BA (Hons) History and Film Studies
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- _WV61
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
)
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Course Overview
Why BA History and Film Studies at UEA?
This course explores the political, cultural, and social forces that have shaped our world. It investigates how films have influenced and continue to influence our understanding of history.
Why choose UEA?
- Real-world film history: Our modules are built around our collaborations with partners in the film and television industries including Film England, the BFI, and Norwich Film Festival, giving you the chance to apply your learning within the industry
- Immerse in culture and creativity: Study in Norwich, one of Britain’s most historic cities and the creative hub for the East of England
- Shape your studies: From pirates to pandemics, world cinema to streaming successes, choose the modules that support your passions
What is History and Film Studies?
How does film shape our understanding of history? In this degree, you’ll decode audio-visual documents and cinematic reimaginings of history to learn how they influence society’s attitudes and impact our world.
By combining the disciplines of 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.
Studying in Norwich puts UK history at your fingertips with Norwich Castle, Elm Hill, Iceni capital Venta Icenorum and more on your doorstep. Immerse yourself in film culture through Norwich Film Festival, UEA’s own Green Film Festival and NQIFF and our close links with the East Anglian Film Archive.
)
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA History and Film Studies degree, you could launch a career in:
- Film distribution: From where we see it to how we watch it, your job shapes the fundamentals of the film and television experience
- Festival curation and exhibition: Combines passion for film, culture and detail with an understanding of audiences and culture. The opportunities at UEA will stand you in great stead for this kind of role
- Museums and heritage: Preserve and interpret cultural and historical collections and present them to the public
- Film archiving: Preserve and catalogue film and digital media for use by studios, museums and broadcasters
- Film journalism: Write film reviews, news, features and commentary for print and web
Career Support
Take advantage of the events and opportunities that are run by us to support our students. From film festivals to collaborations with the BFI, and events designed to bring you into the room with industry professionals to share their experiences and tips, you’re supported as you find the opportunities that excite you most.
Additional support is available from UEA Career Central.
After the Course
You’ll leave the degree with a deep knowledge of history and film, as well as key employability qualities, including communication skills, critical thinking, teamworking, leadership, self-management, and sophisticated digital literacy. With a degree in History and Film Studies, you could consider careers in film distribution, archiving, curation and exhibition, journalism and the heritage sector.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the first year, you’ll be introduced to 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.
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.
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 may 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: 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, and Assessment
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 Media Suite,containing editing suites, cameras and sound equipment, and sound studios.
In year one, you'll understand the major academic debates in film studies and history and develop key analytical skills.
In year two, you'll deepen your knowledge in film and history and begin to specialise in the areas that inspire you.
In year three, you’ll find your focus through optional modules and develop your research skills through your dissertation project.
Assessment
You'll be assessed primarily by coursework across all three years. Assessment types include essays, critical reflections or individual in-person or video presentations. Alongside individual assessments, some projects may be group work based and include presentations, practical work, and group discussions.
Year one: Potential assessment types include essays, critical reflections, or individual in-person or video presentations.
Year two: Potential assessment types include essays, critical reflections or individual in-person or video presentations, as well as practical work in optional practical modules.
Year three: Complete an optional dissertation if you choose to do so while undertaking a variety of assessments across practical and optional modules.
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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
Contextual offer: Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC. 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include 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.
- 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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
A levels
ABB
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme.
- 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(opens in a new window) 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, UEA International Study Centre 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.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include 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.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
-
UK Students: £10,050
-
International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of 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: