Film Studies and Media Studies

BA (Hons)

Intermediate award(s): CertHE, DipHE
Full-Time

This course is available in Clearing, call us on 0845 271 3333 for more information

Our Film and Media courses ranked in the top quarter of The Guardian University League Table 2014.

Matthew Waters

BA (Hons) Film and Media Studies
Matthew Waters

“I thoroughly enjoyed implementing my own extra-curricular work experience into my course through the 'Working in Film' module. Moreover I wouldn't have learned about the internship I ended up completing if not for the connections at Anglia Ruskin. I spent three months with the Cambridge Film Festival and gained invaluable experience of the working world during my time there, as well as making fantastic connections to those within the media and film industries.

The University is very keen on making sure their students are as employable as possible post-graduation, regularly offering a great deal of opportunities to the student body to enhance their CV.
”

Course overview

BA (Hons) Film and Media Studies offers a broad perspective on media and film culture, affording a unique balance of theory and practice. The combined degree provides a sound base of knowledge in media and film studies, exploring historical perspectives, cutting edge contemporary media and film theory. It also allows for creative development through practice modules, including specialist strands in video filmmaking, animation, creative publishing, and radio.

BA (Hons) Film Studies explores formal, historical, and cultural contexts of cinema and spectatorship, and approaches the study of film in a number of different ways, from the close reading of individual films to a broader consideration of film as an industry and as an art form. The range of filmmaking that we look at spans the history of cinema, takes in practices from across the world and incorporates the avant-garde through to Hollywood blockbusters.

Media Studies is one of the most dynamic and relevant topics for study in today's global and interconnected society. The media's centrality to culture, politics, economics and identity make it a vital and necessary discipline, in terms of both developing a critical perspective on the modern world, and encouraging a creative and vibrant media culture.

The emphasis of the degree is on informed thinking about media and film, and critical thinking and exploration through both theory and practice.

Module guide

Year one core modules
  • Introduction to Film Studies

    This introductory module provides an analytic and creative approach to the study of films and film practices, and introduces you to some of the key features of film language and theory. In addition to contemporary and classical Hollywood, you begin to study experimental practices and products, and films and film-making contexts from a range of cultures. The medium of film is acknowledged as a distinctive language, art form and industry which has developed dramatically since its novelty beginnings in 1895. The use of film as ideological tool is investigated via consideration of the way in which films shape our beliefs and influence our behaviour through conforming with, (re)shaping or challenging the dominant. Via lectures, seminars and screenings, you learn to identify and debate the relative merits of different films and begin to develop the skills of critical judgement that are crucial to the subject. Visits to cinema venues and film festivals allow for first-hand experience of issues faced by the film industry, while seminar activities such as shot analyses and oral presentations encourage an appreciation of the links between conceptual and practical approaches.

  • Media, Culture and Society

    This module provides an overview of approaches to the media, including theories of the media and the broader issues and questions that have traditionally concerned media theorists. The module introduces you to all aspects of the media, including structures and organisations, production processes, contents, and audiences. Theories of the media are critically discussed and evaluated, along with the different perspectives, including organisational theories of media production, sociological and psychological approaches to media contents and reception, and the challenges posed by the new media. Specifically, the module covers: the mass society and mass communication thesis; the dominant/administrative and alternative/critical research paradigms; the transmission, ritual and reception models of mediated communication; media genres, contents and representations; the question of audiences, media reception and mass media effects; the advent of the new media and its challenges.

  • Introduction to Radio

    This module provides a basis for the development of a radio portfolio and a grounding for further study in radio up to major project level. It considers the relationship between theory and practice in radio production through studying a wide range of radio programmes and discussion of the different requirements of commercial radio stations and public broadcasting. Emphasis is on the teaching and practice of the basic elements of radio production, writing, presentation, journalism and technical expertise in recording and editing your material. The module is designed to introduce you to the various elements which make up any radio programme and to inculcate an awareness of the differences between writing for radio and writing for press, film or television, for example. There is particular emphasis on the art of interviewing, researching and scriptwriting. There is a current affairs element to introduce you to the concept of news and current affairs programming. You are expected to adapt print journalism for radio, to prepare scripts, to record and edit a short current affairs despatch and short radio programme for a named target audience using music, vox pops, interview clips and sound effects as appropriate. You produce a range of individual radio items which are then compiled into a 15 minute magazine programme. This latter involves group work in the selection and putting together of items.

Year two core modules
  • Media, Culture and Identity
  • Theorising the Specular and Classical Hollywood Cinema
Year three core modules
  • Major Project in Film Studies or Media Studies
  • Multiplexed: Contemporary Popular Cinema
  • Theorising the Information Age

Assessment

Methods of assessment include case studies, critical essays, screenwriting, journals and log books, presentations, portfolios, evaluation reports, film reviews and analyses, plus a range of 'hands-on' methods including Internet, print and video production, commissions and evaluation of creative work.

Facilities

Our excellent technical facilities include:
  • Film and television studios
  • HD cameras and 16mm film cameras
  • Final Cut Pro editing suites
  • Steenbecks for 16mm editing
  • Animation rostrum cameras
  • Multimedia studios
  • Screening theatres
  • Radio suites

Libraries

Our campus libraries offer a wide range of publications and a variety of study facilities, including open-access computers, areas for quiet or group study and bookable rooms. We also have an extensive Digital Library providing on and off-site access to e-books, e-journals and databases.

We endeavour to make our libraries as accessible as possible for all our students. During Semester time, they open 24 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, until midnight on Friday and Saturday and for 12 hours on Sunday.


