Which Media Management course is best for me?

Over the last twenty years or so Media Management courses have sprung up across Europe. For prospective students finding the right school can be confusing. Which school should you apply to? Which school is best for you?

These questions come up in conversations with friends and family when they explore study options for their children. Sometimes I get asked questions like this during an open day at my university where I teach media production. Occasionally I get an email from a prospective students on this topic.

Here is my advise:

• professionals in media are part of an international network. If you can attend a school that teaches in English you obtain an important competitive advantage.
• research your top five schools and attend open days if you can. Speak to staff and students at the open day. Do students like it there? Are staff open and friendly? Do they answer your questions?
• does the school have up to date facilities as promised in their brochure? Is the education hands-on and practice led next to solid theory? The industry needs qualified professionals with a robust understanding of the way theory and practice complement each other.
• do a little research on the people teaching at the school: how are they connected to the industry? What can you learn from their industry experiences? Email the teachers and ask them questions if you want to find out more.

These tips should help you find a school that meets your needs. The industry needs highly skilled professionals and there is an ongoing skill and labour shortage in the sector. There is demand for Film, Television and Media Production (Deloitte, 2021) despite a slowdown in consumer spending. Growth for media and entertainment is projected at 2-3% until 2027. (PWC, 2021).

Just think about it: what are you, your friends and family doing after school or work? My bet is most of you are watching Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Disney or another streaming provider, next to your national or local TV broadcaster on your mobile phone, tablet, desktop at school or work and TV at home.

Someone needs to come up with the idea, develop and find the budget for it and then make the film, TV show or commercial. Who knows, perhaps you will be the next great Creative Producer?

Finding the right school for you can be challenging. Here a couple of sites to get you started:

• https://studyineuropefairs.eu/This site is an official EU website giving information about university fairs, courses on offer, etc.
• https://studyineuropefairs.eu/exhibitions/The study in Europe page lists fairs in your country. Fairs take place all over the world.
• https://www.facebook.com/StudyInEurope.Welcome/Study in Europe also has a Facebook page providing you with up to date information of fairs
• https://www.film-and-television.com/?page_id=47I put a small selection of schools together that you might be interested in.

Questions? I am always happy to answer any questions about this via [email protected]

About me: I studied Film, TV and Media production in the UK, worked in the industry for 14 yeas in the UK, US, Spain, Philippines, Singapore and now work as a lecturer at a media management school in the Netherlands. I speak German, English, Spanish and a little Dutch and continue my professional practice as a short filmmaker, producer and consultant. You can find out more about me at www.fritzkohle.com

Declaration: I am a lecturer at the Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUAs) and have not been asked to promote BUAs here. The information I provide is sourced from publicly available sites like the EUs official 'Study in Europe' page. My advise draws from years of experience of working in the industry and as a lecturer.