What can you do with a media and filmmaking degree?

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:

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.

With such a wide range of careers open to you as a media and filmmaking graduate, it is important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions about your future. 

Take a look at Prospects, TargetJobs and the design association websites for inspiration: 

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.

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2018/19 – 2020/21. 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.

Some of the careers chosen by media graduates will require or benefit from further study, so this should be considered carefully. The University of Plymouth offers the following postgraduate study options related to design: 

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your particular situation. 

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable postgraduate programme:

It is also worth investigating what further study options the University has to offer as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni – find out your funding options.

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access our 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service, however they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn’s alumni tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest:

For more information about the alumni tool select the LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most out of your LinkedIn profile, select the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

Undertaking work experience in your first and second years will help you stand out from the crowd when the time comes for you to complete applications for graduate employment and further study. Work experience develops valuable skills and qualities that employers are looking for and is essential for many roles. It can also help you to confirm or rule out particular career choices. Furthermore, experience in the workplace can bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.

You have plenty of options open to you. You could work part-time around your studies, undertake volunteering or approach organisations directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Some organisations offer paid internships over the summer or of one year’s duration. Contact TV, radio, print, advertising and PR agencies to see what work experience opportunities they offer. Getting your foot in the door can be competitive so a motivated and persistent approach is essential.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to media or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.

Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.