Film Studies and Art History

Description

Our undergraduate BA in Film Studies and Art History offers students flexible pathways of study throughout their three year degree, as well as the option of an additional year studying abroad. Our distinctive curriculum allows you to take advantage of the most up-to-date developments in the field, and combine different approaches to the study of visual media. Students on our Film Studies and Art courses are offered a distinctive curriculum which includes the study of a variety of different films and encompasses a number of different genres, periods and national cinemas.

Our students have the opportunity to develop their interests in the history of the image and in visual communication skills as well as developing the skills of making and analysing film. In the field of art history you will cover a broad based history and choose from a variety of specialist options. Students will be able to engage with art works that range from Old Master paintings, through the Pre-Raphaelites and Surrealists, to the most up-to-date contemporary art and visual culture. Modules explore a wide variety of media, including architecture, urbanism, photography and video, as well as painting, drawing, printmaking, performance art and sculpture. This understanding of visual history allows our students to complement and enhance their exploration of different world cinemas as they learn about the history of film, and its formal aesthetics, in a variety of contexts of production and reception.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.

Year 1
Introduction to Film
Art & Ideas Art & Ideas
Ways of Seeing
And options in either film or art history
Year 2
Two film options; and
two art history options
Year 3
Two film options; and
two art history options including modules on film, photography and new media
A third year dissertation project is also available as an option.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB GCSE English: C
BTEC National Diploma: DDM in Fine Art
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The University of Essex offers a comprehensive study programme in Film Studies and Art History, designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of visual culture, media, and artistic practices. The programme covers a wide range of topics, including film theory and criticism, cinematic history, contemporary media, visual arts history, and critical analysis of artistic movements. Students are encouraged to explore both historical contexts and contemporary developments in film and art, developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation of cultural significance.

The course structure typically includes lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and independent research projects. Students have access to extensive resources, including specialized libraries, film archives, and art collections, facilitating in-depth study and research. Practical components may involve film production, critique, and digital media skills, enabling graduates to pursue careers in film production, curating, arts management, media analysis, or further academic research.

Assessment methods often include essays, project reports, presentations, and sometimes film or art production portfolios. The programme aims to develop students' ability to critically analyze visual materials in a broad cultural context, fostering intellectual independence and professional skills. Many courses include opportunities for field trips, guest lectures, and collaborations with industry professionals, enhancing practical learning experiences.

Graduates from the Film Studies and Art History programme are well-equipped for careers in the arts, media, education, and cultural sectors, or for postgraduate study. The university emphasizes an international perspective, encouraging students to consider global influences on film and art. The programme also supports a vibrant student community, offering opportunities for participation in exhibitions, film screenings, festivals, and other cultural events. Overall, the course aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of visual culture, preparing students for diverse careers in creative industries or academia.