Why Study Creative Media in Bradford – the World’s First UNESCO City of Film

Bradford isn’t just a city, it’s known for some of the UK’s most iconic films and TV shows. As the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, it’s no surprise that major productions have all chosen Bradford as their setting, making it a hub for creative media and film production.

We’re surrounded by cinematic history, and whether you’re pursuing a career in creative media, filmmaking, or digital storytelling, you could be studying in the same city where some of the UK’s most legendary productions were filmed. Let’s take a quick tour through Bradford’s big-screen moments…

The Railway Children

Filmed at Oakworth Station, The Railway Children is an iconic film of British cinema. The steam trains, rolling countryside and heritage sites just outside the city have been drawing film crews here for years.

Peaky Blinders 

Think Birmingham? Think again. The hit series Peaky Blinders has used many different places in Bradford to film such as Bradford City Hall, Peel Park, Undercliffe Cemetery, and most recently in Little Germany for the upcoming Peaky Blinders film.

Virdee  

Virdee is a gritty crime drama set and filmed right here in Bradford. From the underground tunnels of Sunbridge Wells to the Mirror Pool at City Park, this new series puts our city front and centre.

Learn in the City of Film 

If you love storytelling, visual creativity, or the magic of behind-the-scenes in creative media, then our T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production is the course for you. With a perfect mix of classroom learning and real industry placements, you’ll build skills in a truly professional environment.

Our new facilities include a full media production setup, including DLCR cameras, Sony A7s, gimbals, tripods, soft boxes, lighting rigs, lav and boom mics, TV studio cameras, a Jib camera, vision mixer, audio desk, lighting desk, and a teleprompter.

You’ll gain experience working with independent production companies, the Science and Industry Museum, and our employer partner Screen Yorkshire, an organisation at the heart of Yorkshire’s thriving film and television scene.

Did you know?

Screen Yorkshire provides financial support through the Yorkshire Content Fund, helping bring major productions to life in the region. They also offer production and crew services, connecting creatives with skilled freelancers and assisting with location scouting through their dedicated Film Office. These resources make Yorkshire, and Bradford, a magnet for filmmakers.

Students also benefit from Screen Yorkshire’s collaboration with the Bradford School of Art, including exclusive filmmaking competitions where shortlisted films are selected by Richard Knight, Career Support Manager at Screen Yorkshire. Finalists even get the chance to have their work screened at the Spirit of Independence Film Festival in Sheffield, a huge opportunity to showcase talent to industry professionals.

So, what will you create?

With our new media facilities, industry links, and the city’s cinematic legacy all around you, Bradford College is the place to launch your journey. Whether you’re dreaming of directing, editing, or producing in creative media, it all starts here.

Apply now and be part of Bradford’s next generation of storytellers.