Film, TV, Media and Communications
Did you know that 86% of graduate employers are interested in abilities rather than specific degree subjects*
From a broad range of roles in the creative industries to many other careers, learn more about your career options and how we can support you on your journey.
From the media to finance, your degree will open up opportunities both within the creative industries and other sectors. Learn more about your career options and how we can support you on your journey.
What skills and knowledge will I gain during my degree?
A graduate in film and TV will typically:
- be aware of the economic forces which frame the media, cultural and creative industries, and the role of such industries in contemporary political and cultural life
- understand how people engage with cultural texts and practices
- work flexibly, creatively and independently with self-discipline, self-direction, and collaborate with others
- use ideas and information to argue cogently in written, oral or in other forms and use reflection
- retrieve, generate and evaluate sources
- organise and manage supervised, self-directed projects
- communicate effectively in interpersonal settings, in writing and in a variety of media
- deliver work to a given brief and deadline, referencing sources and ideas and using a problem-solving approach
- work with digital platforms
It is important that you can talk about these skills on application forms and in interviews.
What are my career options?
Film and TV graduates enter a wide range of occupations. For those who wish to enter the media sector, this in itself is incredibly broad ranging from:
Recent advances in digital technology and our engagement with social media have brought about rapid changes in the sector making it hard to distinguish between these career areas at times. .
For those wishing to embark on a career in the media it will probably take time after graduation to build up a network and to gain more vital experience and skills. Persistence and motivation is vital.
Of course, many film and TV graduates do not wish to pursue a media career and the skills mentioned earlier highlight the transferability of your course. Our graduates have gone on to become teachers, work in business, finance, sales, administrative fields and many other sectors.
It is true to say that many media graduates (and other subjects) take some time building their career through a series of roles to get to a specific career where they want to be or even to decide what job suits them.
This could be due to a variety of reasons for example: the sector they want to enter requires an entry-level position (for example: heritage, media roles and publishing) or they are saving up to fund a postgraduate course or travel and therefore their first destination is a stop gap.
Prospects website - for career options and job profiles
What are my further study options?
Postgraduate study or training can allow you to:
- develop your skills and current subject knowledge further
- enter certain careers by building expertise in a specific subject
- switch careers, by training or building skills in a new subject
It's important to understand your reasons for studying at postgraduate level and to research opportunities and the value of postgraduate study in your sector before applying.
Masters funding is available (eligibility criteria exists) in the form of a postgraduate loan, but you can only access this funding once hence the importance of choosing your course carefully. If you'd like to talk this through with an adviser, arrange an appointment to speak to us.
Careers blog: Postgraduate study? The 4 Ws to Consider
Find out more about further study
How can I build my skills and experience?
The opportunities listed are primarily aimed at current students living in the Nottingham area. If you are well into your final year, graduated or are no longer in Nottingham, you can access work and volunteering options in your home area.
Depending on your location and what you want to do, your strategy to develop your skills and experience may vary. You are welcome to have a chat with us, so just arrange an appointment.
Work experience and volunteering
Depending on what area of work or role you might be interested in, and where, there will be specific strategies, from speculative applications to formal processes you need to be familiar with.
Work experience - what, how and when
Nottingham Internship Scheme
We work closely with a huge variety of local and national businesses to bring you an exciting range of internship opportunities, for both current students and recent graduates.
Nottingham Consultancy Challenge
The Nottingham Consultancy Challenge offers the chance for you to gain hands-on experience of managing a short term project for a local business or charity as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Nottingham Advantage Award
The Nottingham Advantage Award offers interesting extracurricular modules to develop and reflect on your employability. With over more than 200 modules across our three campus in the UK, China and Malaysia.
Students' Union
The Students’ Union offers a wide range of volunteering options both locally and internationally which you can fit around your studies.
Alternatively you could get involved in a society or sports club - there's so many, you're bound to find one that interests you!
Working with young people
There are three initiatives which will give you the opportunity to work in a local educational setting. These initiatives support the academic attainment and raise the aspirations of primary and secondary pupils, whilst developing the skills and employability of those involved.
These are excellent opportunities for students considering teaching, youth work or community engagement as a career.
Exchange programmes overseas
Undertake an exchange semester in another country and broaden your horizons. Talk to your tutors and find out more about the programmes available from the International Office.
Optional placement year
You can now undertake an optional placement year as part of your degree at the end of your penultimate year of study. The placement can be aligned to your degree discipline or related to your career aspirations. Speak to a career adviser or your school for more information.
If you are no longer at Nottingham, you can access work and volunteering opportunities at home. Depending on your location and what you want to do, your strategy may vary so come and speak to us or arrange a telephone appointment.
Developing your digital skills
Digital skills are highly valued by employers and essential in many career fields, including advertising, publishing, marketing, and general commerce. They range from social media to coding and will definitely enhance your employability. There are various ways to develop your digital skills whilst at university.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university's control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
How can I prepare for making job applications?
We can help you with all stages of the application, from reviewing your CV and/or application form to interview coaching and assessment centre practice.
Many graduate recruiters also use psychometric tests during the recruitment and selection process. They are common across all sectors and career fields. Practise will really help your performance.
Once you have looked at our application pages, why not book a one-to-one appointment and discuss your plans with one of our advisers.