HomeBlog Spotlight Why the University of York is a fantastic place to study Film and Media
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Why the University of York is a fantastic place to study Film and Media

Creative industries such as film and media always offer exciting opportunities that can make for a fulfilling and inspiring career. The competitive nature of these industries is one of the reasons why it is so important to choose the right degree, as well as the best place to study these kinds of artistic subjects. 

With a strong foundation of world-leading research, industry connections and cutting-edge production facilities, the University of York is a top choice for studying Film and Media in the UK. Plus, students have a fantastic route to a degree in these fields through the Foundation Certificate Interactive Media at the University of York International Pathway College!

Read on to learn more about why the University of York is the ideal place for international students who are interested in studying Film and Media, and how the Foundation Certificate Interactive Media can help you gain entry to a related degree.

Superb rankings 

The University of York is highly ranked in a number of subject areas, and even holds a spot in the top 15 in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024). 

The University is also ranked as one of the top 10 in the UK for research quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024), and is in the top 30 for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025).

As for Film and Media in particular, York ranks 5th in the UK for Film Production and Photography (Guardian University Guide 2023)!

Top 10 university in the UK for research quality

Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Top 30 in the UK for graduate prospects

Complete University Guide 2025

11th in the UK for Film Production and Photography

Guardian University Guide 2024

Industry-standard facilities  

York’s School of Arts and Creative Technologies is among the best in the UK. The degrees are designed to be very hands-on by incorporating a large amount of practical work, which students get to carry out in the University’s state-of-the-art facilities.

The department has its own purpose-built media complex worth £30 million. Inside, you’ll have access to its impressive equipment and software and get to make use of its two theatres, two television studios, digital cinema, interactive design lab and more.

With a curriculum that involves so many practical, collaborative projects, you’ll feel like you’re already a part of the industry, not just learning about it. You’ll also be assisted by teachers who are experts in their field, and have the chance to attend masterclasses with industry professionals.

Their specialist technical expertise will give you all the transferrable skills needed to transition confidently into the world of work after graduating.

Research and seminars  

Ambitious research projects in the Film and Media department at York display the University’s boundary-pushing approach to education and the industry itself. Researchers at the University of York have been responsible for several multi-million-pound, industry-facing projects, all driven by the desire to see digital creativity grow and evolve.

With research themes spanning culture, communications and technologies of the future, they’ve explored exciting concepts such as cinematic VR, immersive museums and enhancing audio description in films.

To showcase its groundbreaking research, the University hosts regular seminars with staff speakers and current research students. This means everyone has the chance to learn about all the great work being done and the new theories and practices being discovered by their own peers and faculty.

Foundation Certificate Interactive Media at the University of York International College

If you’re interested in studying a Film and Media degree at York, the Foundation Certificate Interactive Media is a great choice. You’ll study modules that are tailored to the subject, designed to prepare you for a degree in a related subject. Progression is offered to a wide range of York degrees, including Business of the Creative Industries, Film and Television Production, Interactive Media, and Theatre: Writing, Directing & Performance.

When you pass the Foundation Certificate at the required level, you’re guaranteed progression to the first year of a bachelor’s degree at the University of York. You can apply now for the first main intake in September 2022.

Start your path to a Film and Media degree at the University of York

Through Kaplan, you can also apply to a range of other pathway courses for international students who don’t yet qualify for direct entry to their chosen Film and Media degree at the University of York.

These include options for students wishing to study a master’s degree, and courses studied at Kaplan International College London, for students who’d like to spend some time in the capital before transferring to York for their degree.

Click the link below to find out more about what you can study at the University of York, or contact us for more information.