Film Studies

8th in the UK for our research outputs in Communications, Cultural and Media Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

=16th in the UK for Communications and Media Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)

16th in the UK for Communications and Media Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

About the course

Cinema entertains, informs and influences its audiences. If you’re fascinated by film, this degree is your chance to explore cinema as an art form and an industry.

A thriving cultural hub, with the oldest purpose-built cinema in the UK, Brighton is the perfect place to study film. We have close connections with several local film festivals such as Cinecity, and with cinemas across the region. At Sussex, you:

- research Hollywood blockbusters, international art cinema, or contemporary film and television drama

- discover a wide range of genres, from documentary and activist filmmaking, to musicals and teen films

- learn about global film cultures, including Chinese or Latin American cinemas

- question representations of gender, race and sexuality

- investigate representations of revolution and migration

- explore adaptations and pop soundtracks

- take electives from other subjects – from business to law and modern languages – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests.

You’ll have the opportunity to hone your practical skills in filmmaking, including screenwriting. You can also devise your own independent research project.

When you graduate, you’ll have the transferable skills needed for a range of careers.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.