Because runner is an entry-level job, employers will be more interested in your enthusiasm, common sense and initiative than your formal qualifications.
However, many graduates still start as runners so although qualifications are not essential you will be competing with qualified students for jobs.
The key to getting into the industry is to gain practical experience and develop a network of contacts. Before you can find paid work as a runner, you could get experience through being involved in activities such as: student film or TV productions; community or student radio work experience placements (often unpaid or expenses-only); work for sound/camera equipment hire companies.
You should also show that you have administrative and organisational skills, so any previous experience in areas like office work, customer service or hospitality would be useful.
It is not essential to have studied film, video or media production, although you might find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make contacts in the industry. Several universities and colleges offer relevant BTEC National Certificates/Diplomas, BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses.
See Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed courses, including the City & Guilds Certificate for Audiovisual Industries Induction.