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Film and Screen Studies and Media Communications (Professional Placement Year) at Bath Spa University - UCAS

Bath Spa University

Degree level: Undergraduate

Film and Screen Studies and Media Communications (Professional Placement Year)

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Bath Spa University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

11Jan
Bath Spa University undergraduate open day
Undergraduate

Course summary

This combined degree encourages film lovers to combine their passion with the media skills that will allow them to communicate ideas in new and innovative ways.

  • Work in a professional environment with industry-level equipment.
  • Collaborate with professionals and microbusinesses on real-life projects.
  • Our award-winning staff champion inclusivity and accessibility to prepare you for life as a forward-thinking professional.
Combine a more traditional programme of film studies with innovative media studies modules to expand your understanding of new media and visual communication. Look at all things “screen” – from social media bites to feature-length productions, digital billboards and film theory. Throughout your time at Bath Spa, you’ll have the support and guidance of our course leaders, who are award-winning experts and innovators in their fields. You’ll get the chance to use our state-of the-art film facilities in our studios, with cameras, mixing desks and editing suites. You’ll have the opportunity to work in the University’s new city-centre innovation hub for creative media technology. On this degree you’ll develop and challenge your thinking about film and media. An emphasis on diversity, inclusion and accessibility allows you to explore pertinent topics such as decolonisation, building inclusive audiences and think about sustainability. By studying international and transnational film and de-centred audiences, as well as exploring new and innovative media and communications strategies, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running as a confident professional in the ever-evolving world of work. Why choose this combination? Students on this course will benefit from the core skills of both degrees. You’ll learn film theory and practical techniques, and explore the industry. You’ll also use your media skills to communicate your ideas in engaging and creative ways. Film underpins this degree, while the media modules give you greater flexibility in career options and develop your professional skills in communication. More about the Professional Placement Year A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where you undertake a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between your second and final years of undergraduate study. You can engage in multiple placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) yourself, with support from the Careers team.

Modules

Year one You’ll investigate film as a specific academic discipline, and be introduced to analytical tools to critique contemporary media. You’ll explore how meaning is conveyed in visual media and analyse how films are constructed. You’ll also learn project management skills and begin to look into the key theoretical and methodological issues involved in the study of cinema, and explore film as a commercial, cultural and aesthetic institution. Year two Understand the communications and film industries in greater depth. You’ll learn marketing practices, identifying opportunities to revolutionise how media creators communicate with audiences. You’ll learn web design skills, explore grassroots community media, practice cross-platform communication strategies, and increase your awareness of media ethics. You’ll also get the chance to work on film projects, both practical and theoretical. Year three is your Professional Placement Year Final year Take your knowledge into the real world. Look at how you can shape the future of visual communication, through film and media, and develop new ways to communicate your passion for film, criticism and journalism.

Assessment method

Assessment includes essays, research reports, journals, group presentations and portfolios. Your assessments are designed to help you build a portfolio that you can take into your career. On some modules you’ll produce digital media campaigns, podcasts and social media content, while elsewhere you’ll deliver presentations and work on group projects, computer-based simulations and business strategy reports.

How to apply

29Jan

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:
S127
Institution code:
B20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 4

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
80%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
87%
Go onto work and study

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 £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £17430 Year 1
International £17430 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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Film and Screen Studies and Media Communications (Professional Placement Year) at Bath Spa University - UCAS