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.
Researching your career options
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.
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.
- Manager
- Creative Director
- Photographer
- Marketing And Design Executive
- Media Planning Executive
- Social Media Marketer
- Film maker and media artist
- Graphic designer
- Media developer
- Moderator
- Photographer/Videographer
- Photography teacher
- Project executive
- Research and drone operator
- Social media marketer
Employers
- EquiMedia
- H Tempest
- Hobble Down Limited (part of Kids Base Adventures Ltd)
- Ingresso
- Norton Park Hotel
- Babcock International
- Bodmin College
- Langland
- Sytel Ltd
- TwoFour Broadcast Ltd
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys of 2017/18 and 2018/19. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 24 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.