Film and American Studies

The BA in Film and American Studies at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive exploration of American culture through the lens of film and television, combined with in-depth academic studies of American history, society, and politics. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the development of American cinema and television as influential cultural industries and to examine how these visual media reflect and shape American identity, values, and social issues. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of films, television programmes, and cinematic texts, analyzing narrative techniques, genre conventions, and technological advancements within the context of American cultural history.

In addition to film studies, the programme offers modules in American Studies that cover topics such as American literature, political movements, social change, race and ethnicity, gender, and economic developments. This integrated approach allows students to understand the complex cultural landscape of the United States, considering both historical contexts and contemporary debates. The coursework emphasizes critical analysis, research skills, and written communication, preparing students for careers in media, journalism, education, cultural policy, or further postgraduate study.

The programme benefits from the university’s vibrant academic community and its connections with creative industries and cultural organizations. Students have access to excellent resources, including film archives, libraries, and media production facilities. There are opportunities for internships, field trips to film festivals and cultural sites, and participation in academic conferences and film screenings. The faculty comprises experienced scholars and industry professionals dedicated to supporting students’ academic and professional development.

Graduates of this programme are equipped with a nuanced understanding of American culture and media, alongside transferable skills such as critical thinking, intercultural communication, and media literacy. Whether students aim to pursue careers in film production, criticism, academia, or cultural diplomacy, the BA in Film and American Studies offers a rich and engaging educational experience. The programme prepares graduates to analyze cultural texts insightful ly and contribute meaningfully to discussions about American society and media in a global context.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14600 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Year 1

This year covers a range of theoretical and historical approaches to film studies and American studies, placing the contemporary in an historical context. Study skills are developed, supporting your progress as an undergraduate.

Year 2

Core modules on theory and research prepare you for advanced work in your final year. A wide range of optional modules is available for both strands. In film studies, courses on topics such as film noir, Asian cinemas, and women and Hollywood are available, as are modules on television- related themes. In American studies, modules cover topics such as politics, civil rights and American literature, drama, poetry and music. There are also opportunities for you to engage in practical work. The course structure also allows you to take modules from other Schools, such as Politics, Literature, or Philosophy, enabling you to design the learning experience which best suits you.

Year 3

You will study in the United States, as part of the Universitys extensive exchange programme, extending your knowledge of cinema and society through first-hand experience of the cultural context at the heart of your studies. As a student at an American university, you will study alongside other American undergraduates. You will also research a dissertation, which is completed upon your return to the UK. As an alternative you can also spend part or all of your year abroad in Canada or Australia.

Year 4

You take fewer modules, but these are studied in more depth, allowing you to extend and develop your knowledge and skills, and draw on the specialist expertise of teaching staff. Modules in film studies cover topics such as popular animation and science fiction cinema. Television studies and practical modules are also available to you. In American studies, modules cover topics such as gender, detective fiction, slavery, race and ethnicity, drama and the Civil War.

The final year may include a dissertation on a film or television topic; the dissertation is independently researched and written under appropriate supervision.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 92

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

Requirements

• Qualification: BA (Hons)
• A Level: AAB-ABB with at least one Humanities subject
• International Baccalaureate: 33 - 32 points required to include one humanities subject
• Scottish Highers: Must have at least one Advanced Higher
• Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB - ABB with at least one humanities subject
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB-AABBBB with at least one humanities subject
• Access Course: Please contact the university for further information
• HND: Please contact the university for further information
• European Baccalaureate: 80-75% to include one humanities subject

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 6.5 Writing with no less than 6.0 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 overall (minimum 21 in Speaking component, 21 in Writing component, 20 in Reading component and 18 in Listening components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 62 Writing component with no less than 55 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.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Students will have the opportunity to meet with an academic individually on a Visit Day in order to gain a deeper insight into the course(s) you have applied for.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.

Deferred Entry - We welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above, then please contact the University directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.

Assessment

For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference.

We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating to your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.

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.

Funding

The University will be charging International students £11,700.00 for all full time School of Film and Television Studies undergraduate programmes which start in 2012.

The Film and American Studies program at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive exploration of American culture, history, and film, combined with critical analysis and practical skills in filmmaking and media production. The curriculum is designed to provide a multidisciplinary approach, integrating theoretical frameworks with hands-on experience to prepare students for diverse careers in media, film industry, academia, and cultural analysis. Throughout the course, students examine American film genres, major historical periods, and key cultural movements, developing a deep understanding of the societal and political contexts that shape American cinema and culture.

The program features modules on film theory, American history, popular culture, and media studies, allowing students to critically engage with a wide range of topics, from Hollywood cinema to contemporary American society. Students also have opportunities to develop technical skills in film production, editing, and digital media through practical workshops and projects. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and creative expression, encouraging students to produce original work and scholarly essays that analyze American film and cultural phenomena.

The university's strong links with the creative industries, including film festivals, production companies, and research institutions, provide networking opportunities and potential internships for students. The program is designed to be flexible, with options for joint honors or specializations, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests and career aspirations. Graduates of the course go on to roles in film production, media analysis, teaching, and further postgraduate study.

The campus environment at UEA offers a stimulating setting with modern facilities, specialist equipment, and ample resources for media and cultural research. The university’s supportive academic staff are experts in their fields, committed to providing personalized guidance and fostering innovative research projects. Overall, the Film and American Studies program prepares students to critically understand American cultural production and to contribute to media industries, academia, or public discourse with informed insight and creative skills.