A camera person on location with an Arri Alexa camera

Film Production BA (Hons)

Study Film Production at the University of Portsmouth. You can study abroad or do a work placement. Achieve your goals.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

PP31

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points from A levels or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

Our BA (Hons) Film Production degree—accredited by ScreenSkills Select—will shape you into the filmmaker, cinematographer, editor, and special effects producer the film industry craves. 

Master the practical and business elements of film production. You’ll attract potential employers by exhibiting your films at national screening events.

Graduates have created indie films, joined Marvel, Maverick, and Pinewood Studios. They've also worked on critically acclaimed titles Black Mirror, Wonder Woman 1984, and No Time to Die.

Here’s your chance to follow in their footsteps.

Pathway awards

Depending on the modules you choose during your second and third years, you'll graduate with one of the following awards:

  • BA (Hons) Film Production
  • BA (Hons) Film and Television Production

Course highlights

  • Familiarise yourself with advanced professional equipment used in the industries—including Arri Alexa, Sony, and Blackmagic camera systems; Avid video editing suites; Pro Tools-equipped sound studio; Baselight colour grading system; and several flexible production spaces
  • Attract potential employers by showcasing your films at our annual screening event at London’s British Film Institute (BFI)
  • Boost your professional experience by taking an optional one-year placement—either with a company or by setting up your own
  • Bolster your practice and knowledge by attending specialist masterclasses and workshops on all areas of film production
  • Get professional advice with guest lectures and masterclasses from industry creatives—including award-winning film and TV director, Philip Barantini (Boiling Point, The Responder)
  • Show your editing expertise to industry peers by gaining an Avid Media Composer certification
  • Enhance your employability by accessing training events, bursaries, and scholarships—one of many advantages of a ScreenSkills Select accreditation

Accreditation

3rd

for film production and photography in the UK

(Guardian University Guide, 2024)

91%

of graduates in work or further study

(HESA graduate outcomes survey 2020/21)

ScreenSkills Select

This course is accredited by ScreenSkills Select, a professional body for the screen industry.

All ScreenSkills Select-accredited courses must show the highest level of quality and relevance to the industry. This ensures you'll learn the knowledge and skills relevant to your future career and assures potential employers that your degree is relevant to the screen industry. This accreditation also gives you access to exclusive benefits such as employability training events, scholarships and bursaries.

Watch the best from our BA (Hons) Film Production 2023 graduates

Animated ident for BA (Hons) Film Production, showing the letters ‘BAFP’ forming an old-style film camera.

A montage of scenes from selected student films played against upbeat indie-pop music.

[00:01:09.370] - Man in car

Get the shoes on, Polly. Right. Get into this.

[00:01:12.870] - Woman with red hair

You don't always have to try and protect me. You've been holding me back for far too long.

[00:01:17.200] - Thread monster

What? No.

[00:01:20.010] - Boxing coach

Look in the mirror and tell me you're ready.

[00:01:22.350] - Male voiceover

Sometimes it's hard to see the Christmas lights in all the darkness. But that doesn't mean that they don't exist.

[00:01:27.970] - Man on beach

They keep going, you'll find it.

Animated ident for BA (Hons) Film Production, showing the letters ‘BAFP’ forming an old-style film camera.

 

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Film Production

Typical offers

112-120 UCAS points (calculate your UCAS points)

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • T-levels - Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 29

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept

Selection process

A relevant qualification or experience in film/video is required. Applicants without relevant qualifications will be asked to provide a portfolio to support their application.

For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our Film Production creative portfolio guide.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

For student story - Student submission, check before using for print

 I've really enjoyed my journey in film production at the University of Portsmouth. Starting here in the UK has given me another angle to know this world.

Kunwen Chen, BA (Hons) Film Production 2021 graduate

Read Kunwen's story

Facilities

B Roll Day 3

Video Editing Suite

Our suite includes non-linear editing software Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve, and specialist hardware for efficient film editing.

A film set with sofas and screens

Eldon TV Studios

Learn the skills you need to work in video/audio production and broadcasting and get involved in our student-led TV channel, CCI TV.

Images capturing CCIXR facility

Motion Capture Studio

Learn how to use the same professional motion capture equipment used in the VR, game design, and film industries.

