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Film critic apprenticeships

Creative and media

Film critic apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • short training courses


    • University

    You can do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate qualification in: 

    • film studies 
    • journalism 
    • English 
    • creative writing 
    • film and television 

    Courses like these will help you to develop the analysis and writing skills you'll need as a film critic. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course.

    College

    You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need for this job. Relevant courses include: 

    • A-Level Film Studies 
    • Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Journalism

    You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English. 

    Apprenticeship

    You can work towards this role by starting with a Level 3 apprenticeship as a junior journalist before specialising in film reviewing and criticism. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.

    Volunteering

    Competition for jobs is strong, and you'll need to show you've got writing experience. You'll find it useful to keep examples of your published work in a portfolio. To develop your experience and reputation you can: 

    • write for student and local newspapers 
    • create your own blog and build an online presence on social media 
    • submit articles to online film review channels and websites 
    • post video reviews online and produce podcasts

    Other Routes

    You may be able to do short courses, which could help you to develop your critical writing skills, as well as expand your knowledge of film and different genres. Short courses are offered by some colleges, adult education centres, university film departments. and film organisations online. Courses include: 

    • film criticism 
    • history of cinema 
    • creative writing 
    • journalism skills 
    • cinema from other countries
    It’s important to develop your own critical writing style and build up a good reputation to establish yourself as a film critic. You’re likely to be self-employed or work freelance as a film critic, especially when starting out, and be paid per review. Some critics write about other media, for example TV, plays and books, to supplement their income.


    Film critic apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of English language 
    • the ability to critically analyse information 
    • knowledge of media production and communication
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • excellent written communication skills 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • ambition and a desire to succeed 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Film critic apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could: 

    • watch films of all genres, often several times 
    • make notes about scripts, music, storylines and influences
    • look at technical details like camera angles, lighting and editing 
    • submit reviews by strict deadlines 
    • build up contacts with film-makers, agents and distributors 
    • attend film festivals, talks, previews and press conferences 
    • interview film-makers, actors and production staff 
    • research archival information about films and film-makers
    • keep up to date with critical theories
    Working environment
    You could work at events, at a venue, from home or in an office.

    Career path and progression - Film critic apprenticeships

    As an established film critic, you could combine your job with writing books on film, editing, or teaching criticism on film courses. You could also work in film archives.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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