Why study this course?
Film Studies focuses on one of the most popular and mature of all media forms. Although new blockbusters create new box office records, cinema-going in Western countries reached its peak around the time of the Second World War, but in developing countries its popularity continues to rise.
Increasingly, films are the starting point for waves of additional cultural forms such as tie-in merchandise, computer games, websites, even theme park rides.
Film Studies aims to demonstrate the various approaches to studying film, make clear the ways in which cinema industries operate, how it is used as propaganda, how it is used as a form of resistance and how it tends to represent people and issues. Film Studies provides an exciting range of modules that ask critical questions about cinema industries and offers the opportunity to develop a wide range of essential, transferable abilities that will be welcome in many graduate roles.
Features:
The Film Studies programme is one of a number of complementary programmes of study taught within the Department of Media which is located predominantly at the Warrington campus. Situated between the thriving cities of Manchester and Liverpool, the University's Department of Media has developed an impressive reputation during the past decade for high quality teaching and support, and students frequently make use of the opportunities provided by these major cities.
The Department of Media continues to benefit from its links with broadcasters of regional, national and international reputation, and through its range of programmes is developing further formal relationships with a range of media content providers.
It must be stressed that Film Studies is a theoretically and historically based programme and does not include modules on practical filmmaking. Students may, however, combine it with more practically focused programmes offered on the Warrington campus including Television Production and Journalism.
Programme structure:
The Film Studies programme enables students to understand the popularity and power of film and its importance across a variety of contexts. It is an academic rather than a practical pathway, which aims to encourage critical and analytical thinking. Modules focus on a wide range of films, genres, national cinemas and approaches to studying film. Across all three levels of the degree, students study the historical, social, aesthetic, industrial and economic pressures that have shaped film into a globally popular cultural form.
Level 4 (Year 1)
Students take introductory core modules, which focus on film form and approaches to film. These modules introduce students to the variety of methodological approaches to studying film. Students are equipped with the conceptual apparatus necessary to decode, investigate and analyse films, both as individual texts and as constituent parts of wider contexts. Students develop a deeper interest and a critical eye. The programme aims not only to enhance students' understanding of film but also their enjoyment.
Modules may include:
- Introduction to Film Studies
- Texts and Contexts: Key Moments in Cinema History 1900 - 1980
Level 5 (Year 2)
Level 5 (Year 2) core modules focus on the national cinemas, as it is a key requirement of Film Studies that students are aware of the major production methods and development of dominant cinema and of less widely distributed cinema. Students focus on these crucial areas as a pathway towards many other aspects of film studies. Additionally, students take modules in preparation for the Dissertation at Level 6 (Year 3).
Modules may include:
Level 6 (Year 3)
At Level 6 (Year 3), students are able to choose particular areas of interest to study in more depth. Modules focus upon national cinemas or specific genres and include choices such as:
- Cinema Of Resistance
- Modernity, Cinema and the City
- ‘Here's Johnny': How to Study the Horror Film
Students also build on Level 5 (Year 2) work as they identify and explore a topic of interest for development into a Dissertation.
Programme assessment is designed to develop and enhance graduate characteristics and be of value as you move into the workplace. Therefore, there will be a mixture of coursework papers, written examinations, responses to screenings, seminar presentations, and a Dissertation.
Employers value the communication and analytical skills that media graduates possess. Other useful vocational skills developed include IT, research and problem solving, and working as part of a group.
Graduates from previous programmes now work nationally and internationally in a broad range of careers, including jobs in the media, cultural sectors, public relations and information industries. Some graduates have pursued postgraduate research and study.
Film Studies: Combined
| UCAS points: |
A minimum of 240 - 280 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent
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| BTEC: |
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile
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| Irish/Scottish: |
B in 4 subjects |
| International Baccalaureate: |
26 points |
| QAA: |
QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma, Open College Units or Open University Credits |
| OCR: |
OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit/distinction profile |
| Extra Information: |
The Advanced Diploma: acceptable on its own
Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer
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