BA (Hons) HISTORY AND FILM STUDIES
BA (HONS) HISTORY AND FILM STUDIES
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.
Our BA History and Film Studies is ranked 10th for History and in the top 20 for Media and Film Studies by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
About
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.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.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.
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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.Career destinations
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:
- Film production
- Museums
- Cultural heritage and archives
- Arts festivals
- Social media
- Publishing (books, magazines, newspapers)

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Assessment for Year 1
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.Assessment for Year 2
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.Assessment for Year 3
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.
Assessment for Year 1
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.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students must take 60 credits (3 modules) in each semester. Students must select an even balance of Film and History modules across the year (3 modules of each)
Assessment for Year 2
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.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students must take 60 credits (2 modules) in each semester. Students must select an even balance of Film and History modules across the year (2 modules of each)
Assessment for Year 3
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.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including History, or one of the essay-based subjects listed below: Ancient History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, English Literature, History of Art, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Film Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Geography.T Levels
Not acceptedBTEC
DDM, excluding Public Services, Uniformed Services or Business Administration. A-level grade grade B also required in one of the essay-based subjects listed below: Ancient History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, English Literature, History of Art, Politics, Government and Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Film Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Geography.Scottish highers
AAABB alongside Advanced Higher grade C in History or a related subjectScottish highers advanced
BCC including History or a related subjectIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including History or a related subjectAccess course
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences pathway accepted. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3European Baccalaureate
75% including History or a related subjectInternational Baccalaureate
32 points including History or a related subjectGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE
Additional entry requirements
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.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed 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:
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a 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) for year 1 entry
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.
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 Track. 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.
Gap year
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.

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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
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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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:

We’re 3rd for research quality!

The Rise of Rural Cinema

UEA Award

Ask a Student

What's included in your fees

We’re 3rd for research quality!

The Rise of Rural Cinema

UEA Award

Ask a Student

What's included in your fees
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