Film at the University of Birmingham

Playing in a crucial role in the region's thriving creative industry.

The University of Birmingham is in a prime position to become a regional co-production hub for independent filmmakers, offering support with kit and post-production resources, as well as students that can work on films and get their first credits.

Christopher Nunn
Chris Nunn
Assistant Professor of Film (Education Focused)

Children of the Wicker Man

Children of The Wicker Man follows the emotional journey of Justin and Dominic Hardy as they unearth new details about the making of the film that broke their family. The film was made possible thanks to co-funding and post-production support from the University of Birmingham.
  • Dr Chris Nunn, Assistant Professor of Film in the Department of Film and Creative Writing, was working with Justin on an academic reappraisal of the film for its 50th anniversary when they discovered a long-forgotten archive of personal papers belonging to Robin Hardy. They revealed painful details of his bankruptcy throughout the making of The Wicker Man and his subsequent abandonment of the family.

    Dr Nunn worked with Justin and his brother Robin to bring their family's story to the big screen.

    Rediscovering the Wicker Man

Supporting the next generation of filmmakers

Alongside teaching from leading film academics, University of Birmingham film students get hands on, technical training and support to bring their screen project to life. All students benefit from: 

  • Industry placements in film and TV
  • State of the art camera equipment, studios and editing suites
  • Mentoring and support from practising, award-winning filmmakers and creatives
  • Access to kit and expertise for 18 months after graduation to create a documentary
  • Top tips for aspiring TV and film creators

    Academics and alumni give their advice on how to carve out a career in the industry.

    Advice for filmmakers
  • Making a feature film in the Shetlands

    Georgia is one of a group of MA Film and Television students that joined Professor Chris Nunn in the Shetland Islands for the production of his feature length film 'The Ill Man'.

    Read Georgia's story

Study film at Birmingham

Film and Television BA

Explore the inner workings of the Film and Television industry, from the technical skills used in production to the cultural influences that shape what we see on screen.

Explore the social and industrial factors influencing film and television with our award-winning, industry expert staff. Blending academic study and practical, hands-on creative learning in state-of-the-art facilities, this degree hones the skills you need to build a thriving career in the film and television industries.

Film and Television BA

Film and Creative Writing BA

You have a story to tell, and Birmingham has the programme to help you write your future novel, sonnet or screenplay.

Develop your practical skills as a filmmaker and writer. You'll explore film, television and writing in their critical and industry contexts under the guidance of our award-winning, industry expert staff.

Film and Creative Writing BA

English Literature and Film BA

Delve into the study of storytelling at Birmingham - immerse yourself in the imaginative worlds of writers across cultures and societies.

You’ll explore the power that narratives hold in our society. Develop the mixed media analytical and practical skills you need to succeed in the industry.

English Literature and Film BA

Drama and Film BA

Studying drama and film offers the opportunity to explore how stories are told on stage and screen, and their impact in the world.

Experience the theory and the practice behind filmmaking and theatre - explore film, television and performance. You'll study the critical contexts for these complementary creative industries, making use of placements, workshops and opportunities to exhibit your work.

Drama and Film BA

Film and Television: Research and Production MA

Get ready to start your career in film, television or digital media with our hands-on degree. Develop your employability and filmmaking skills without needing previous filming experience.

Supported with training throughout the MA, you'll develop research skills and methods in film and TV, then learn from industry experts on real-world projects by undertaking a placement.

Our teaching combines theory with practical training so you can learn how to use film kit. Build your skills and networks with a media placement module, gaining work experience to help you stand out in the sector.

Film and Television: Research and Production MA

Film and Television: Industries and Cultures MA

Get ready to start your career in film and television with creative and analytical training in screen art and culture.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the screen industries and be equipped with key professional skills in critical analysis and content creation.

Film and Television: Industries and Cultures MA

Film Studies with Audio-Visual PhD

Enhance your film-making skills on our practice-based Film Studies with Audio-Visual PhD. Film and edit your own practical output (a documentary, feature or portfolio of video work) to demonstrate your research. You'll be supported by academics specialising in Film Studies, plus experienced media technicians and screenwriters.

Explore and examine how film can be used to interrogate, teach and learn about the world. You'll bring together your creative, technical and critical abilities, completing the PhD with an original piece of film and a critical analysis. 

Film Studies with Audio-Visual PhD

Film Studies PhD / MA by Research

Join an internationally recognised group of Film Studies and Television scholars and contribute original research to this dynamic field.

At Birmingham, you’ll benefit from our interdisciplinary approach with supervisors from the Department of Film and Creative Writing and the possibility of co-supervisors from across the College of Arts and Law.

Film Studies PhD / MA by Research

Film news