Glenn Harris - CCIXR facility

Volumetric Video Studio

With our Holosys™-powered Volumetric Video Studio, you can capture stunning 3D footage of moving objects for your next XR project.

Careers and opportunities

You'll have plenty of career routes when you finish this course. Many of our graduates have found success in a variety of roles, destinations and productions – with some working on the sets of blockbuster films and award-winning TV series.

Others have also been nationally recognised in the film and TV industry. In 2020 and 2023, our student production teams won prestigious Royal Television Society (RTS) awards in the category of Best Student Comedy Drama and Entertainment.

Graduate roles

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

  • runner
  • camera assistant
  • junior/editing assistant
  • sound recordist
  • junior researcher
  • personal or production assistant
  • junior/production coordinator
  • second/third assistant director

Placement destinations

They've completed their placements either self-employed or with well-known names, including:

  • Walt Disney
  • The Farm
  • NBC Universal
  • Warner Media
  • Vivid Homes
  • Fifty Fifty Post-Production
  • University of Portsmouth

Film and TV work

Graduates have worked on commercial and indie titles such as:

  • Wonder Woman 1984
  • Rocketman
  • No Time To Die
  • The Batman
  • Bridgerton
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
  • Black Mirror  
  • Boiling Point (indie film)
  • Villain (indie film)

Featured podcast: Shifra Kirby

Alumna Shifra Kirby initially planned to work in law but changed her mind at the last minute for film production. In 2018, three months after graduating, she secured a dream role doing something completely different to what she envisaged just a few years ago. Listen to Shifra's journey to a creative career she loves.

External Audio

Inspire me to follow my creative passion - Shifra Kirby

Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Placement year (optional)

Want to gain some valuable industry experience and increase your employment potential when you graduate? By doing a work placement after your second or third year, you can do exactly that.

You can work for a company or organisation, or set up and run your own business – either with peers or on your own. No matter what you choose, you can get full support from our Creative Careers team.

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

  • Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
  • Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
  • Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
  • Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

Placement roles

Former students have interned in various roles, including:

  • Video Producer
  • Editor Assistant
  • Creative Intern
  • Creative Producer
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Promotions Assistant
  • Post-Production Runner

Placement destinations

They've completed their placements either self-employed or with well-known names, including:

  • Walt Disney
  • The Farm
  • NBC Universal
  • Warner Media
  • Vivid Homes
  • Fifty Fifty Post-Production
  • University of Portsmouth
I enjoyed applying my existing skills to a role I’d never tried before because it allowed me to acquire a better insight into what the marketing industry might be like, and it even made me consider marketing in the film industry as a potential backup career choice.

Cristian Ionut Necula, BA (Hons) Film Production 2021 graduate

Modules

What you'll study

Core modules

Through hands-on workshops, you will learn how to tell stories in both fiction and non-fiction movies. The course will cover different styles and techniques to get you thinking and to help shape your artistic ideas.

Working with a team, you will create a film from start to finish. This will involve researching, planning, managing the project, learning how to make a film, and working well with others.

You will experiment with imaginative and creative storytelling about identity, hidden histories, diversity, and alternative cultures.

With the guidance of a tutor, you will make two short films that mix made-up and real-life stories.

By the end of the module, you will have gained the skills and confidence needed to create films that tell your own unique stories.

You'll learn about shooting with a single camera and everything that goes into making a film, from the inception of an idea to the final edit.

In workshops, you will get to try your hand at using a camera, setting up lights, recording sound, and editing videos on a computer. You will have the opportunity to take on important roles such as director, cinematographer, editor, or producer.

We will explore different filmmakers and types of movies and observe how culture and identity influence their work. This will help you incorporate similar techniques in your own films.

Additionally, you will work with a small team, improving your communication, teamwork, and project management skills.

Understanding your own skills, interests and motivations, you'll explore your future career decisions.

Insights from academics and professionals will inform your knowledge of required skills and qualities in creative tech. And you'll critically assess technological, ethical and commercial challenges and opportunities in contemporary film and TV.

You’ll learn about different editing platforms and asset management methods. This will help you gain needed skills to follow professional workflows.

In this focused setting, you’ll work on complex projects. You’ll use innovative editing techniques while maintaining a clear creative vision.

By the end of the module, you’ll be able to refine edits to a high standard, preparing them for festival debuts or TV broadcasting.

