BA (Hons) History and Film Studies with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- WV6P
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Whether you’re interested in how film has been used to document past events, reimagine history, shape society’s attitudes, or open a window on times gone by, this degree will inspire your studies. Combining two disciplines, history and film studies, you'll gain a commanding understanding of both the history of film as a medium and how to use film as historical evidence to unlock the past and explore the way collective memory has been shaped down through the generations. You'll also do a placement in Year 3, gaining real-world experience that connects your academic skills with employment while you gain new skills to complement your course.
UEA is home to world-leading experts in both disciplines, and your studies can range widely across time and film genre. You might explore the Middle Ages, or the monumental events of the twentieth century. You might cover British film, Hollywood, or world cinema. As you follow your studies, you may choose to learn more about the media industries, or perhaps delve deeper into the past. Our flexible modular system allows you to shape a degree that best supports your learning adventure.
Make use of our outstanding facilities, valuable partnerships, and local opportunities. We’re home to the sector-leading East Anglian Film Archive – a unique resource that you might use in shaping your own Final Year dissertation, for example. We have close links with the British Film Institute in London and the Norwich Film Festival. Meanwhile, you’ll be studying in a region, here, that is a dynamic centre of media industries, and home to local production companies.
You’ll develop many transferable skills on this degree course, including high-level research and communication skills, team working, leadership, and self-management. These desirable transferable skills will open doors to a wide variety of careers, whether you want to become a writer, producer, or director in the industry or any number of other occupations in marketing, advertising, the charity sector, and more besides. In the past, our graduates have gone on to success as film industry executives, producers, media managers, creative directors, or other related fields such as film heritage, for example.
Placement Year
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you'll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You'll be expected to seek your own work placement, and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you'll have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you'll do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you have a clearer idea of what these are, what your values are, and which career they may lead to. History and Film Studies with a Placement Year graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as heritage, business, the public sector, creative industries and many more. We'll, however, require that the tasks you'll conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you'll be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
*Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this has to be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you have an idea you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your businesses in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a year-long placement in the third year of your degree. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our 'Placement Years in Arts and Humanities' page.
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'll 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 academics employ a range of teaching styles. Alongside traditional lectures and seminars, you’ll learn through critical viewing of film and television. 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 lectures and seminars, our 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
You’ll also acquire vital skills needed for independent learning and will develop the analytical skills which you'll need throughout your course. You'll 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'll be given opportunities to practice essay writing and presentations skills both in person and online. You'll 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
You’ll deepen your knowledge in modules covering topics such as propaganda and film theory. You’ll also begin the specialisation that continues in the third year. Modules at this stage combine options in film, television, and media studies with options in history, ranging from the Medieval period to modern times and from England to the wider world. You'll get an opportunity to work and learn with world experts in film and television as they explore material that they’re 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 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
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
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
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You'll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA, too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Assessment
You'll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
At this stage, you’ll focus in part on learning about historical memory and representation and will also gain the skills you need to undertake media research. You'll have the opportunity to continue to specialise too, choosing from modules on a range of areas according to your own interests. Modules include our most specialised undergraduate options in both film studies and history, often drawing on the cutting-edge research of our world-leading academics. 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: 30)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. These are often the most specialised modules and typically draw most directly on the primary expertise of academic staff.
Assessment
In your final year, you'll 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.
Employability
After the Course
Your History and Film Studies with a Placement Year 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
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Film production
- Museums
- Cultural heritage and archives
- Arts festivals
- Social media
- Publishing (books, magazines, newspapers)
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Not accepted.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - History with a Foundation Year and Film and Television Studies with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
- INTO UEA
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.
- 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.
-
- 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.
- 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
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: