About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: P303
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 300
- Department: Arts
- Campus: St Matthias.
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Delivery: Part-time, full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Charlotte Crofts
Introduction
See the world differently: Film Studies at UWE embraces all kinds of films and tastes, with a truly diverse approach to studying cinema. You'll be introduced to an exciting range of cinematic traditions, from realism and documentary, popular genres and art cinema, to live action and animation. Films are part of our everyday lives, affecting how we understand ourselves as well as the world around us. You'll study the social, economic and technological changes that have helped shape film history, from the beginnings of cinema in the 19th century to the digital innovations transforming it in the 21st. You can also get some hands on experience of digital film production if you choose.
The Film Studies staff are themselves active researchers and filmmakers, which means the course is always responding to new developments and debates. Level Three options enable you to specialise in specific areas (please click on the Structure tab above for more details).
We have a very good relationship with students, encouraging them to develop their own areas of interest and ability in a friendly and supportive environment. This includes developing valuable skills in independent learning, analytical and conceptual thinking, creative expression, communication, teamwork, computer skills and time management, supported by our innovative Graduate Development Programme.
If you love film, then Bristol is a great place to be. We've got it all, from multiplexes to the Cube microplex, The Watershed and the Arnolfini. Bristol is host to a fantastic array of film festivals, as well as retrospectives, hard to see one-off screenings. Cary Grant was born here, Aardman Animation is based here, and all sorts of things get filmed here, from Skins and Being Human to Casualty and Deal or No Deal. There are loads of cultural and media industries in the area, with lots of opportunities for valuable work experience. There's a great music and club culture, too, as well as theatres and art galleries. We have strong links to local, alternative screening events and cinemas, including Bristol Silents, the Cube, Arnolfini and Watershed, and with the Afrika Eye , Compass, Encounters International film festivals.
Student's view
"One of the most valuable things I have learnt is how to engage with film critically rather than passively. The staff are very approachable and informative, and the facilities are all within easy reach. The library is especially well-stocked." Steve
Structure
Content
Level one
You take four modules at level one: Film Cultures, Anatomy of Film (critical practice pathway), Topics in Film History and Screen Worlds. The Graduate Development Programme runs within Film Cultures.
Level two
You study Currents in Film Theory and three option modules, at least two of which will be Film Studies modules. Typical choices include Hollywood; World Cinema; Screen Media; Film Forms (critical practice pathway).
Level three
You take four Film Studies modules in your final year. Options vary, but might include: Dissertation; Film Genres; Film and Philosophy; British National Cinema; Music, Cinema, Culture; Cinematic Practice (critical practice pathway); Cinema, Race, Ethnicity; Documentary Film; Digital Cinema; Games, Simulation, Media; Work Placement and Experience.
Please note that not all modules will be available every year. New modules drawing on staff expertise are sometimes added.
Teaching and learning
All our modules offer a range of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, small group discussions, screenings, practical workshops, and individual tutorials.
Assessment
Assessment methods include essays, group and individual presentations, textual analyses, research projects, critical case studies, examinations, critical practice projects and self-evaluations.
Special Features
Placements
Film Studies students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of their level 3 studies. Students have worked with a wide range of institutions and employers from Endemol (working on the production of Big Brother) and the Cannes Film Festival, to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta and the Arnolfini art gallery. We support and encourage student engagement with the regional creative and cultural industries throughout the course.
Study facilities
Read more about our facilities and resources.
Careers/further study
Doing a Film Studies degree does not necessarily mean you expect to work in the film and media industries - although many of our graduates do. Film Studies provides students with both subject-specific knowledge and a range of skills valued by employers, including independent thinking, analysis and evaluation, information literacy, communication, team work, creative production and time management. Our graduates go into a wide range of professions including teaching, publishing, marketing, leisure, tourism, as well as film programming, journalism and careers in film and media. A number go on to postgraduate study in Film and related areas.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about Sohelia's success on the South West Screen Next Generation Training Scheme.
Useful links
UWE - careers in broadcast media
Guardian - what to do with a degree in film studies
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 300
- GCSE: English Language at grade C or above required.
- Specific subjects: None specified
- Relevant subjects: English, Film Studies, Media Studies, History
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in English Language.
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
How to apply
Please see the general information about
applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011