This module is designed to sharpen your analytical skills, enabling you to effectively interpret and critique various elements of narrative screen media such as mise-en-scène, editing, performance, and sound/music.

You will engage in seminars and screening workshops that introduce you to a broad spectrum of conceptual frameworks, shaping the academic analysis of screen media. The topics you explore will be diverse, ranging from authorship, genre, adaptation, to realism and representation. The module also brings interdisciplinary perspectives from literary theory, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, and philosophy to enrich your understanding of film and media analysis.

By the end of this module, you'll not only be proficient in analysing screen media but also in articulating your insights and arguments in line with contemporary academic discourse.

Core modules

You'll learn about the creation and production of films for the global market by developing scripts and pitching ideas. Additionally, you'll also gain a business perspective by understanding scheduling, budgeting, and funding.

During the module, you'll discover the various roles on set to understand the production process better. Furthermore, you'll learn about safety procedures and paperwork to ensure that best practices are followed.

This module is a comprehensive guide, covering both the creative and business sides of the international film industry.

Optional modules

Learn how to lead actors in auditions, rehearsals, and when filming. You’ll get good at using communication to help actors give powerful performances. Also, you’ll work closely with the crew to turn your ideas into reality using film techniques. From start to finish, including working with editors and composers, you’ll be in charge.

You’ll also direct and produce your own short film, using all your technical, creative, and people skills.

By the end, you'll have actual directing experience and a director's reel to flaunt your talent in leading productions and creative teams.

Let your imagination and vision tell powerful stories.

You'll be taken through the steps that are followed by the TV industry to transform an idea into a finished 'taster tape', which is a short sample of a TV show idea.

Working in a team, you'll create high-quality content, which will improve your research and storytelling abilities. You'll also attend workshops and lectures conducted by professionals who work in the media. Here, you'll learn how to generate ideas, select the right people to appear on screen, and get TV executives interested in your show.

By analyzing actual TV shows, you'll gain insight into what makes good factual media. You'll also use your technical skills to create your own film, showcasing your editorial talent.

This module is an excellent opportunity to enter the exciting field of creating TV programs based on real-life events and stories.

Discussing film festivals' cultural contribution, you'll develop your critical eye. Learning the practices of curating film events will empower you to plan screenings and programmes.

You'll reflect on questions of power, ethics and representation in your own curatorial process, and gain professional growth.

You’ll use industry-standard equipment to capture clear sound recordings on location. Hone your ears creating rich soundscapes and effects in post-production, using Pro Tools. Explore how sound influences cinematic storytelling. 

Working in teams, you’ll get a feel for on-set roles and workflows, all while meeting the specific needs of a production. 

You’ll also be able to experiment with audio to make your stories more engaging. Plus, you’ll put together an impressive sound reel that shows your technical skills and artistic flair.

Finish this module with the mastery for a career in recording and mixing audio for the screen. 

Your talents will truly resonate in every project you touch.

Analysing diverse screen languages and conventions, you'll enhance your creativity, and comparing story structures and narrative needs of global production will broaden your perspective. You'll learn to understand target audiences and emerging platforms, to prepare you for working a the global marketplace.

With script drafting and redrafting practice, you'll gain industry-applicable writing talents. Through acclaimed script analysis, you'll appreciate what makes great screenwriting.

You will get to use professional software such as Avid and Davinci Resolve, and learn how to follow real-world pipelines from camera to delivery.

You will learn about colour grading and monitoring, and how to create aesthetically pleasing looks. By examining global case studies, you will understand the roles of studios and post houses. You will also blend theory and practice to evaluate technical and creative decisions.

By the end of this module, you will have gained specialised knowledge that will help you excel in a post-production career.

Through a study exchange overseas, you will manage tasks and projects relevant to your course, working independently or collaboratively as part of a team.

The experience enables you to showcase your talents on a global stage while reflecting on your personal growth. With enhanced employability prospects, you return home with a new perspective to inform your practice.

You will pitch your ideas, write proposals and manage the production process.

Additionally, you will learn about the language and rules of filmmaking which will help you make artistic decisions that will engage your viewers. You will gain experience in filming and editing and produce a polished film.

