Philosophy and Film Studies

The Philosophy and Film Studies programme at the University of East Anglia offers students a unique opportunity to explore the profound questions of human existence, ethics, and the nature of knowledge through the rigorous study of philosophy, alongside an in-depth analysis of cinematic art and film history. This interdisciplinary course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of philosophical theories and how they relate to contemporary issues, while also enabling students to critically examine film as a cultural and artistic form. Students will engage with a diverse range of philosophical topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, moral philosophy, and aesthetics, developing analytical skills and promoting clear, critical thinking. Simultaneously, the Film Studies component allows students to explore the history, theory, and practice of filmmaking, examining films from various genres, periods, and regions, as well as understanding film production, criticism, and the role of cinema in society. The programme encourages critical reflection on how philosophical ideas influence cinematic narratives and how films can serve as a medium for philosophical inquiry. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their studies to focus more on either philosophy or film, or pursue an integrated interdisciplinary pathway. The department boasts experienced faculty members who are active researchers, providing students with mentorship and insights into current debates and emerging trends. Practical skills are also emphasized, including research methods, essay writing, and presentation techniques, preparing graduates for careers in academia, media, arts management, or any fields requiring analytical and creative thinking. The program benefits from the university’s strong links with local cultural institutions and film festivals, providing opportunities for internships, exhibitions, and collaborative projects. Graduates leave with a broad cultural awareness, sharp analytical abilities, and a deep understanding of the relationship between philosophy and film, equipping them for diverse career paths in academia, media, arts, and beyond.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14430 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £12,300

• English

Course Content

The part-time degree in English Literature and Philosophy enables you to do a version of the English Literature and Philosophy course as a part-time student. The modules taken are the same as those which form the full-time programme, but the programme of study is spread over not less than five and not more than seven years. The first two years of your course are largely taken up by the foundation programme which occupies the first year of the full time course. After that, your career as a student is largely shaped by your own choices, though of course you do take the compulsory units, and observe the overall structure of the full-time programme.

In any one year, you are normally expected to do at least 40 and not more than 80 credits; in any one semester, the maximum is 40, but there is no set minimum. You may complete your course in Year 5, Year 6 or Year 7, depending on how quickly you have been accumulating the required credits. The example below assumes a student takes 60 credits a year.

In Year 1 and Year 2, you take six compulsory modules, three each from philosophy and literature.

In Year 3 and Year 4, you must take one module in English theory and one module from a list of English second-level modules, plus any two second-level philosophy modules. In addition, you are entitled to two free choice modules, which can be chosen from any eligible module within the University. You may choose to focus, doing more philosophy or literature modules, or to broaden your interests by taking modules from another humanity, a social science or even a science. Or you can take a language or a more practical career-based module, in preparation for employment after university.

In Year 5 and Year 6, you must take the compulsory literature and philosophy module plus any third-level English module and any two third-level philosophy modules. Some students choose the dissertation module (in either English or philosophy) in the final year: the 10,000-word dissertation, on a philosophical or literary subject, or interdisciplinary between the two, is prepared under the guidance of a tutor (this is recommended for students thinking of going on to do postgraduate study).

Teaching and Assessment

Philosophy thrives on discussion and the exchange of views. Only some parts of it can be done in large lecture classes. So we do have some of those—but when we do, they are designed to set you thinking, not to tell you facts. It's about learning how to think, and how to express what you think, not learning what to say. All the units have small group seminars or tutorials in which you work on the problems with a member of staff.

During the year your written work is marked by the seminar tutors. They give you comments and feedback to help you improve. Time is set aside for you to call on the lecturers to discuss your work or to get individual guidance.

Assessment is by a mixture of essays, longer projects or dissertation, and examinations. Each unit has its own mix of assessment. The degree result is calculated from the results of all the units in your final two years.

Year Abroad

One semester can be spent in Finland, Germany or Greece on the ERASMUS exchange programme.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level: AAB-ABB including a B grade in English Literature
• International Baccalaureate: 33-32 points including a score of 5 in Higher Level English
• Scottish Highers: Must have Advanced Higher in English Literature
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB-ABB including a B grade in English Literature
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB-AABBBB including a B grade in English Literature
• Access Course: Please contact the university for further information.
• HND: Please contact the university for further information.
• European Baccalaureate: 80-75% including English Literature

The School of Philosophy always welcomes applications from mature students and and those returning to study and values the work and life experience they bring with them. We do ask, however, that applicants have some relevant and recent academic study to prepare them for the demands and challenges of undergraduate work. By this we mean study in the Humanities at A-Level equivalent standard within the last 3 or 4 years. So, applicants who do not already hold acceptable qualifications may consider taking an A-Level (some colleges and adult education centres offer these as evening courses), an Access to Higher Education Diploma course (most local colleges offer these) or some Open University study. For the OU we would ask for around 60 credits at Level 2 or 3 in the Humanities.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing with no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 20 in Reading and Speaking components, 19 in Writing component and 17 in Listening components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing components with no less than 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

The University of East Anglia offers comprehensive undergraduate programmes in Philosophy and Film Studies, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of their respective fields. The BA Philosophy programme explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of reality. Students engage with a wide range of philosophical traditions, including ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy, and develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to construct and evaluate complex arguments. The course includes modules on logic, metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, and moral philosophy, often incorporating debates on contemporary issues. The programme emphasizes active engagement with texts and ideas, fostering a comprehensive understanding of philosophical discourse.

The BA Film Studies programme provides students with a thorough grounding in film history, theory, and criticism. Students examine a variety of cinematic genres, styles, and movements, learning to analyze films from aesthetic, cultural, and socio-political perspectives. The course covers topics including film theory, production, and the role of cinema in society. Practical components such as film analysis and critical essays develop students’ interpretative skills, while optional modules may include screenwriting, directing, or digital filmmaking, depending on the academic year. Both programmes benefit from the university’s strong links with the creative industries and academic staff renowned for their research and industry experience.

Students at East Anglia have access to excellent facilities, including specialized libraries and media equipment, facilitating experiential learning and research. The university’s campus provides an inspiring environment, with opportunities for interdisciplinary projects, workshops, and collaborations with industry practitioners. Additionally, programmes often include guest lectures, visiting artist presentations, and opportunities for placements, enriching students' academic and professional development. The university’s supportive academic community encourages independent inquiry while fostering collaborative learning. Graduates from these programmes have gone on to pursue careers in academia, journalism, media production, public relations, cultural management, and other related fields. Overall, the programmes aim to cultivate critical, creative, and reflective practitioners equipped to engage thoughtfully with pressing contemporary issues in philosophy and film.