BA (Hons) History and Film Studies
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- WV61
- Entry Requirements
- ABB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Film and history have been intertwined since the invention of the moving image at the end of the 19th century. Whether film has been used to depict history or to sway its course, the overlapping of these two disciplines has long been a source of scholarly and cultural fascination.
In this degree, you’ll explore the key aspects of this relationship over a range of modules. You’ll explore the representation of history in genres such as documentary and propaganda films. At the same time, you’ll engage with the history of cinema.
You’ll also have access to first-hand archival experience at the East Anglian Film Archive, with which UEA has a special relationship. You’ll be able to use the materials to reconstruct aspects of local history or use them to make a film of your own.
The BA History and Film Studies degree is an innovative degree programme, combining these two interlinking subjects, and offering opportunities for critically engaging with how historical events have been recorded and reconstructed through visual media.
Our Film, Television and Media Studies department is recognised as a leading centre for the study of British and Hollywood cinemas, popular film and television genres, and feminist approaches to media. In UEA’s School of History, you’ll be taught by cutting-edge specialists and discover their latest world-leading research. UEA is acknowledged to be at the forefront of History research in the UK, and in the Times Higher Education Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 Analysis, UEA was ranked 3rd overall in the UK for research quality in History.
You’ll explore world history alongside the history of film. You'll be able to choose from a wide range of options across the two subjects. Specially designed modules will bring film and history into dynamic dialogue by examining areas such as propaganda and documentary. You'll also have access to resources like our on-campus television studio, media facilities and the unique holdings at the East Anglian Film Archive, where there are opportunities for practical experience in film-making and archival research. This is a unique resource which you can make use of during your time here. We 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 the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the first year, you’ll be introduced to the major academic debates in film studies and history. At the same time, you’ll develop the key skills needed to analyse and interpret a range of media texts and historical documents. Modules at this stage cover topics such as the nature of film history and visual(ising) history. To do this effectively, you’ll be taught the key skills needed to analyse film examples using contemporary and historical examples to aid you and you will be taught the historical skills necessary to evaluate them as cultural artefacts that shape our collective memory.
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 of these.
In addition to timetabled lecture and seminar slots, academic holds 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
You’ll also acquire vital skills needed for independent learning and will develop the analytical skills which you will 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 will 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
You’ll deepen your knowledge in modules covering topics such as propaganda and film genre. You’ll also begin the specialisation that continues in the third year. Modules at this stage cover subjects such as documentary, history, theory and criticism, heritage, and public history. 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 opportunities to undertake a placement during the second year. Previous students have undertaken placements with organisations including local radio stations, television production companies and the East Anglian Film Archive.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)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 your second year, 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. Modules may cover topics such as race and visual culture, giving you a sense of the ways in which race has been depicted on screen throughout film history.
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 from modules on a range of areas according to your own interests. Modules may include film and memory and the representation of the past, and genres such as science fiction. You’ll also develop your research skills in our dissertation module, which includes a period of supervised independent study.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 30)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 your final year, you’ll choose modules which involve close engagement with advanced topics in both history and film studies. Film studies modules may tackle questions of cinematic adaptation or the representation of crime and punishment on screen. History modules have included the revolutions in France and Russia, the First World War and death in the Middle Ages.
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
- Not accepted.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- 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 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 or BA History 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
Your History and Film Studies degree will prepare you for work in a wide array of fields. You’ll have the skills to work in the film and other creative industries. Or you could choose to enter the museum and heritage sector, both in the UK and elsewhere in the world. Alternatively, you might decide to continue your academic passion with postgraduate study at UEA.
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 production
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Museums
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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.