Once your film is ready, you will develop a marketing strategy for screenings and distribution. You will learn to work with others and understand how to get your film out into the world.

Overall, this module provides an invaluable experience of the fiction filmmaking process and supports you in making your vision a reality.

Starting with a pilot episode, you will refine your program's format and on-screen presentation.

You will gain hands-on experience of a broadcast team by working in various roles ranging from presenter to producer.

By responding to feedback and critiques, you will improve the quality of your content and production values.

You will learn the art of replication, which will enable you to create a successful TV show before a live audience.

This module gives you a chance to develop and share your TV idea through the excitement of live transmission.

Gain practical experience with HD cameras, lighting kits, and grip equipment through workshops and projects. You’ll learn everything from framing and movement to setting up lights and adjusting camera settings. Dive into the world of cinematic language and aesthetics to improve your storytelling. You’ll also work in teams, getting a real feel for on-set collaboration and the different roles, all while following industry standards. Push the boundaries with your visual experiments to make your narratives stand out. Plus, you’ll create an impressive reel that showcases both your technical skills and your artistic flair.

By the end, you’ll have the essential skills and creative eye to be a desirable camera operator in fiction and nonfiction productions.

Let your vision shine through the lens.

Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you.

You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others.

This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.

In this module, you’ll study how film has evolved and look at today’s challenges. These will help you think about creativity from a justice-focused perspective.

This broad approach will give you a clearer view of the ethical guidelines that professionals follow in different fields.

With greater critical understanding and ethical duties, you’ll be equipped to make wise career choices, leading with empathy.

You'll master compositing, tracking, keying and 3D techniques using Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D. You'll learn crucial shooting principles and seamlessly incorporate CG elements through green screen and set extensions.

Developing professional workflows informed by lectures and hands-on exercises, you'll enhance footage to meet the demands of modern filmmaking.

You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace.

By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.

As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies.

Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, which will benefit your career.

You’ll get into theory, look at real-life examples, and creative ideas from various fields. Try out different ways to express your ideas, from drawing to mapping to building models. You’ll work alone and with others to explore themes in projects you choose.

This module gives you the freedom to pursue your interests through both research and practical work.

You’ll learn skills you can use in many areas by handling information and sharing ideas about designing spaces of all sizes.

Building on your diving skills, you'll gain technical expertise and creative vision to tell compelling stories from beneath the waves.

Through practical exercises, you'll master equipment operation, teamwork, and safety protocols for efficient underwater filming.

Your creativity will be sparked by the possibilities of this unique setting.

By the end of this module, you'll have the skills and experience to start a career capturing the wonders of the underwater world on film.

Analyse the artistic, political, and economic aspects of films in postcolonialism and global cinema. Critically examine different themes and the methods filmmakers use. Understanding the evolution of film production, you’ll learn about the impact of technology on movies both locally and internationally. By looking at how films are distributed and marketed, you’ll learn about the impact of global politics on how films are received.

You’ll come to understand international films deeply, developing cultural knowledge.

This understanding will enhance your analytical abilities, which are useful for jobs in film programming, curating, and reviewing.

Core modules

You'll choose a genre and guide a small team through the entire filmmaking process, from idea generation to post-production. This module lets you use your creativity and technical knowledge to film and edit a movie that matches your vision. Its biggest benefit is the practical experience it offers, preparing you to produce work that meets industry standards.

Your completed short film will be a key part of your portfolio, showing you’re set for a successful career in media.

You'll identify transferable skills for roles from production to post-production.

Learning from professionals, you'll analyse practices, build networks, and understand different pathways into the industry.

Creating materials to showcase your abilities, you'll address development needs.

Staying up-to-date with emerging tech, you'll be ready to bring fresh ideas to studios.

This module helps you focus your talents and experiences toward your dream job.

By building a small website, you’ll not only promote your film but also highlight your team’s creative vision and talents. This module helps you shape your unique identity as an emerging filmmaker, spotlighting your special skills and experience. You’ll learn to promote yourself in ways that are ethical and respected in the industry.

Above all, you’ll gain the tools to actively steer your career path.

You'll create professional materials like a CV, cover letters, and online portfolio to showcase your skills to employers. With 40 hours of work in the film and TV industry, you’ll get important experience and meet people who can help you in your career.

