Course summary
About this course Immerse yourself in the study of film from a variety of perspectives: as popular art or political tool, as big business, and as cultural and historical artefact. You’ll study familiar classics alongside contemporary cinema, with genres including film noir, horror, science fiction, documentary and animation. From the earliest projected images to the present day, you’ll learn to view films with a critical eye. If you’re interested in learning practical filmmaking skills such as directing, producing, scriptwriting and camera work, you can get involved with our student-led film, TV and radio societies. Analytical thinking, critical appreciation, and a deep knowledge of formal techniques will prepare you for a rewarding career in the ever-evolving landscape of film and media. Some pathways include Film or Television critic for newspapers, magazines, blogs, or broadcast media; Content creator/producer for online or print magazines, podcasting or television shows; Screenwriter; Media distribution and exhibition; Festival organisation or curation, as well as different roles in the GLAM sector. Key features of the course:
- Join a Film department that is 2nd in the UK for research quality, Complete University Guide 2026.
- Access specialist streaming services including Box of Broadcasts, BFI Player and Kanopy and an on-campus cinema.
- Study and research through cutting-edge technology at the Digital Humanities facilities, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre.
- Option for a four-week summer programme at the prestigious Dongguk University in Seoul.
- Spend your third year studying at one of our partner universities abroad with options in South Korea, Sweden, Ireland or the Czech Republic.
Modules
Over the four years of this course, you will explore a broad range of modules in film analysis, cinema history, media theory, and technological innovations. Year 1: Establish a strong foundation in film studies with core modules in film analysis, cinema history, media theory, and technological innovations. Year 2: Explore early film and contemporary global cinema alongside optional modules in areas such as animation, audiences, British cinema, film noir, realism, television studies, and women in Hollywood. Year 3: Year Abroad Year 4 Undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice alongside optional modules in areas such as American cinema, crime TV, environmental cinema, historical films, horror, screen industries, music in film and TV, and video games. For a full list of modules available please visit the course page - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/film-studies-with-year-abroad-degree-ba#modules
Assessment method
On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own). You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as blogs, essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations and dissertations. You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- P304
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an A level equivalent standard. The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). Some degree subjects stipulate specific additional GCSE minimum grades, which will be specified as part of the individual degree programme entry requirements. For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Admissions Team at [email protected]
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24200 | Year 1 |
| International | £24200 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
