Film & Media
Create, capture and shape your future
Media and Film students gain real industry insight through outreach programmes with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). They take part in multimedia journalism workshops and talks led by professional reporters, exploring storytelling across film, digital, and broadcast platforms. With hands-on training and exposure to real media environments, learners build the creative and technical skills needed to launch successful careers in journalism, film, and media production.
FILM & MEDIA
Subject overview
What's on offer
Do you love to tell a story? You’re not alone. Storytellers have been a crucial part of society since the dawn of time, shaping our knowledge, our culture and our history. If you want to learn how to tell your story in new and innovative ways, then City of Portsmouth College is waiting for you.
Here, you’ll be part of a world of creativity, learning to use industry-standard tech with passionate teachers who have years of professional experience across film production, screenwriting, journalism and media theory. With expert guidance and armed with storytelling techniques and technological know-how, you’ll be able to tell your stories with confidence.
Subject highlights
- learn to shoot and edit using professional grade equipment
- visit Harry Potter Studios to explore sets, props and costumes of the iconic franchise
- benefit from close links to the University of Portsmouth, which has its own newsroom and TV studio
- enjoy careers talks and workshops by visitors from BIMM and MetFilm.

Course: A Level Film Making & Animation
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100016
Course: A Level Film Studies
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100128
Course: A Level Media Studies
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100130
Course: A Level Photography
- Course Type: A Levels
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100019
Course: Level 3 CTEC Certificate/Extended Certificate Digital Media Journalism
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100045
Course: Level 3 CTEC Certificate/Extended Certificate or Diploma in Digital Media
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Sixth Form Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: Q100095

Our facilities
Studying film & media at City of Portsmouth College, you’ll have access to a range of facilities that help you get closer to everything the industries produce.
Key facilities include:
- dedicated Film Studies classroom, with a large projector
- specialised screen for closely watching and analysing media clips
- film lending library, to help you explore film history and a range of genres
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“You cover loads of different aspects about media, including advertising, film, TV, magazines, newspapers. I enjoy the course and would certainly recommend it.”Owen Dawson
Studying: Level 3 Certificate in Digital Media Journalism & Level 3 Certificate in Criminology
School: Springfield School
Future plans: Study criminology at university and become a crime reporter
Careers within the media & film industries
Director
Directors lead the creative and technical aspects of production, to bring TV and film projects to life.
Main responsibilities:
- Shape the creative vision by developing scripts, ideas and storyboards
- Plan shoots with producers, choosing locations and defining the production style
- Hire and lead cast and crew, explaining technical and artistic requirements
- Direct performers on set to capture the right tone, emotion and pace
- Oversee editing to ensure the final production matches the creative brief
Salary range:
£25,000 - £50,000
Editor
Editors assemble images and sound to shape an engaging story.
Main responsibilities:
- Work with the director and producer to achieve the right visual style
- Review daily footage and assemble rough cuts on route to the final cut
- Arrange shots filmed out of sequence into a clear storyline
- Use professional software to enhance images for clarity or impact
- Stay up to date with the latest editing tools and techniques
Salary range:
£24,000 - £48,000
News Producer
News Producers lead on live and pre-recorded news content, on TV or online.
Main responsibilities:
- Develop story ideas, plan running orders, and maintain strong editorial standards
- Write scripts, check facts, and assign stories to reporters
- Book guests and coordinate with presenters, reporters, directors and technical teams
- Build and manage the newscast – shaping video, graphics, sound and live elements
- Make editorial decisions, and ensure legal and ethical compliance
Salary range:
£32,000 - £55,000
Film Critic
Film Critics analyse and review movies for newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and websites.
Main responsibilities:
- Watch and analyse films in all genres, often revisiting them to deepen your insight
- Evaluate elements like script, performances, cinematography, and artistic influences
- Write – and perhaps present – clear and engaging reviews to deadlines
- Research films, filmmakers and industry trends, and interview talent
- Build industry contacts and attend film festivals, previews and press events
Salary range: Variable
Salary range:
£20,000 - £80,000
Journalist
Journalists uncover, shape and share newsworthy stories for print, online, TV or radio.
Main responsibilities:
- Research stories, investigate leads and fact check information
- Conduct interviews in person, online, or over the phone
- Attend press conferences and briefings to gather information and ask questions
- Write, edit and prepare content including scripts, articles and voiceovers
- Work closely with editors, photographers and film crews as part of a team
Salary range:
£23,000 - £45,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
Bollywood boosts the British film industry
The UK is already a hotspot for Hollywood productions, with US studios long taking advantage of the wealth of British filmmaking talent. And now, Bollywood is also coming to Britain. In 2026, the leading Indian production house, Yash Raj Film, will shoot three major productions in the UK. These Bollywood blockbusters will create more than 3,000 jobs in the British film industry. It’s an exciting boost to a successful industry that already supports 90,000 jobs across the nation.
Lecturer Spotlight
Lizzie Collis
Digital Journalism Lecturer
Got something to say? Let’s make it headline-worthy.
In this spotlight, Lizzie Collis shares why Digital Journalism is one of the most exciting pathways within Film & Media. Into sport? Write match reports. Love theatre? Review live shows. Obsessed with fashion or gaming? Build your own magazine around it. Your voice, your angle, your stories.
You’ll explore the digital media industry from magazines and newspapers to radio and television. Head out into the city to find stories, capture images and report on live events, including covering Victorious Festival with full access to the action.
Frequently asked questions
Our Media and Film courses explore film production, editing, scriptwriting, broadcasting and digital content creation.
You'll learn how ideas move from concept to screen, developing both technical and creative skills. Through storytelling and production, you can find your brilliance behind the camera or in the editing suite.
Learners work with industry standard cameras, lighting equipment, sound recording tools and professional editing software.
Using high quality equipment helps you understand the technical standards expected within the media and film industry. You'll learn how to set up, operate and manage equipment safely and effectively, developing confidence in both studio and location environments.
Hands on experience with professional tools ensures you graduate with practical knowledge that reflects current industry practice.
Introductory courses build skills from the ground up, so prior experience is not always required.
You'll be guided through the fundamentals of filming, editing, storytelling and production planning in a structured and supportive way. If you're applying for a higher-level programme, some existing knowledge or a portfolio of creative work may be beneficial, with entry requirements clearly outlined on the course page.
Enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to experiment are just as important as technical experience.
Yes. Project based learning allows you to produce films, documentaries, short features or digital media content.
From initial concept and script development through to filming, editing and final presentation, you'll take ownership of your ideas and bring them to life. Creating your own productions helps you build a showreel or portfolio that demonstrates your developing style, technical ability and creative voice.
Media and Film qualifications can lead to roles in film production, editing, media marketing, broadcasting, content creation and digital communications.
The skills you develop, including storytelling, visual communication, project management and collaboration, are highly valued across the creative industries. Many students progress to university, specialist training or freelance opportunities within the media sector.
Teamwork is central to media production, reflecting how the industry operates in real professional settings.
You'll work in groups to plan shoots, assign production roles, manage deadlines and solve creative challenges together. Learning how to communicate ideas clearly and respond constructively to feedback is essential in film and media environments.
Through collaboration, you strengthen both your technical skills and your ability to contribute confidently within a creative team.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.
Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