This module is a great chance to create your own personal brand. You’ll analyse what film studios and production companies are looking for, so you can customise your skills and stand out from the crowd.

By the end, you’ll have a collection of work and materials that fit your goals in the film and screen world. Use your creativity to take control of where your career is headed.

Optional modules

More information for this module will be available soon.

You'll analyse core texts and structure, and develop your professional critique skills. You'll learn to confidently apply your judgement and challenge opinions, as you utilise feedback to polish your pitches, outlines and scripts.

You’ll look at acclaimed films and TV shows from different angles related to identity, politics, and culture. Explore questions like why the male gaze, LGBTQ+ representation, feminism, and diversity matter in the industry. You’ll get help from expert lecturers to improve your skills in thinking critically, making good arguments, and linking what you watch to the bigger picture.

By the end, you’ll be able to talk about representation in media with examples and ideas you’ve learnt. This module will help you become a more aware and engaged viewer of film and TV.

More information for this module will be available soon. 

During this module, you'll spend 6 months working on your own business venture, then 3 months gaining industry experience. This opportunity allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting while exploring different career options. You'll also have the chance to develop professional relationships and expand your network.

Assess your personal strengths and weaknesses to set goals for the future. Throughout the module, you'll demonstrate increasing independence while still valuing the support of others. Gain a broader understanding of the world through real-world experiences and insights. Additionally, you'll earn valuable credits for your CV and enhance your skill set.

By the end of this module, you'll graduate with the practical experience that employers are seeking.

This experience lets you learn firsthand how to set up and run a small business. You’ll absorb professional practices and business situations that matter to your entrepreneurial goals. Make important connections while working independently within set rules. Think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, criteria for success, and future plans.

This opportunity is useful for your career. It lets you use what you’ve learnt in your degree in the real world and helps you understand your capabilities.

After finishing this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get more credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable step in developing an entrepreneurial way of thinking.

You’ll spend 24–48 weeks at a chosen company, learning from professionals and helping out with actual projects. Gain confidence, knowledge, and skills by taking on more responsibility with gradually less help. As you progress, you’ll make professional connections and think about how you’re doing. Take in what you learn about how industries and businesses work.

This placement is an ideal chance to grow in your career. By using what you’ve learnt in a workplace, you’ll understand more about your own strengths, what you need to work on, and your plans after you graduate.

After this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get extra credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable part of your education.

Undertake specialised assignments to demonstrate your abilities. Reflect on how global creative culture has expanded your perspective. Identify new transferable skills to empower your continued educational and professional journey.

Examining international contexts, you'll critically assess activities through the lens of your disciplinary knowledge, gaining insights into communication practices around the world. Managing tasks independently in an overseas environment, you'll complete projects showcasing skills transferable to future studies and careers.

When you return, you'll reflect on your personal growth, identifying new cross-cultural competencies and how this transforms your worldview and ambitions. This module provides an invaluable opportunity to deepen your understanding of media and communication while developing adaptability and self-reliance.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

I think the Film Production course was the perfect place to find out not only what I’m most passionate about, but also what I would enjoy making a living from.

Caleb Johnston, BA (Hons) Film Production 2020 graduate

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

You'll also learn by studying independently. You can borrow film production gear and use computer work stations in your own time to enhance your learning.

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through:

  • film production artefacts
  • essay and report writing
  • video essays
  • group projects and presentations
  • pitching
  • production files
  • practical assessments
  • workshops and supervised work sessions
  • masterclasses
  • tutorials
  • production meetings

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practical and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, workshops, fieldwork and project supervision for about 12 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.

You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.

Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,900 a year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

 

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You may need to spend £50 to £100 each year on a variety of materials, such as DVDs or camera cards, and a small hard drive to back up media.

We recommended you get the most recent version of Avid accreditation text, which costs around £50–£80.

The Underwater Filming and Media module is available if you haven’t dived before. It includes a PADI Open Water course combined with the Underwater Filming and Media course. It costs around £850.

The Underwater Filming and Media B module is available if you already hold a PADI Open Water certificate (or equivalent). It includes a further diving course (e.g. PADI Advanced Open Water), combined with the Underwater Filming and Media Course, and costs around £700 to cover tuition, transport and diving costs.

During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, tuition fees for that year are:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – PP31
  • our institution code – P80

 Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.