Film studies - Subject Guide

Film studies is a subject that explores different aspects of cinema and filmmaking, from the technical side of shooting and producing a film, through to the more contextual side of the industry, involving reviews, cultural analysis, writing, and theories. There are many routes to take, and you can start to discover which areas you’re most interested in while studying for your degree. 

Specialised areas within film include: 

• Film theory: Explores the critical analysis of cinema, examining concepts such as narrative structure, visual aesthetics, and cultural context to understand film as a medium of expression and communication. This specialisation covers the artistic, social, and philosophical dimensions of film making. 

• Contemporary cinema: Contemporary cinema typically refers to filmmaking from the last few decades, and encompasses the many genres, storytelling techniques, and cultural influences that reflect the current global cinematic landscape. 

• Directing: Directors oversee the artistic and creative aspects of filmmaking, including casting the actors and directing their performances. They influence the visual and storytelling elements of the film, to create a cohesive and compelling narrative that resonates with audiences. 

• Screenwriting: The craft of writing scripts for film and television is called screenwriting, and it focuses on developing characters, dialogue, and narrative structures to create engaging stories. 

• Film genre studies: There are loads of film genres, each with its own conventions and thematic elements. Professionals in this field analyse how genres change with time, mix with each other, and influence audience expectations. 

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• Film analysis  

• Screenwriting for film  

• Film literature and adaptation 

• Narrative structure 

• Film curation 

• Film genre studies 

• World cinema 

• Contemporary cinema 

• Film theory 

Film studies covers a broad curriculum, where you’ll develop a mixture of theoretical and practical skills relevant to the film industry. From the analysis of visual language, narrative techniques, and socio-political contexts to hands-on experience in screenwriting and production, you’ll learn how to unlock your creative side. 

Your course will likely be delivered through a combination of film screenings, seminars, and practical projects. You’ll gain film-specific skills as well as a host of transferable skills which will be applicable to a variety of workplaces. These include: 

• Critical analysis 

• Editing 

• Research 

• Writing skills 

In the UK, film studies degrees do not carry accreditation by professional bodies. However, universities offering film studies usually cultivate strong connections with film and other creative industries to ensure graduates are well-prepared. 

Film studies is all about storytelling and communication. If you’re interested in these aspects of the course, but want to check out alternative degrees before making your final choice, take a look at these related options: 

• Media studies 

• Communication and cultural studies 

• Theatre studies 

• Creative writing 

• Journalism  

The film industry is a huge and constantly changing media environment, and with a degree in film studies, you can pursue careers in production, writing, criticism, programming, and much more. 

From working directly with actors and directors, to handling the behind-the-scenes work involved in bringing a film to life, there are hundreds of routes to take your career. 

Graduates can pursue roles such as: 

• Film critic  

• Screenwriter 

• Film curator 

• Film historian 

• Director 

• Festival coordinator 

• Location manager 

• Marketing executive 

• Editor 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in film studies or a related subject. 

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