Film and Media Studies

Film is a powerful and accessible cultural form that opens up new worlds to us. Drawing on your intellect and imagination, our vibrant Film and Media Studies programme offers you the opportunity to gain an understanding of the developments in this major global industry and to critically examine central elements of Film Studies – production, reception, and textual functions – within the context of wider media history and culture.

Through a variety of modules, you will learn transferable skills, creative thinking, and have opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects. You will explore the history and development of film as a medium, techniques of narrative and storytelling, genre and questions of taste, representation and identities, fans and audiences, and many other exciting areas.

You are taught by a team of film specialists with different backgrounds, whose diverse research expertise is reflected in the breadth and scope of the curriculum.

Year 1 introduces you to the academic study of the media, developing a broad understanding of key issues, concepts and debates in a variety of contexts. There is a particular focus on the impact of digital media and the convergence of old and new media. You will have the chance to apply this knowledge of theory and history in practical modules where you will develop digital technology skills. You will also take two dedicated Film Studies modules: Reading Film and Understanding Horror Film.

In Year 2, you will take more Film Studies modules (Contemporary European Cinema and Science Fiction and Fantasy Film), as well as modules in media theory and research methodologies. The work placement module will help you start planning for your future career as a graduate.

Your final year will include both Media and Film modules and a year-long Extended Independent Project that will allow you to demonstrate the full range of your knowledge and skills in a deep and sustained fashion. You will also study modules in Gothic Film, Community Media, Celebrity Culture, and Stars.

A choice of optional modules in Years 2 and 3 include Exploring Teaching as a Career, Interrogating TV, Politics and the Media, and Documentary and Photojournalism.

You will benefit from collaborating with fellow students from different programmes of study within the School of Media and Film in a friendly interdisciplinary learning environment. This will provide you with a wide range of knowledge and experience, which will give you an edge in your chosen graduate career.