Film with a Placement Year

The BA in Film with a Placement Year at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and immersive experience into the world of film production, theory, and analysis. Throughout the course, students explore the fundamental aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design, gaining practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for a successful career in the film industry. The program emphasizes critical understanding of film history, genre, criticism, and contemporary media landscapes, encouraging students to develop their own analytical perspectives and creative voice. A distinctive feature of this program is the placement year, which provides students with invaluable industry experience by working with professional media organizations, production companies, or related industries. This year allows students to apply their academic learning in real-world settings, build professional networks, and enhance their employability upon graduation. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and student-centered, enabling learners to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether that be narrative filmmaking, documentary, animation, or digital media production. The School of Arts at the University of Kent boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including professional-grade editing suites, sound studios, and production equipment, ensuring students have access to the tools necessary for high-quality content creation. Studying film at Kent also offers excellent opportunities for collaborative projects, film screenings, guest lectures by industry professionals, and participation in film festivals, enriching the academic experience. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in film production, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, film criticism, broadcasting, and further academic research. The program’s combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and industry engagement makes it an ideal choice for aspiring filmmakers and media professionals seeking to make a mark in the dynamic and competitive world of film.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14860 Year (Non-EEA)

• Total Kent credits: 480
• Total ECTS credits: 240

• Total Kent credits: 480
• Total ECTS credits: 240

• English

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

• FI313 - Film Form
• FI315 - Introduction to Film Theory

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

• FI565 - British Cinema
• FI537 - Postwar European Cinema
• FI586 - Representing Actuality
• FI594 - Film Authorship
• FI595 - Film Genre (Horror)
• FI597 - Animated Worlds
• FI598 - Cognition and Emotion
• FI599 - The Gothic in Film
• FI600 - Film Criticism
• FI602 - Documentary Film
• FI606 - Avant-Garde and Experimental Cinema
• FI607 - Storytelling and the Cinema
• FI611 - New York & The Movies
• FI618 - Introduction to Screenwriting
• FI619 - Images of War and Violence
• FI590 - Improvisation For Screen
• FI621 - Television Series: Narration, Engagement and Evaluation

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year in industry

If you achieve at least 60% in Stage 1, you can opt to spend a year in industry between Stages 2 and 3 to gain relevant workplace experience and enhance your employment prospects following graduation. The year is assessed on a pass/fail basis through employer feedback and a written report that you submit.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

• ART500 - Independent Project
• FI501 - The Documentary Film
• FI506 - Avant Garde and Experimental Cinema
• FI527 - Storytelling and the Cinema

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

• ABB

• The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

• The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

• 34 points overall or 16 points at HL

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.

Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.

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 Kent.

The Film with a Placement Year program at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive education in film studies, combined with practical industry experience through a dedicated placement year. This course is designed for students who are passionate about cinema, film production, and related media fields, providing a broad understanding of film history, theory, and aesthetics alongside hands-on skills in filmmaking, editing, screenwriting, and production management.

The inclusion of a placement year allows students to gain real-world experience in the film and media industry, working with production companies, broadcasting organizations, or related institutions. This practical component is integrated to enhance employability, providing students with valuable industry contacts, work experience, and insights into the professional environment of film-making and media production. The placement can be undertaken in the UK or potentially abroad, depending on the student's interests and opportunities.

Academic modules are delivered by experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in the field of film, ensuring that students receive current and relevant knowledge. The curriculum covers various aspects of film theory, history, and production techniques, alongside critical thinking and analysis skills. Students are encouraged to develop their own creative projects, participate in filmmaking workshops, and engage with contemporary debates in film culture.

Facilities at the university include dedicated film studios, editing suites, and production equipment, providing students with the resources necessary to develop their technical skills. The program also benefits from guest lectures, industry events, and collaborations with local cinemas and media organizations, enriching the learning experience and fostering industry connections.

Graduates of the Film with a Placement Year course are well-equipped for careers in film production, broadcasting, media management, film criticism, and related fields. Many alumni have gone on to work in film festivals, production companies, television channels, or continued their studies in postgraduate programs.

Overall, the program aims to combine academic excellence with practical experience, nurturing creative and critical talents in aspiring filmmakers and media professionals. The placement year component is a key feature that enhances career prospects, offering students a competitive edge in a dynamic and competitive industry environment.