From industry insiders to global networking opportunities, Nicole’s master’s journey shows what’s possible when passion meets the right postgraduate course.
For aspiring film producer Nicole, choosing to study a postgraduate degree seemed like the necessary step to turn her passion into a career. From providing the technical know-how to helping her build industry connections, the MA Producing Film and TV course at Royal Holloway was the perfect fit to set her up for professional success.
“The postgrad degree is amazing. It has real industry professionals teaching who are currently working in film and TV. I really feel I’m learning from the best so that I can become the best in my future career.”
The ‘nitty-gritty’ of producing
“I feel the course is really preparing us for our future careers as producers.”
One of the highlights has been the Business Development sessions where visiting lecturers come in to talk about their experience. Each session a different industry professional joins us – like the creators of Downton Abbey and Skins. They share insights about the development process and information you just can’t get online, like how they secured finance for the shows we know and love. Telling us what we need to hear about the true nitty and gritty part of producing.
“Getting these experiences now as a student is so important, so that when I graduate, I’m properly set up for my future career.”
These are great opportunities to network, but the department lecturers are also good at helping you through their personal connections. They recommend new roles that are coming up that aren’t necessarily advertised - one lecturer even recommended me personally and I got the job. I’ve got experience working in the Bush Theatre and in Ambika P3 which I’ve learnt so much from.
Media arts lecture - Guest speaker
Most looking forward to . . . .I’m most looking forward to going to the Berlin Film Festival. It will be a great opportunity to network with like-minded people, meet people who are just starting out, those who have already started and people that already have their films in the selection. We’re going to see so many different international films and be able to expose ourselves to this new part of the industry as well. And we get the chance to explore Berlin as well, which is a great bonus.” |
Location, location, location
Being based in London, in the hub of the UK’s film and television industry is one of the best parts of this degree. We’re so close to places like the BBC and all these powerhouse companies are right on our doorstep. Before or after lectures we often head over to the BFI to watch films, go to talks, become even more inspired, and then bring that back into the classroom.
“It’s great to be able to appreciate everyone’s culture. Even if you’re an international student you will still feel included as part of the community”
The London campus has an amazing community, we’ve become a close-knit group of people from all over the world. We’re getting to explore each other’s cultures and share what inspires us in a type of cultural exchange - I’ve watched films from Bollywood, Nollywood, and beyond. We’re networking, creating films together, and also making time for a bit of fun in London at the end of the week.
Commuting into the London campus is a very simple journey with good connections. I really appreciate being able to live outside London and avoid the super expensive London prices, but still be able to commute and get there on time.
Community on campus
Staying at Royal Holloway
“Royal Holloway was where I wanted to continue to grow. The community, the friends, the teachers - it really does feel like a second home.”
Transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate at Royal Holloway was very simple and much easier than I expected.
Starting a master’s I thought would be quite daunting and a level more difficult, but it just wasn’t. I was lucky enough to stay within the same department, so I had a familiarity already and knew a lot of the lecturers, but even if you come from outside Royal Holloway, they're so caring and interested in your personal development that it’s an easy transition to make. They really do encourage you - it’s like there’s a hand behind you saying keep going and never give up.
My favourite memory . . . .“I hosted a panel with Tanya Reynolds who played Lily in Sex Education. She’s an alumna of Royal Holloway so it was great for students to be able to ask her questions. I really enjoyed hosting and helping guide the questions - it was a really, really great experience.” |
My advice to future students
If you’re considering postgraduate study, my biggest piece of advice is simple: be brave and take the first step.
Everyone has different experiences. Some of the people on my course had never touched a camera before they started. Now, they’re directing after just one term.
“If you have the passion and the will, you will definitely succeed.”
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