Film Studies

At Leicester you will explore the history, theory and art of film – the most universal of all the popular arts. During your time with us you will gain a thorough grounding in the history of cinema as a social practice and an understanding of a wide range of different national and transnational cinemas, film cultures, styles and genres. You will also look beyond the screen to learn about the process of making films – including making your own film – and to understand the role that film plays in society and culture.

Our Film Studies BA provides you with the necessary skills to critically analyse film. You will gain an understanding of how directors and producers approach their work, how critics and other audiences consume film and give voice to their opinions, and of the place of cinema within different social, cultural, historical and industrial contexts.

Leicester is ranked among the top 12 places in the UK for Film Studies*. We offer an exciting and wide-ranging approach to the study of film, television and other visual arts. You will study filmmaking from the silent era to the twenty-first century, from Hollywood to the avant-garde, and different national and transnational cinemas.

Practical experience and employability are also core elements of the degree; you will gain hands-on experience in programming and promoting a ‘film and art’ event, and have the opportunity to work as part of a team to produce a short video.

Your first year is designed to equip you with the key skills and concepts to study film as an art form. During your second year you will work in groups to create your own short film, using your firm grounding in film theory. You will also augment your focus on film through modules in which you study television and in which you will work with other students in the School of Arts mastering key critical concepts.

*Complete University Guide 2024 (Communication and Media Studies)