Film and History BA (Hons)
University of Southampton
Student rating
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

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Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Location

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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History
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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Access to HE Diploma
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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England
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Course info

About this courseFilm and history are closely linked, with roots going back to the earliest days of cinema. We offer this exciting and challenging film and history degree for movie lovers and history buffs. Youll study film history from a variety of perspectives: as popular art, big business and as a cultural record.Youll study familiar classics alongside contemporary cinema. Genres youll explore include:film noirhorrorscience fictiondocumentaryanimationYoull deepen your understanding and ...Read more

About this course

Film and history are closely linked, with roots going back to the earliest days of cinema. We offer this exciting and challenging film and history degree for movie lovers and history buffs. You'll study film history from a variety of perspectives: as popular art, big business and as a cultural record.

You'll study familiar classics alongside contemporary cinema. Genres you'll explore include:

  • film noir

  • horror

  • science fiction

  • documentary

  • animation

You'll deepen your understanding and enjoyment of film, and develop your critical thinking as part of a lively community.

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

  • lectures
  • classes and tutorials
  • coursework
  • individual and group projects
  • independent learning (studying on your own)

Careers

Film and History at Southampton will give you a strong foundation in skills that are attractive to all graduate employers, including:

  • written and verbal communication

  • analytical and critical thinking

  • evidence assessment

  • research

  • organisation

  • project management

Some of our graduates go on to careers in film and media, including film production, editing and post-production, distribution and marketing.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
83/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
22nd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
History
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 70 = 30% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
30%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
89%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
History graduate salary at this uni
£20,000
UK History graduate salary
£20,000
Media Studies
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 70 = 30% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
30%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
80%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Media Studies graduate salary at this uni
£20,000
UK Media Studies graduate salary
£19,000
What students say
S
Sofia
27 Feb 25

I love the community, the support and there are plenty of study spaces and..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
27 Feb 25

Good...Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

ABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

D3,M2,M2 Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

D Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

B Grades / Points required

Typical Offer: ABB including History or a related subject*If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:BBB including History or a related subject* and grade A in the EPQWe are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:BBB including History or a related subjectOffers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement. Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" -We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in History or a related subject**Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including History or a related subject**Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in History or a related subject**Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement. Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP):Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including History or a related subject**Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level History or a related subject* *Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB to include A level History or a related subject**Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in A level History or a related subject*. *Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

ABB from 3 A levels including History or a related subject*or AB from two A levels including History or a related subject* and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge CertificateOffers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement. Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Popular A-level subjects

Media Studies

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

English Literature
64%
History
40%
Film Studies
31%
Media Studies
27%
Psychology
21%
HESA
History

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

History
59%
Psychology
44%
English Literature
35%
Mathematics
15%
Biology
15%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22,300 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22,300 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£22300 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Film Studies reviews

Film Studies
Film Studies
History
S
Sofia
27 Feb 25
Film and History BA (Hons)
I love the community, the support and there are plenty of study spaces and...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
27 Feb 25
Film and Cultural Management (MA)
Good....
Read more
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Uni info

University of Southampton
University of Southampton , Southampton

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, internationally renowned for its education...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
20th
University of Southampton
Highfield Southampton Hampshire SO17 1BJ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: St Denys  0.6 miles away

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