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:

104 UCAS Tariff points

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

International Students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements. Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our international pages.

If your first language is not English you must show evidence of English language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

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.

To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK or EU, or internationally (outside the UK/EU). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK and EU 2021 entry

The tuition fee for 202 entry onto this course is

• £9,250 per year for full time study
• £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time.

These prices apply to all UK/EU, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.

Funding Opportunities

Placement year funding

If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.

International 2021 entry

The tuition fee for 2021 entry to this course is £12,750 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK/EU.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Tier 4 visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your degree.

International Fees and Funding

Additional costs and financial support

There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Study Abroad

For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Financial help and support

Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses. 

All undergraduates receive financial support through the York St John Aspire card. Find out more about the Aspire scheme and how it can be used to help you purchase equipment you need for your course. 

Aspire Card