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Overview
Realise your creative and technical passions in post-production with a degree that transforms you into a captivating storyteller through post-production methods.
No film is complete without the skills and knowledge you’ll gain on this Post-Production in Film and Television degree. Our professional video editing labs and colour grading suite will help you develop your expertise in the entire post-production process—from video editing to post-sound and post-production workflows—using industry software such as Avid Media Composer, ProTools, After Effects, and Nuke.
You’ll learn from our teaching team of Avid-certified instructors with extensive industry experience, and you can become an industry-recognised accredited user in Adobe and Avid.
Master your Post Production craft and be the next feature film colourist, documentary editor, or post-sound mixer. You'll graduate with a skillset that makes you a vital asset to the post-production world.
Course highlights
- Focus on storytelling, and learn the tools that help you grow your creative ability
- Study in an industry-recognised school that has led in post-production educational standards since 2003, with staff qualified as Avid Certified Instructors and Adobe Certified Professionals
- Graduate with professional certifications such as Avid Certified User and Adobe Certified Professional in Premiere and After Effects
- Master professional software – including Avid Media Composer, Protools, DaVinci Resolve, Nuke, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects and Avid NEXIS – in our editing lab and Baselight colour grading suite
- Develop a broad, flexible skillset that prepares you for careers in film and television industries, or in related industries such as video games
- Develop your portfolio and professional network through placements, work experience and the University’s contacts in the industry
What is post-production?
Post-production is a realm of creative possibilities vaster and more revelatory than one might think.
Watch as our BA (Hons) Post-Production for Film and Television course team guides you to explore post-production and its benefits at Portsmouth.
Man with glasses [00:00:02] I'd say post-production is finding a method in the madness. It's constantly growing.
Luke Robertson [00:00:09] There's not at any point where we stagnate with the same technology. Every time we make a film, there's something completely different, whether that's to the software, the cameras that we're using. All of that gets encapsulated into the post-production process. And for me, that's just awesome.
Rebecca Brady [00:00:24] What's so nice about it is the craft never changes. The end result doesn't change. You're still telling stories, you still adding narratives and piecing things together. You're just doing it with different tools. And I think that's what's so rewarding about post-production, is the fact that you're constantly having to learn new things and keep up.
Lily Ketley [00:00:45] The learning does not stop. Once you leave university, if anything, it just begins.
Neil Hunt [00:00:53] I think what's exciting about post-production is the. Is the potential to really enhance what's already there in terms of story and being able to use all the creative tools in your disposal to do that. So adding those visual effects, adding a colour grade, bringing a scene to life through sound design.
Charlie Watts [00:01:12] I think the key thing that many people don't realise about post-production... They think it's the software, they think it's the people you know, whatever else. And the key thing about being an editor is you. You're the host of all these skills and all this knowledge, and that's something that we can help people realise.
Rebecca Brady [00:01:30] So I really love the quote by Martin Scorsese, where he's talking about the fact that editing is a process of discovery and how you're finding new ways to tell your story to your audience.
Lily Ketley [00:01:44] Shortly after graduating, I was lucky enough to find a job at a post house as a runner. From there, I worked my way up to the present day where I'm a technical manager, covering almost all the tech in the company and getting to watch the journey of a series from start to finish in our welcome post.
Rebecca Brady [00:02:03] So there's careers in this. And the idea that you could be someone who can learn how to edit, not just technically, but also in the way that you can form really great narratives and be excellent storytellers. On top of that, you could also create really great visual effects pieces as well and be the best sound audio mixer, building soundscapes, making things that really immerse an audience into the film. And I think that's what post is: it's just creating things that are really immersive to your audience, and the fact that you can study something that allows you to bring all of these things together and then send you out into an industry that's so exciting, so rewarding, is just awesome.
Charlie Watts [00:02:50] Post-production is you, is the master of time and space. And as pretentious and as pompous as that might sound, the editor controls the timing, the pacing, the feeling, the emotion of anything that's made. And that's incredibly powerful.
Lily Ketley [00:03:08] I'd like to end on a quote from Rachelle McCalla. And that is: "Every human is talented. The key is to discover what we excel at and find ways to hone our craft and skills in ways that can be enhanced with technology. And this requires continuous practice learning, reimagining, and reworking how we work in the future."
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Post-Production for Film and Television degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, including a film/media related subject (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 25
Selection process
Applicants without relevant qualifications will be asked to provide a portfolio to support their application.
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
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.
Careers and opportunities
The post-production job market, within the UK film and TV sector alone, is estimated at £2.1 billion, with many graduate entry jobs available that can offer rapid progression into more senior roles within TV, film and video production teams. This course has been aligned to the needs of this industry, and to respond to the demand for skilled entrants to the post-production sector.
You'll graduate from this post-production degree with a broad spread of sector skills, opening the widest range of opportunities to you, and with demonstrable experience of putting your editing, grading and effects learning into practice. You'll also be well placed to specialise for the strand of the industry that interests you most, or to move on into further study in the post-production sphere.
What areas can you work in with a post-production degree?
Our TV and film graduates have used post-production specialism to secure work with companies such as:
- Disney
- IMG
- Pinewood Studios
- Sky
What jobs can you do with a post-production degree?
You'll graduate with the skills needed to work in post house companies, freelance film, and broadcast television projects. Jobs you could take on include:
- Data wrangler
- Editor
- Logger
- Post Production Scheduler
- Visual Effects Editor
- Post Sound Mixer
- Colourist
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
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.
What you'll study
Modules
There are no optional modules in the first year of this Post-Production for Film and Television degree.
Each module is 20 credits.
Core modules
- Film Craft
- Future Production
- Introduction to Compositing
- Introduction to Digital Visual Effects
- Post Production – Editing
- Sound for Moving Image
Core modules
Each core module is 20 credits.
- Workflow and Grading
- Advanced Post Production Editing
Optional modules
- Film, Media, and Communication Study Exchange (60 credits)
- Film Sound Production (20 credits)
- Researching Genre (20 credits)
- Visual Effects (20 credits)
- Factual Media Production (20 credits)
- Engaged Citizen through Interdisciplinary Practice (20 credits)
- Professional Experience (20 credits)
- Real-Time Animation and VFX Project (20 credits)
- Student Enterprise (20 credits)
- World and Transnational Cinema (20 credits)
Core modules
There are no optional modules in the final year of this Post-Production for Film and Television degree course.
- Graduate Film – 40 credits
- Post Production Practices – 20 credits
- Professional Industry Skills – 20 credits
- Documentary Film-Making – 20 credits
- Self Promotion – 20 credits
Between your second and third years, or after your third year, you can choose to do a paid or self-employed work placement. You'll apply your knowledge and skills to professional practice—both of which will enrich your overall studying experience and CV.
You'll have to take one of these optional modules to complete your sandwich year.
- CCI Work Placement – Full Year (40 credits)
- CCI Self-Employed Placement – Full Year (40 credits)
- CCI Placement Plus – Full Year (40 credits)
- Film, Media, and Communication Study Abroad – Full Year (120 credits)
- Film, Media, and Communication Study Abroad – Half Year (60 credits)
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, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- workshops
- project work
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- practical artefacts
- written reports
- presentations
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.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
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.
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.
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
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 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
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.
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 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,800 per 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.
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’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.
Tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 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 – P315
- our institution code – P80
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.