Film Studies BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- P303
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBC at A Level
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This degree will give you a unique insight into global film culture, film form and style, and the political importance of film.
You’ll explore the richness of world cinemas, meaning that your studies will be based on the phenomenon of film creation in different places and periods, not just Hollywood.
Through a combination of core and optional modules, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of historical, theoretical, critical and intercultural approaches used in film studies. You’ll benefit from studying in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies by being able to explore cinema from around the world, including French, German, Italian, Chinese and Japanese cinema.
Throughout your degree you’ll develop a range of essential skills valued by employers such as critical thinking, independent research and communication skills.
This film studies degree offers you teaching of the highest standard, in a research-intensive environment where enthusiastic experts and students come together to explore film culture. You’ll be encouraged to get involved in a range of activities organised by the Centre for World Cinemas and Digital Cultures.
You can choose to take a work placement year or a study abroad year.
Specialist facilities
Leeds has excellent resources for studying film.
As well as the rich cultural life of the city of Leeds, which includes the annual Leeds International Film Festival and various independent cinemas – such as the Hyde Park Picture House, the oldest cinema in Leeds, located in the heart of the city’s vibrant student area – our on-campus resources include an extensive lending library of Hollywood and foreign-language films, and you also can join various student-led film societies.
The University Library houses extensive documents, manuscripts and early printed materials in its Special Collections, which are a valuable resource for your original research.
Our additional library resources are also excellent and the University Library runs free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.
Take a look around our libraries:
Brotherton Library
Laidlaw Library
Edward Boyle Library
If you’re interested in learning a language, our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines.
Course details
Compulsory modules will introduce you to the foundations of film studies and other forms of audio-visual culture such as film stills, digital games and music files. Optional modules will allow you to study the history, language and art of film as a global industry and develop a range of analytical methods and skills.
In years two and three, you’ll develop skills in a range of critical approaches to the study of film and choose from a selection of optional modules which will enable you to pursue your own passion for film. Our expertise ranges from the silent period to the present day, allowing you to study topics ranging from national cinemas, film genres, representation of minorities in Hollywood cinema, and much more.
In your final year, you'll be able to put the research skills you have gained into practice in your Final Year Project – an independent piece of research on a topic of your own choosing.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture | 20 |
| Introduction to Film Studies I | 20 |
| Introduction to Film Studies II | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Directing World Cinemas | 20 |
| Film Music: From Text to Interpretation | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Critical Approaches to Screen Studies | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chinese Cinema | 20 |
| Film Programming and Exhibition: Curating for Cinemas and Festivals | 20 |
| Questioning Genre in World Cinemas | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Current Enquiries into Film Studies | 20 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Film Theory and Aesthetics | 20 |
| Japanese Cinema in the World | 20 |
| Hollywood and its Others | 20 |
| Cinema in the Digital Era | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Independent study is crucial to your studies as it allows you to develop your research skills and critical thinking. We have excellent library resources that you can draw upon, and the University Library runs training programmes to help you use them effectively.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use various types of assessment. Written essays are a significant part of this, but many modules will also include group presentations, video essays, creative logs, exams, literature reviews or annotated bibliographies.
We offer support in these areas as well – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam techniques that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
Other course specific tests:
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
BTEC
DDM
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Read our guidance about applying.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
A film studies degree combines subject-specific knowledge with a range of skills needed for careers in media, communications, and the creative industries.
When you graduate, you’ll have developed a range of professional skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking, excellent communication skills and the ability to conduct independent research. You’ll have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours, and the ability to work in multi-media environments.
Graduates from our joint honours film studies degrees have pursued careers in media and communications with organisations including the BBC, Channel 4, Film4 and the British Film Institute.
Others have used their professional skills to work in journalism, law, the civil service, the cultural sector, and teaching.
Many have also pursued postgraduate study, either at Leeds or another institution, to further their subject knowledge or explore a related field.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.