CONTENTS
- What is film studies?
- What film studies degrees can you study?
- What do you need to get on a film studies degree?
- What topics does a film studies degree cover?
- How long is a film studies degree?
- How will you be assessed?
- Why study film studies?
- What can you do with a film studies degree?
- What are the postgraduate opportunities?
- What alternatives are there to a film studies degree?
What is film studies?
Film studies isn’t just watching movies. It's about looking at film through a theoretical and critical lens, treating a film as a piece of work and analysing how it fits into the context of culture and society. It also teaches studies about the film industry itself, as well as the history and the different genres of film.
A film studies degree can be really flexible – you can often study it alongside another subject like English, a foreign language, history or media studies. Degrees in film studies include:
- BA Film Studies
- BA Film
- BA Film and Media
- BA Film and English Literature
- BA Film Studies and History
What do you need to get on a film studies degree?
Average entry requirements for film studies are:
- UCAS points: 128
- A-levels: ABB
- Scottish Highers: ABBB
- BTEC Nationals: DD
- International Baccalaureate: 32
Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.
Common modules for film studies include:
- Production skills
- Concepts and history
- Scriptwriting
- Research methods
- Film curation
- Film, literature and adaptation
- Contemporary cinema
- Film history
- Film genres
- Film and culture
- World cinema
- Documentary
A film studies degree usually takes three years to study. However, some unis will give the option of a year abroad or a placement year which will increase the course to four years.
Film studies courses usually involve assessment through:
- Exams
- Coursework
- Projects
- Presentations
- Dissertation
Studying a film studies degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:
- Editing
- Writing
- Directing
- Production
- Film analysis
- Script analysis
- Industry knowledge
More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:
- Critical thinking
- Team working
- Communication
- Research
- Working in groups
- Creative thinking
- Independent thinking
- Flexibility
- Observation and analysis
A film studies degree is quite transferable so graduates can look for work in different industries. Some jobs include:
- Screenwriter
- Director
- Editor
- Producer
- Journalist
- Film critic
- Location manager
- Cinema general manager
- Marketing exec
Your options for further study include:
- MA Film Studies
- MA Film: Theory and Practice
- MA Film and TV Production
- MA Filmmaking
Not sure if a film studies degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects:
Ready to start look for film studies degrees? Find loads of film studies courses right here!