Film Studies Degrees
Studying film will allow you to follow your passion for film, whilst also equipping you with the skills to turn it into a career. You will be presented with opportunities to develop your own style within film-making, developing your technical expertise and knowledge. Your degree will cover all aspects of film studies, from a blossoming idea all the way up to reviewing a finished product.
About Film Studies
Accreditation
The accreditation of your degree course will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be influenced by the level of your study. At undergraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). At postgraduate level, you are likely to be awarded a Master of Arts (MA), or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Further study will award you with a research degree such as a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Duration
Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three to four years to complete, depending on where you choose to study. A postgraduate degree will normally take one to two years to complete.
Your institution may offer part-time study options, which usually means that your degree will take four to six years. You may also be able to take a foundation programme, which is useful if you do not meet the entry requirements for your degree.
Fees
Annual tuition fees for UK students are capped by the UK government. For the 2019/20 academic year, they are £9,250. This is subject to change each year, and will be updated on your institution website.
Postgraduate course annual tuition fees are set by the institution, which means that they can differ. Postgraduate programmes are generally less expensive than undergraduate programmes. You will find detailed fee information on the institution webpage.
The fees displayed below are an example of typical annual tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate film studies degrees. Actual tuition fees can be found on the institution webpages.
Typical Annual Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate - £9,250
- Postgraduate - £8,500
Topics Covered
Undergraduate
An undergraduate degree will provide you with a foundation of knowledge in the film studies subject areas. You might study modules on the history of cinema, film history, film criticism, the British film industry, independent cinema, and film production. Most undergraduate courses will be designed to suit students who do not have a large amount of experience in film studies, as well as challenging those who have previously studied the subject. Your degree will be delivered through lectures and tutorials, incorporating practical sessions and potential field trips to film festivals. You may have the opportunity to take part in a work placement module, but this will be influenced by the film school you choose. Depending on your course, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. Assessment methods can include written work, practical projects and a final major research project.
Postgraduate
During a postgraduate degree, such as an MFA, you will build on your knowledge gained at undergraduate level. The modules you study will be on the more complex and specialised areas of film studies. Modules and specialisms might include critical approaches to film production, reading film, American film, reception and consumption of film, and realism and cinema. Assessment methods might include written work, practical projects, and a final major project.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for a film studies course will depend on where you choose to study. They will also depend on the level of study for which you are applying. An undergraduate degree might require you to have a background in film and television studies, with some institutions accepting other relevant courses such as media studies or drama. If you do not have a strong background in film studies, but can prove that you are passionate about the subject area, some universities will still consider your application. You can display this through your personal statement or interview. For a postgraduate degree, most institutions will require you to have an undergraduate degree in film studies, or a closely related subject.
Typical Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
- A Level Grades - ABB-BBC
- UCAS Points - 128-112 UCAS points
- Required/Desired Subjects - Media Studies, Drama, Art, English
- Other Entry Requirements - some institutions may ask you to provide a portfolio as part of your application
Postgraduate
- Degree Requirements - 2:2 or higher
- Required/Desired Subjects - Film Studies, Media Studies, Drama, Expressive Arts
Career Prospects
Graduates of film studies will have many career opportunities available to them. It is most common for graduates to work in qualitative roles. If you choose to work in a role directly related to film studies you might work in roles such as a producer, film editor, programme researcher or camera operator. If you choose to work in a role not directly related to film studies, you could work in roles such as business, teaching, research or the creative arts sector.
