Video editing course curriculum

Individuals interested in learning video editing can take beginner-level video editing courses which typically cover the following:

• Video editing concepts and terminologies

• The role of an editor in the video production process

• The different video formats, resolutions, and codecs

• Video editing tools

• Basic editing techniques: cutting, splitting, and reordering clips

• The audio components of a video: sound level and effects 

For learners who can already do some basic editing, an intermediate-level video editing course can cover:

• Color correction and grading

• Transition and special effects

• Motion graphics and animation 

• Advanced editing techniques: keyframing, multicam editing, etc.  

• Workflow, collaboration, and versioning 

• Proficiency in the use of editing tools

At the expert-level, video editing courses may focus on:

• Advanced motion graphics and animation 

• Advanced audio editing

• Advanced video storytelling

• Integration with VFX and 3D assets

• Advanced output and delivery formats

Start building the knowledge you need to work in editing with edX. From accelerated boot camps to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor's degree or (for more advanced learners) a master's degree, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. Busy professionals can even take advantage of executive education courses tailored to those in leadership and management positions. Find the right course for you.

Explore video editing jobs

Jobs that may require video editing skills include:

• Video or film editor: Knows how to cut, arrange, and add special effects to raw video footage. They are also responsible for ensuring the flow of the final product is cohesive. They sit on video or content production teams and collaborate with other video or content production professionals.^{Footnote 3}

• Content developer: Creates different types of assets, including multimedia content like videos.^{Footnote 4} Video editing skills can help them produce effective and professional quality videos. 

• Digital marketer: Uses their video editing skills to create promotional, advertising, and educational videos that their audience finds engaging and convincing.^{Footnote 5}They support people who advertise and sell products and services online. There are multiple ways to gain digital marketing skills, such as enrolling in an intensive digital marketing boot camp.

• Course or learning content creator: Creates online courses and tutorials by using video editing skills to enhance the learner’s experience and help them achieve their educational goals. For example, rather than re-recording an entire course, they can use splitting and joining to replace outdated, incorrect, or irrelevant information.

• Animator: Skilled at refining animated sequences, integrating audio components, and ensuring smooth transitions between frames or scenes.^{Footnote 6}

• Multimedia journalist: Specializes in conceptualizing and creating multimedia news content. Their video editing allows them to add elements like graphics and sound to enhance news packages.^{Footnote 7}

• Broadcast engineer: Uses their video editing skills to edit video content, ensuring it meets standard broadcast quality and regulatory requirements. Their responsibilities also extend beyond creating video.^{Footnote 8}

• Videographer or cinematographer: Captures events (either live and planned) on video and use video editing skills to improve the finished quality of their work.^{Footnote 9}

• UX/UI designer: Creates interactive prototypes and showcases user flows, enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, video editing can be used to craft engaging product demos and promotional videos that effectively communicate the design vision to their stakeholders and users.

How to use video editing in your career

Learning video editing allows those with a passion for visual storytelling to refine their creative skills. Here are some ways in which your video editing abilities may prove valuable:

• Work on exciting personal projects: If you're working on a personal project that involves creating video content, like vlogs and travel videos, video editing skills can help bring extra shine to your work. For instance, you can use video storytelling skills to transform short family videos into memorable documentaries.

• Find paid professional work: Organizations and businesses across several industries create video content for online marketing and advertising, training, customer education, and more. Hence, they'll need video editing services. If you are already a digital marketer or social media marketer, video editing is a useful tool to add to your skill set. 

• Grow your social media accounts: Sharing useful and engaging video content has become one of the fastest ways to grow on social media. Video editing skills can help you create quality, income-generating videos that help you grow your online presence and influence. 

Whether you want to pursue a specific role or find personal ways to monetize your video editing skills, there are many ways you can leverage expertise with this medium. Start building the skills you need today with edX.