Film, Photography and Media BA
Year of entry 2026
2027 course information- UCAS code
- W600
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 Years (Full time)
- Work placements
- 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
Take your creative and technical media skills to the next level as you seamlessly blend film, photography and digital content to become an expert storyteller.
The media and digital landscape is forever changing, with more creators chasing views, engagement, and the next viral hit than ever before.
This course will give you the expertise in film, photography and media skills to help you succeed in this challenging sector.
You’ll first gain a solid grounding in key theories, debates and notable developments in film and photography. You’ll complement this by flexing your creative practice, such as screenwriting and digital photography, to foster your imagination and critical reflection.
You’ll also test your hands-on production skills with our industry-standard facilities and understand how theory and practice work hand in hand.
You can tailor your programme depending on your chosen career path, whether it’s animation, scriptwriting, or communications. Through this course, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the historical, theoretical, cultural and industrial contexts of film and photography while mastering your production and post-production expertise.
By the end of your course, you’ll have the theoretical and practical skills to thrive in any media career.
You always get back what you invest because Leeds builds you a really good network; they are all connected with the media industries.
Why study at Leeds
- Exciting career prospects: Our media graduates have gone on to work for the likes of Channel 4, LADbible Group, the NSPCC and the Walt Disney Company.
- Big screen experience: Showcase your work in our 58-seat cinema with professional-grade equipment.
- Your course, your choice: Choose from a diverse array of optional modules to suit your career, such as Documentary Production, Podcasting, International Communication
- Access specialist facilities: Practice your technical skills in our creative spaces equipped with a range of industry-standard resources, such as Adobe video software.
- Expert guidance: 100% of students surveyed on this course said staff value their views and opinions about the course (DiscoverUni survey).
Course details and modules
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.
Specialist facilities
You’ll study in a supportive environment equipped with a range of industry-standard resources. You can utilise our extensive loans service for equipment, such as digital recorders, video cameras, stills cameras and more. You’ll also 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 regularly during term time and is equipped with HD video projection facilities, 16mm and 35mm film projectors and Dolby Digital surround sound.
Programme team
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.
If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.
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: £9,790
International: £26,500 (per year)
The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Tuition fees for UK students
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790.
Subsequent years
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.
The government has confirmed that the fee for 2027/28 will be £10,050.
From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.
Tuition fees for international students
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.
Read more about tuition fees.
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.
Additional cost information
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.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
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 2026
This course is taught by
School of Media and Communication
Contact us
School of Media and Communication Undergraduate Admissions
Email: mediaug@leeds.ac.uk
Career opportunities
Your course will give you the creative and technical skills across three different yet related disciplines. You’ll also gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and transferable skills in communication, visual and critical awareness, writing, interpretation, project management and research. These skills will make you highly desirable across the media sector as well as in other industries.
Where this degree could take you
Our graduates find work in a variety of prestigious companies in different sectors of the media and creative industries, including film and TV production companies, web firms and advertising and marketing agencies. They’ve gained roles that include:
- product development associate
- junior designer
- junior online editor
- creative producer
- assistant producer
- lead motion designer
Others pursue postgraduate study or freelance work, while some go on to start their own businesses and form independent production companies.
Our media graduates have gone on to work for the likes of:
- Channel 4
- IMA-HOME
- LADbible Group
- MediaCom
- NSPCC
- Sodium Films
- The Walt Disney Company
- Wunder Media Production
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course, you can apply to study 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.
Work placements
Make connections, practice skills and build future confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.
A work placement can be a great investment in your future:
- Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
- Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
- Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
- Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
- Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
- Improve your employability.
- All placements sourced by the University are paid positions
- We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.
Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.
If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.
If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.
On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:
- The Walt Disney Company
- L'Oreal (UK)
- SXSW London
- Dolby Europe
- Warner Bros.
- Virgin Media O2
- Fantastic Media
We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.