BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- W610
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Film and television are multi-billion pound, interrelated global industries that play a crucial role in shaping how we see the world around us. UEA pioneered the study of these media forms and remains a leading institution in their study. In this degree, you’ll explore the historical, aesthetic, and cultural dimensions of film and television as well as considering the social, political and industrial aspects that shape those media forms. You'll learn about key historical moments in film and television and about theories which have been developed to create and make sense of the film and television content we consume on a daily basis.
Topics might include the global phenomenon of Doctor Who, trace Marvel Comics adaptations through TV and Film, study global cinema, or American cinema and screenwriting. Alongside your theoretical studies, you’ll have opportunities to discover how to make your own film and TV content and explore writing for different media.
One of the longest-established and most prestigious degrees of its kind in the country, our BA in Film and Television Studies will provide you with an opportunity to explore these two hugely influential mass media art forms in depth. Your degree will be focused on those cult hits and global franchises that define the market today.
In your first year, you’ll cover all the essentials in the subject gaining a grounding in key theoretical and historical debates. In your second and third years, you’ll choose from a wide array of modules, enabling you to specialise in the areas that interest you the most. These range from explorations of the earliest experiments in moving pictures to contextualizing modern multimedia franchises.
You’ll also get to choose from creative practice options in areas such as making short films and working in TV studio production, deepening your knowledge of how film and television texts are produced by applying your critical skills to practical outcomes.
You’ll develop many transferable skills on this degree course, including high-level research and communication skills, team working, leadership, and self-management, all of which are desirable transferable skills that open up a wide variety of careers.
Our Film, Television and Media Studies department is recognised as a leading centre for the study of British and Hollywood cinemas, British television, popular film and television genres, and feminist approaches to media. We’re home to the extensive East Anglian Film Archive – a unique resource which you can make use of during your time here. We also have close links with the British Film Institute in London, and with film festivals and local production companies.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll have the option to add an international dimension to your studies by applying to spend a semester studying abroad in your second year. For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the major historical debates in film and television studies and consider the major technological changes which influenced shifts in narrative forms and modes of representation which underpin all contemporary film making and television production.
To do this effectively, you will be taught the key skills needed to analyse film and television as separate media using contemporary and historical examples to aid you. These analytical skills will be invaluable in distinguishing the nuance of film and television examples and allow you to develop a critical eye as well as a critical voice.
The theory at first year encourages the use of your critical voice and provides opportunities to apply it as a researcher and writer. You will be introduced to a range of influential thinkers who have shaped today's media world and will form the foundation of your studies as you progress through the degree.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our world-leading academics employ a range of teaching styles. Alongside the more traditional lectures and seminars, you’ll learn through film and television screenings. You’ll also have access to UEA’s Television Studio and Media Suite, containing editing suites, cameras and sound equipment, and sound studios. You’ll have the opportunity to be trained to use all these.
In addition to timetabled lecture and seminar slots, academics hold dedicated office hours where students can come and seek advice and guidance on a one-to-one basis. You’ll also be assigned an adviser who can support you through your studies by providing academic and career guidance
In Year One, you’ll acquire vital skills needed for independent learning and will develop the analytical skills you’ll need throughout your course. You will have access to dedicated sessions designed to help you make the most of UEA’s state-of-the-art library facilities. Through these sessions and your academic modules, you’ll gain the vital research skills of uncovering resources and critically assessing sources. You will be given opportunities to practice essay writing and presentations skills both in person and online. You will also get the opportunity to work in groups and develop the skills necessary for effective collaboration.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed primarily by coursework across all three years. You'll be assessed in individual and group assessment modes. Group work may be in the form of research presentations, practical work or discussions. Individual assessments may be in the form of essays, critical reflections or individual presentations. You may be asked to deliver in-person presentations or produce online video-essays or video presentations. Your progress in some theoretical modules may be assessed through creative practice.
Structure
The range of opportunities for study and exploration are broad in the second year, so you’ll refine your academic knowledge and your analytical tools in modules designed to sharpen your media theory knowledge by going into more depth in film theory, separating it out from theorising television. In your second year, you can choose from a wide range of more specialist topics designed to take more nuanced looks at the cultural politics or theoretical methods which reflect the social contexts that produce our film and television products. These module options are frequently driven by staff research interests, and you will get an opportunity to work and learn with world experts in film and television as they explore material that they are passionate about with you.
You’ll also have an opportunity to complete a placement should you want to. Previous students have undertaken placements with local radio stations, television production companies and the East Anglian Film Archive, among others.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In Year Two, you’ll develop as a self-motivated researcher and independent creative thinker. The second year offers a wider range of learning and teaching methods from teacher-led surveys to student-centred practice or scaffolded independent study.
Assessment
While in the first year, assessment largely focusses on ensuring you have the key critical and analytical skills needed to work more independently in your second year, by the end of your second year your assessment will have prepared you for independent research as well as continuing to develop your critical and analytical skills.
Structure
At this stage, you’ll continue to specialise, choosing modules according to your personal interests, from gender to genre, science fiction or contemporary American cinema to Japanese cinema, or celebrity culture. You’ll also develop your research skills in our dissertation module which includes a period of supervised independent study. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a media practice project, producing creative work (film, TV, audio, print, advertising, digital) in response to an academic problem.
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In Year Three, the focus is on you becoming a researcher and independent scholar. You will have the opportunity to write a dissertation, a significant piece of scholarly research alongside a range of topics led by experts in the field. The emphasis on the final year is on taking the skills and you have learned and applying them to topics you are interested in.
Assessment
In your final year, you will have the opportunity to work closely with an expert supervisor in completing a dissertation on a topic of your own devising. All our assessments are designed to strengthen your critical thinking, prepare you for the next level of study and give you skills that are attractive to future employers.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject acceptable.
- BTEC
- Extended Diploma: DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM.
Diploma: DD plus grade B at A-level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BA Film and Television Studies with a Foundation Year.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business Economics Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with the skills to work across a wide range of sectors including the film and television and media industries, both in the UK and elsewhere in the world. You’ll be prepared for roles in production, press and publicity, publishing, cultural heritage and archives, social media, and arts festivals. Alternatively, you’ll be able to continue your academic passion with postgraduate study at UEA.
You’ll graduate with many transferable skills including high-level communication skills, team working, and self-management. These desirable qualities open up a wide variety of careers.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Film and TV production
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Publicity officers
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Cultural heritage and archives
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Arts festivals
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Social media
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Publishing (books, magazines, newspapers)
Discover more on our Careers webpages.