Film Studies BA

Course overview

This degree will give you a unique insight into global film culture, film form and style, and its political importance. 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 compulsory 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.

The course delivers 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.

Throughout your degree you’ll develop a range of essential skills valued by employers such as critical thinking, independent research and communication skills. You can also choose to take a work placement year or a study abroad year.

Leeds is home to the Leeds International Film Festival and great independent cinemas including the famous Hyde Park Picture House. We’re also close to Bradford – home of the National Science and Media Museum and a variety of film festivals. It’s the perfect part of the world in which to explore this exciting subject.

Additional highlights

Areas of staff expertise include: emerging cinemas from South Asia and the Middle East, decolonisation, LGBTQ cinema and issues, film theory, exhibition and curation, migration, Hollywood and European Cinemas.

Specialist facilities

Leeds has fantastic facilities for students studying film.

Our Language Centre offers an extensive lending library of foreign-language films for students of world cinema. The University library also houses extensive documents, manuscripts and early printed materials in its Special Collections, which are a valuable resource for your original research.

Our libraries also provide access to film streaming services including BFI Player and Kanopy. You can also enjoy a collective cinema experience in our large-screen lecture theatres, which we use for module film screenings.

Take a look around our libraries:

• Brotherton Library
• Laidlaw Library
• Edward Boyle Library

Course details

Year 1

You'll be introduced to the standard concepts and research skills in film studies through an original and democratic approach to the study of film. Rather than adopting the common division between Hollywood and the rest of the world, your modules will look at these concepts from the perspective of world cinema.

Year 2

You'll be introduced to key critical concepts, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies in film studies. You’ll also choose from a variety of optional modules so you can build a degree that suits you, whether you’re interested in questions of film genre and history across the globe, national cinemas, or film curation.

Year 3

You’ll use the research skills you've developed in your Final Year Project – an independent piece of research on a topic of your choosing which can also be in the form of a digital documentary, submitted as a podcast. You’ll also encounter some of the latest approaches and thinking in film studies. Between Years 2 and 3, students can also apply for an optional study abroad year or work placement year.

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BA Film Studies in the course catalogue.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 3 compulsory modules

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from a variety of learning and teaching styles. Your tutors are experts in their fields, so you’ll be able to benefit from their knowledge in lectures, small-group seminars and supervision meetings.

Independent learning is an important element of your studies, allowing you to build your research skills and think critically about the range of different sources you can access. We offer plenty of support on everything from choosing your modules to making the most of our excellent library resources.

You’ll have regular opportunities to provide feedback on teaching, course content and what can be improved. You’ll be introduced to a range of literature, films and approaches. You’ll participate in inclusive safe spaces for critically engaged discussions on sensitive topics, such as gender, race, sexuality, politics - and their representation in film.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers and professors to trained postgraduate researchers. You'll benefit from a wide range of different approaches and techniques.

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 ensure inclusive assessment by making sure all our students are assessed in a range of ways. Our assessments include: written and video essays, literature reviews, a mixture of live and pre-recorded presentations, sequence analysis, and exams.

You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress. Our University library also runs extra classes on skills such as, structuring essays and exam techniques that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

We work hard to make our reading lists diverse and that our teaching is carried out in a culturally sensitive way. Central to our approach is the inclusion of films and scholarly texts by female authors, queer authors and authors of colour.

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

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual 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 contextual 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: £24,500 (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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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 Admissions Policy 2025

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 degree in film studies will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills.

You'll be a critical watcher and thinker who can research different sources and form conclusions from the information you find. Your communication skills will enable you to explain and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. You’ll be attractive to employers in all kinds of industries.

Graduates have gone on to succeed in careers in: publishing, law, advertising and marketing, journalism, education, charity work, business and finance and the civil service. Many others have pursued postgraduate studies.

Careers support

The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies regularly hosts employability events where you can listen to Leeds alumni talking about their careers and ask them for advice.

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.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.