Time To Shine On Screen

Where would we be without film? Movies can be watched in the palm of our hand while CGI creates universes for us to explore without having to leave the cinema. The pandemic showed us that, when the going gets tough, we all look for a bit of escapism and a break from the real-world.

At the University of Bolton, we help you to realise your full creative potential as you explore the worlds of possibilities with a filmmaking degree.

Carve Out your Niche

There are many potential pathways if you want to get involved in the film industry, with stellar career opportunities on offer. The combined global film and video market was valued at over £177 billion in 2020, with a projected value of £310 billion by 2030. As well as a dynamic and creative environment to work in, it also seems that movies are here to stay.

While a film studies degree may be viewed as a more contemporary option than traditional literature, there’s over a century of filmmaking techniques and genres to get to grips with. When focusing on FX techniques in particular, you might want to specialise in modelmaking, which its own area of specialism, or you may want to get hands-on with the talent to create characters to remember with special effects make up.

Films and television rely heavily on animation and visual effects – how about bringing together the world of art with more technically involved computer-based graphics?

Careers With a Film Studies Degree

What makes a filmmaking degree so special is the fact that it provides a fabulous foundation for other roles within film, television and broadcasting. A screen production requires a large team of skilled professionals to bring it to completion. These can include directors and editors as well as the people who source locations or research the content of the film or programme. Other roles include:

Camera operator

Broadcast engineer

Floor manager

Production coordinator

Production designer

Runner

There are also a number of roles in associated industries:

Art director in advertising

Arts administrator

Community arts worker

Event manager

Talent agent

Film FX at Bolton

One of the most important things you can do during your studies is to build and develop your own network of industry professionals. With visiting speaker and industry experts, you will be able to shine and demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for your subject area.

Making sure that you’re supported during your time with the Centre for Film FX is one of the most important parts of your degree. Our student-to-staff ratio has been ranked No. 1 in Greater Manchester*.

Our experienced teaching staff will help you to understand how you can turn a brief and a script into a cost-effective and visually fabulous piece that showcases your skills and knowledge. You’ll be able to bring your projects to life in the 3D print studio and modelmaking workshop, our Cintiq studio and specialist make-up studios. You can also develop your expertise with filmmaking software, such as Autodesk Maya, ZBrush and Houdini, and perfect your skillset.

The Centre for Film FX is home to skilled and passionate teaching staff, many of whom have come to us from industry. They will give you hints, tips and advice that will set you on your path to filmmaking brilliance. Ranked No. 1 for Student Satisfaction in the North West**. Our small class sizes will give you the one-to-one support that will set you up as the candidate to enjoy a role in the film industry.

Have a look at our courses here.

*Guardian University Guide 2022
**Complete University Guide 2021