IT Resources

Our open access computer facilities provide free access to the internet, email, messaging services and the full Microsoft Office suite. A high speed wireless service is also available in all key areas on campus. If you are away from campus or a distant learner, our student desktop and its many applications can be accessed remotely using the internet. Your personal student email account provides free document storage, calendar facilities and social networking opportunities.

Throughout your studies you will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing course notes, reading materials and multi-media content to support your learning, while our e-vision system gives you instant access to your academic record and your timetable.

Special features

Film studies is a key partner of the Cambridgeshire Film Consortium and our students have access to the Cambridge hub of the BFI Mediatheque.

Study Abroad

The Film & Media Studies Programme has successful exchange agreements with Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA; and Universitą Roma Tre, Italy. You may apply to spend one semester in either Years 2 or 3 studying abroad.

What our students think of us

BA (Hons) Film Studies and Media studies consistently scores highly in National Student Surveys, and in the most recent survey (2010), Film Studies achieved a 95% overall satisfaction rate, 13 points above the national average. 100% of our students agreed that 'staff are enthusiastic' and 'have made the subject interesting'. Media Studies achieved a 91% overall satisfaction rate which is 9 points above the national average. 100% of our students agreed that 'criteria used in marking were made clear in advance' 100% agreed that 'I have received detailed comments on my work' and 100% agreed that 'I have been able to access specialised equipment'.

Course Leader

Dr Tina Kendall

Links with industry and professional recognition

Our Film Studies course is a key partner of the Cambridgeshire Film Consortium and you will have access to the Cambridge hub of the BFI Mediatheque, as well as to the BFI library in Central London. Film Studies has a proven track record with work placements and internships. Through partnerships with regional and national organisations and partners, our students are given an excellent grounding to pursue careers in a wide range of roles within the film and creative industries. Alongside the taught curriculum, our students undertake commission work and gain valuable experience of these industries through work placements, internships, and a wealth of volunteering opportunities.

Recent student work placements and internships include:
  • BBC
  • Cambridge Arts Picturehouse
  • Cambridge Film Festival
  • Cambridge Festival of Ideas
  • Cambridge Union Society
  • Cannes Film Festival
  • CBBC
  • ITN
  • London Studios
  • LUX
  • MTV
  • New York Film Academy
  • No.w.here
  • Optimum Releasing
  • Red TV
  • Sight & Sound
  • Zenith Productions

Many have found this a precursor to subsequent employment. During their degree, our students screen their work on and off-campus, with many of them showing at international festivals. You will have the opportunity to screen your work at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse, and the best student films are shown each September in the context of the Cambridge International Film Festival.

Visiting lecturers & guest speakers
Guest speaker events, arts festivals, field trips and production projects are regularly organised by students and staff. Recent guest lecturers and visiting filmmakers include:
  • Terrence Davies
  • Peter Gidal
  • Malcolm Le Grice
  • Henry K. Miller
  • Jane Parker
  • Lucy Reynolds
  • Joćo Moreira Salles
  • Steven Shaviro
  • Guy Sherwin
  • Catherine Wheatley

Media Studies: Our Media Studies pathway has a proven track record with work placements and internships. Through partnerships with regional and national organisations and partners our students are given an excellent grounding to pursue careers in a wide range of roles within film, media, and creative industries. Alongside the taught curriculum, students undertake commission work and gain valuable experience in the film and media industries through work placements, internships, and a wealth of volunteering opportunities.

To date students have undertaken work placements and commissions with regional and local television, radio and newspapers, MTV and film festivals, and this has often been part of their assessed work. Many have found this a precursor to subsequent employment.

Work placements

Building relationships with film-related organisations through work placements and commissions is encouraged. Students have recently undertaken work experience with: Cambridge Arts Picturehouse; Cambridge Film Festival; Red TV; ITN; London Weekend Television; BBC; CBBC; MTV; Zenith Productions; London Studios; and the New York Film Academy.

Recent student work placements and internships include:
  • Anspear Ltd.
  • BBC Cambridgeshire
  • Cambridge Arts Picturehouse
  • Cambridge Film Festival
  • Cambridge Festival of Ideas
  • CBBC
  • Culture24
  • Estonian Public Broadcasting
  • MTV
  • Red TV
  • STAR Radio Cambridge
  • Zenith Productions
  • ZSL London Zoo

Associated careers

Our Film students have gone on to careers and higher education in:
  • film and video production
  • film criticism
  • cinema and film festival management
  • film education
  • broadcasting
  • public relations
  • Masters degrees
  • PGCEs (teaching qualifications)

A degree in Media Studies is clearly an advantage when applying for any profession demanding media competency and understanding. Typical graduate destinations would be in marketing, media consultancy, public relations, web design, publishing, advertising, broadcasting, journalism, and human resources.

Our Media students have gone on to careers and higher education in:
  • broadcasting
  • public relations
  • TV production
  • media consultancy
  • journalism
  • advertising
  • film and video production
  • Masters degrees

UCAS Tariff points: 220 - 260
Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

If we have confirmed you do not meet our entry requirements you might want to consider a preparatory course at Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC), our partner college, based on our Cambridge campus, before coming to study with us.

How to apply

UCAS code

P391

Location

Duration

3 Years

Available starts

September

Student finance

Open Day

Saturday 22 June
Undergraduate Open Day

Advice & support

Employability

Faculty

Arts, Law & Social Sciences

Department

English, Communication, Film and Media

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:
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