures and factual media. You’ll develop your critical and practical skills while exploring how different forms of screen media are created, understood and experienced.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:

Stage 3 develops advanced creative, professional and entrepreneurial skills. You’ll also complete a major project or dissertation, giving you the opportunity to bring together your learning and showcase your interests and expertise.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:

Studying this degree, you'll:
You’ll be supported by experienced tutors, interactive learning materials, and opportunities to hear from industry specialists.
You’ll be awarded a BA (Honours) Film and Media upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3. 
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
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 degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 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 degree, its modules are being introduced one year at a time, so the fastest pace open to you depends on when you start.

3-year degree

If you start in October 2028 or later, you can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
4-year degree
If you start in October 2027, you can complete this degree in four years. You’ll begin part-time while the Stage 1 modules are introduced, then move up to a full-time pace from October 2029.
6-year degree
You can complete this degree in six 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.
This degree develops the skills needed to create, analyse and communicate through film and media. You’ll gain experience in writing, storytelling and digital content creation. Through practical projects, you’ll learn how to plan, research, produce and present creative work for different audiences and platforms. Alongside subject-specific knowledge, you’ll strengthen your communication, organisation and project management skills through independent and collaborative work.
Film and media graduates work across a wide range of creative and communication-focused sectors. This degree can support careers in film and television production, content creation, media research, journalism, marketing, social media and digital communications. The combination of subject knowledge and practical experience is also valued in organisations that need people who can understand audiences, communicate ideas clearly and create engaging content across different platforms.
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. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:
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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