Media Studies Apprenticeships
What are the best apprenticeships for media/film enthusiasts?
Do you want to see your name in lights? Perhaps you would prefer to be behind the camera? Or spreading the word once production is complete?
If any of these sound like you, you could be destined for a career in media, film and television.
Why Media & Film is useful for apprenticeships
Research conducted by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) in 2023 revealed that approximately 53% of UK school leavers want to work in film or TV. Still, only 18% believe it is a realistic career goal.
The media and film industry is competitive, so studying for a related apprenticeship can give you a leg up.
These programmes enable you to gain practical, hands-on experience while earning a living wage and studying for industry-required qualifications.
The UK media industry incorporates many disciplines, including finance, business, law, and event management, in addition to the arts.
So, no matter your skills and interests, a media or film studies-related apprenticeship could help your dream become a reality.
Transferable skills
A good knowledge of films, television shows and media outlets that have come before can help you to understand your target audience and more accurately predict what kind of media they want to consume. Research skills come in handy here.
Creativity, as a writer, actor or artist can be utilised by a film and television production company or media agency. A strong imagination and talent in one or more arts can take you far. This includes computer design with special effects continuing to enhance most of the movies and television shows we watch.
But don’t worry if you prefer more practical subjects. Companies require business-savvy employers, and market researchers who can forecast audience reactions and crunch the numbers. Budgets are significant in the media and film industries, making accountants and financial advisors imperative.
Intermediate roles
As a school leaver, you may be deciding what to do next. There are many different careers and education options, but only really three paths you can follow:
- Get a job – likely to be a low-paid position
- Go to college and then university
- Apply for an apprenticeship
This is a personal choice, with pros and cons to each option. In this article, we are concentrating on apprenticeships. Specifically, those based in media or film studies.
UK apprenticeships are categorised by the level of qualification you will receive on completion and who the apprenticeship was designed for.
Entry-level apprenticeships are Level 2 in the UK, also known as intermediate apprenticeships.
Designed for school leavers, a level 2 apprenticeship enables young people to join the UK workforce, providing new skills and diversity. For the apprentice, it is a chance to earn a living wage while learning and gaining the qualifications necessary to progress in their chosen career.
There is no upper age limit on an entry-level apprenticeship, and they are also a good step for someone wishing to change careers.
Entry Requirements
The following are mandatory requirements for any UK apprenticeship:
- You must be 16 or older
- You must not be in full-time education
- You must have the right to live and work in the UK
Although there are national standards that each UK apprenticeship must comply with to be approved, each provider may have slightly different requirements.
UK apprenticeships are Government initiatives, partly funded and rolled out by the Government in conjunction with employers and universities.
Depending on the provider and the nature of the role, you will likely need a good GCSE or equivalent in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. A good GCSE pass in Media Studies or Film would be an advantage.
You should be adaptable and enthusiastic with a strong work ethic and a team player mentality. Attention to detail and excellent communication skills are also a must.
Companies such as the BBC also offer work experience programmes, which can help you to get an apprenticeship, either there or with a competitor.
Qualifications gained
An entry-level apprenticeship can earn a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
Level 2 film/media studies-based apprenticeships include:
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Advanced/Higher/Degree targeted at A-Level
As we have learned, the lowest level of UK apprenticeships is Level 2.
The higher levels are structured as follows:
- Level 3 – advanced apprenticeships
- Levels 4 and 5 – higher apprenticeships
- Levels 6 and 7 – degree-level apprenticeships
Each level offers the opportunity to earn a higher qualification, outlined below, and usually reflects a longer duration and complexity of work and learning.
Entry Requirements
To study for an advanced film/media studies apprenticeship, you will likely need good GCSEs in English language and Media Studies or Film. Depending on the job, a GCSE in Art, Music, Graphic Design, Fashion or Technology may also be required.
Higher and degree apprenticeships will usually need A levels in English language and a specialism such as those noted above.
Qualifications gained
By completing an apprenticeship you will achieve a qualification corresponding to the level as follows:
- Advanced apprenticeship = 2 A-Level passes.
- Higher apprenticeship = a foundation degree
- Degree apprenticeship = a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on your level of study.
Advanced, higher and degree film/media studies apprenticeships include:
- Journalist Level 5 – various providers
- PR & Communications Assistant Apprenticeship Level 4 – Cambridge Marketing College
Industry Focus
Media and film and television production is a huge industry in the UK, here are just a few of the sectors within that could lead to your dream role.
Making a film or television programme is a huge undertaking with hundreds or thousands of people all playing their parts. From the actors and directors to the special effects artists and hair stylists, everyone is an integral cog in the machine.
Some take centre stage, while others work in teams behind the scenes, ensuring the animation, props, stages, sound effects and costumes enhance rather than detract from the action.
There is also a business and finance aspect to film and television production which can provide a lucrative and changeable career.
Companies such as Warner Brothers Studios, and Pinewood provide production-based apprenticeships.
You can find more UK film and television apprenticeships on the UK Screen Alliance website.
With so many jobs involved and so much money on the line, production companies pull out all the stops to spread the word about their latest creations.
From organising press shoots and premieres to running social media accounts and writing press releases, there are many aspects to being a publicity coordinator, press officer or marketing manager in this industry. You could work for a studio or a PR agency with multiple clients.
In the age of streaming, there are also many jobs under ‘distribution’ – ie selling the film or television programme to a network, studio or streaming platform to ensure it reaches its target audience.
The Professional Services Marketing Group (PSMG) is a fantastic place to look for this type of apprenticeship.
Journalism encompasses news, sports, business and entertainment also a wide range of mediums from print to video blogs.
Journalists are writers, researchers, interviewers, photographers, presenters, pundits and critics. They can impart facts and information, start a discussion or provide their expert or personal opinion.
Many journalists today are multi-media, creating as much visual and digital content as written, if not more so.
You can work for a specific publication, such as a magazine, newspaper or video channel, or you can work freelance, creating content for multiple clients.
Companies such as ITV, the NCTJ (National Board of Journalism) and Dazed Media offer journalism and content creation apprenticeships.
Other Opportunities
Other options include:
- Media Studies/Film teacher
- Photographer
- UX Designer
- Author
- Script supervisor
- Foley artist (noises)
- Film linguist
- Costume designer/fitter
- Casting director
- Cinematographer
- Camera operator
- Sales agent
- Entertainment lawyer
- Contracts administrator
Conclusion
We hope this quick guide to film and media studies apprenticeships has provided some insight into getting your big break in the industry.
To find related apprenticeships in your area just search on our website, filtering by topic and location.
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