Film, Photography and Media BA
Year of entry 2026
2025 course information- UCAS code
- W600
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB including one arts, humanities or social science subject. Excluding general studies and critical thinking. (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- mediaug@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This course blends film, photography and media to help you develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the fast-growing media sector.
You'll study film and photography in a research-led media school, considering key theories, debates and historical developments. This is combined with some creative practice, such as screenwriting and digital photography, to foster your creative and critical reflection skills.
While this is an academic degree, you’ll be able to explore production practices using our industry-standard facilities and understand how theory and practice can support each other.
Optional modules allow you to focus on film analysis and theory, develop skills in animation or scriptwriting, or to broaden the scope of your degree into the field of media and communication.
You’ll gain an understanding of the historical, theoretical, cultural and industrial contexts of film and photography, alongside mastering skills in production and post-production.
Specialist facilities
You’ll study in a supportive environment equipped with a range of industry-standard resources. As well as our extensive loans service for equipment such as digital recorders, video cameras, stills cameras and more, you’ll benefit from access to our darkroom and 40 editing suites equipped with the latest Adobe video editing software and Photoshop.
Our 58-seat cinema screens films twice a week during term time, and is equipped with HD video projection facilities, 16mm and 35mm film projectors and Dolby Digital surround sound.
Photography studio
Course details
Year 1
Year 1 lays the foundations of the course by helping you to develop your academic and practice-based skills. Core modules introduce you to screenwriting, as well as camera, editing and photographic practices. You’ll then put these into context and build your critical skills with modules on the history and theory of film and communications, while learning more about research in communication and media to inform your practice.
Year 2
In the following year, you’ll expand and enhance your skills as you work on a short film project and take further core modules in photography and cinema. You’ll also begin to specialise in topics that suit your interests, career plans and abilities, with optional modules ranging from motion graphics to issues of genre in cinema and the role of technology in communication and the media.
Year 3
In your final year, you’ll choose from optional modules on topics such as audience research, mobile media, documentary journalism and international communication, and you could undertake a four-week work placement to gain hands-on industry experience.
To complete your studies, you’ll work on a major project based on your own interests. You could work on a script, compile a photography portfolio, make a short film with your peers, develop a moving image project or complete a written dissertation on a topic in communication and media.
Have a look at final year projects produced by previous students on this course.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Media and Communication Research | 20 |
| Camera and Editing | 20 |
| Introduction to Cinema | 20 |
| Photographic Practices | 20 |
| Screen Narrative | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| The History of Communications | 20 |
| Introduction to Media and Communication Theory | 20 |
| Prose: Reading and Interpretation | 20 |
| Race, Writing and Decolonization | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Photography Theory and Practice | 20 |
| Cinematic Themes | 20 |
| Students must also select 20 credits from: | |
| Documentary Production | 20 |
| Short Film Production | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Technology in Communications and Media | 20 |
| Podcasting | 20 |
| Screen Fiction | 20 |
| Digital Storytelling | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Students must select 40 credits from: | |
| Moving Image Project | 40 |
| Script Project | 40 |
| Cinema Project | 40 |
| Photography Project | 40 |
| Communication Dissertation | 40 |
| Students must also select 20 credits from: | |
| The Documentary and Reality | 20 |
| Themes in Contemporary Photography | 20 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| International Communication | 20 |
| Placement | 20 |
| Feminism, Identity and Media | 20 |
| Understanding the Audience | 20 |
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn under the guidance of academic teaching practitioners and researchers using a range of teaching and learning methods, giving you the knowledge and skills needed for a career in this industry. These methods will include practical classes, as well as lectures, seminars and tutorials.
In addition, you’ll have a reading list for each module and independent study is a crucial part of the degree, allowing you to develop your own ideas, creativity and understanding. Your tutors will be available during their office hours to discuss any issues or questions that arise.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods so you can demonstrate different skills. These will include practical production coursework, team presentations, group projects, essays and exams.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB including one arts, humanities or social science subject. Excluding general studies and critical thinking.
Other course specific tests:
If you’re taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) you may receive an alternative offer alongside a standard offer. In this case, the typical offer would be ABB plus grade A in the EPQ.
You don't need to submit a portfolio of work for this course, but you may consider linking to examples of your work in your personal statement.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Offers are made on an individual basis- typically a Pass with 60 credits overall including 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 should be at Distinction and 15 at Merit level.
BTEC
DDD in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or Media
Example combination offers
Distinction in BTEC Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in two A Levels
Distinction Distinction in BTEC Diploma plus B at A Level
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate
35 overall
(16 at higher level, with 5 at higher level in English or 6 at standard level).
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3
AAAABB (pre-2017)
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers
A in an Advanced Higher and AABBB in Highers
AAAABB in Highers
Welsh Baccalaureate
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade. We require two A-levels at grade A, plus your Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales at grade B.
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate:
80% overall.
Find your country to see equivalent international qualifications.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.
The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year.
Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students
If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.
International
Find your country to see equivalent international qualifications.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.
The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
• Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
• Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
• Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
• Social Science (foundation year) BA
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses in the School of Media and Communication. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we wait until after the UCAS equal consideration application deadline has passed before making a final decision on applications.
If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will send you an email to let you know. Although you may have to wait longer than usual to receive a decision, you will hear from us by mid-May at the latest, in line with the deadline that UCAS sets universities for making decisions on applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline.
Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies with us and contribute to our community.
Read our admissions guidance and see ‘Application decisions’ for details.
All courses in the School involve rigorous theoretical study, research and presentation. All applicants must therefore provide evidence of completing, or working towards completing, a Level 3 (for example, A Level) Arts/Humanities qualification that demonstrates their ability to research a topic and present high quality written work. In some cases, applicants may also be asked to provide examples of completed essays or assignments in order to assess their suitability.
As part of your application, you'll need to submit a personal statement. Read our guidance on writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
This course is taught by
School of Media and Communication
Contact us
School of Media and Communication Undergraduate Admissions
Email: mediaug@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
This course will allow you to develop your creative and technical skills across three different yet related disciplines, along with in-depth theoretical knowledge and important transferable skills in communication, visual and critical awareness, writing, interpretation, project management and research.
Our graduates are recruited by a variety of prestigious companies in different sectors of the media and creative industries, including film and TV production companies, web-based companies and advertising and marketing agencies. Others pursue postgraduate study or freelance work, while some go on to start their own businesses and form independent production companies.
Careers support
Within the School, we offer opportunities for you to attend talks and workshops led by industry professionals to help you gain insight into a career in the film, photography and media industries.
Find out more about careers and employability at the School of Media and Communication.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
If you don’t want to spend a full year on a placement, you can still choose to take the optional placement module, which gives you the chance to spend around four weeks working at a company or organisation within the media or a related industry. We have excellent links with the local, regional and national creative industries, ensuring that you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience that complements your learning.