Drawn to QMU’s interdisciplinary approach, Boglárka found the perfect environment to explore her passion for film and its origins while studying BA (Hons) Theatre and Film. With opportunities to engage in both practical projects and critical analysis, she developed a strong foundation that paved the way for an exciting career in the industry. Having worked with major studios like Netflix, Sky, and Sony, she now plays a key role in film festival management and co-hosts The European Film Podcast. Here, she reflects on her time at QMU and how it shaped her journey in the creative industries.
Why did you choose to study at QMU and what attracted you to the course?
While applying to universities worldwide, QMU’s Theatre and Film degree stood out to me as the most diverse and comprehensive arts programme available. As someone with a deep appreciation and passion for film, I cannot overlook the fact that, without performing arts and photography, cinema as a medium would lack its depth. This realisation led me to explore the very foundation of film: theatre. What makes this degree truly unique is its holistic approach, allowing students to study both theatre and film from a Scottish, British, European, and global perspective. It encapsulates the essence of these art forms, fostering a collective understanding of how socio-political movements and cultural shifts have shaped the creative landscape as we know it today.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
"What I appreciated most about my course was the flexibility in selecting modules, which allowed for a highly personalised academic experience."
Each of my classmates had distinct interests within theatre and film, and while we all graduated with a BA (Hons) in Theatre and Film, our individual paths of study were uniquely tailored. This structure enabled us to develop specialised expertise in our chosen areas, fostering a well-rounded and deeply engaging educational experience.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
Personally, I found the group-based activities within the course to be the most rewarding. Art is inherently collaborative; hence, understanding one’s role within a team is crucial for both academic and professional growth. These projects allowed me to engage with diverse perspectives, enhancing my adaptability, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the structured evaluation process, with feedback from both peers and lecturers, fostered self-reflection and ongoing development, emphasising the importance of recognising what type of teamplayer one naturally is. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork in the creative arts and provided a strong foundation for future collaborative work in the industry.
How did your lecturers support your learning?
Given its size, with around 5,000 students, QMU offers the opportunity to receive one-on-one support from lecturers.
What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them?
During my studies, Covid made it rather challenging to connect with peers across campus and forge new friendships after moving. However, thanks to ResLife and the wonderful staff at QMU, I was still able to engage with my fellow classmates and coursemates through a variety of online events and local activities on campus. This truly made a difference, as I never felt isolated. One of my fondest memories is when our flat received a delightful little pouch filled with treats and games to help us through the week while we were in isolation—it was a thoughtful gesture that meant a great deal to us.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
Alongside the course's syllabus, I would strongly encourage students to further explore both their theoretical and practical interests. If a particular topic in class or a practical course sparks your curiosity, don’t hesitate to ask lecturers for further information and guidance. Discovering your true passion amidst the vast array of creative careers can be challenging—you certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on your ideal role, just as you wouldn’t want to become an expert in something that doesn’t truly inspire you.
Did you join any schemes or initiatives to enhance your learning and development?
I joined the SHIFT programme, later progressing to SHIFT Plus, where I gained invaluable insight into establishing and managing small, art-focused businesses. The programme provided me with practical, real-world knowledge that I actively apply today—both in my own projects and in shaping others’ business ventures. I have worked as a brand developer and project manager for two new restaurants, successfully establishing a credible presence within the market.
My final assignment, which was graded as part of the programme, later materialised into a fully functional business that I continue to develop and run within the film festival realm.
Did you win any awards or scholarships that helped you develop skills and experience?
Another student from the Theatre and Film course, David Bakum, and I won our starting budget for the European Film Podcast via the Santander Fund Scheme. What started as an assignment for a module turned into a career opportunity.
"The fund enabled us to buy podcast equipment and gain access to film festivals, turning our passion for film festivals into a more in-depth experience by interviewing podcast guests across Europe. We are truly grateful for that."
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Get involved in student activities—join clubs and societies! If you have a great idea, don’t hesitate to share it with your lecturers or the wonderful Students' Union. The entire team is there to listen and help bring your ideas to life. They truly deserve all the recognition, as they play a huge role in making university life so much better.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
The first is about allowing yourself to make mistakes—and taking responsibility for them. The students at QMU are fantastic at problem-solving and troubleshooting, so even if you feel like you’ve really messed something up, there will always be someone ready with an idea to turn a failure into a success.
The second lesson is about cultural differences. I now feel much more prepared for the world, having come to understand that everyone comes from a unique background, and what feels ‘normal’ to one person may be completely different for another. The key is to be patient and to actively listen. Take the time to understand and read the people in your group, and this will lead not only to success but also to a truly rewarding experience.
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
During and after my uni life I had the chance to work with some studios such as Sony, Netflix, Sky on feature films, limited series, and other projects. I was lucky enough to learn from the best teams and to have confidence in leading my own productions.
My absolute favourite module during my university years was Film Festivals. Though I had never been involved with festivals before, my lecturer made both the academic and practical experience so unforgettable that I discovered where my true passion lies. Now, I am the Festival Manager the Edinburgh International University Film Festival, a new student-focused film festival. I am applying all the knowledge I gained during my studies, proving that the insights from my coursework have real-world relevance in delivering a successful festival.
Furthermore, another QMU graduate and I have launched a podcast, The European Film Podcast, where we travel to various film festivals, interviewing industry professionals to deepen our understanding of film theory, culture, and socio-political discourse.
