Film critic

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

Useful courses include film studies and journalism.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, with a media organisation, like:

• Junior Journalist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Journalist Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship

You might choose to specialise in reviewing films during your apprenticeship training.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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
• attend film previews and film festivals and write about them
• submit articles to online film review channels and websites
• post video reviews online and produce podcasts

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.

Career Tips

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 also write about other media, for example TV, plays and books, to supplement their income.

Further Information

You can find out more about creative industry careers from ScreenSkills .

You can find more general information about working and training in journalism from the National Union of Journalists and National Council for the Training of Journalists .

As a film critic, 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 style
• submit reviews by 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 in person and online
• research information about films and film-makers
• keep up to date with critical theories

You could work at events, at a venue, from home or in an office.