Film Studies BA (Hons)

Your understanding of film will be broadened across different genres including gothic and horror, animation, documentary and science fiction. You will learn the skills needed to critically engage with cinema, including the study of different styles, periods and cultures. Analysing film alongside visual art, interactive media and literature is also a key feature on this course.

As well as engaging the history of Cinema, this course focuses on the changing relationship that film has with comic books, video games, television and digital culture. The course includes an exploration of British and regional film, European and American Cinema and Transnational Cinema from around the globe. Students are also encouraged to become involved in wider film culture such as festivals and participate in the thriving York cinema scene.

You will be equipped with the tools to analyse and critically engage with cinema from different perspectives, styles, periods and world sites regarding co-existing cultural forms which include visual art, interactive media and literature. A range of assessment methods are used, including coursework, visual and oral presentations. You will also have the opportunity to participate in an employability module to develop key transferable skills. We actively encourage Film Studies students to get involved in the writing, production and marketing of our own magazine and web-platform Neutral.

This Film Studies Programme is an exciting pathway, which represents the changing nature of the subject area and the links between film and other disciplines. Film Studies opens up many exciting opportunities in a broad range of careers in the media, cultural sector, public relations and information industries.

Level 1

Modules

Modules may include:

• Cult and Extreme Cinema
• Britain on Film
• Cinema & Society
• Media Research
• Film & its Audiences

Level 2

Modules

Modules may include:

• Gothic & Horror
• European Cinema
• Independent Cinema
• Adaptations
• Film & the American Imagination
• Imaginary Worlds: Researching Science Fiction

Level 3

Modules

Modules may include:

• Documentary Film
• Gender & Sexualities
• Animations
• Transnational Cinema
• Dissertation

On the Film Studies programme you will experience and take part in lectures, seminars, workshops, task focused activities, field-trips and excursions and informative engagement with media practitioners and those working in the creative industry. Crucially, this is backed up by four distinct features. These are:

• Research informed teaching where experts in their subjects will work with you and develop your knowledge.
• A schedule of tutorial support where you will gain advice and guidance on how to progress academically.
• Technology enhanced programme instruction from experts that will help you to learn how to use media as a critical and creative tool.
• An employability strand to equip you for work as a graduate.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including essays, portfolios, single and group presentations (for example, voice-over commentaries using iPads and tablets), interactive e-portfolios (using platforms such as Word Press), creative visual pieces. All of these will be introduced at Level1 and then developed throughout your degree.

Qualifications

The minimum entry requirements for this course are:

96 UCAS Tariff points

3 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) including English Language

Foundation Year

This course is available with a foundation year. This option is ideal if you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto a degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education. A foundation year prepares you for degree level study, giving you the confidence and skills needed to make the most of your course. Passing it guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.

Foundation courses

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. These can be accessed through our Admissions webpages.