Film Studies
Film: Film Studies or Documentary Practice
You can study film via a choice of two routes: Film Studies or Documentary Practice. Only one route of study can be selected.
Subject summary
Film Studies (Route 1) is an opportunity to study a variety of different aspects of film, ranging from national cinemas, theories of gender, narrative and spectatorship, and popular culture. Teaching generally takes the form of lectures and seminars with screenings of core texts.
Students take either 40 or 60 credits of Film Studies modules, and in Stages 1 and 2 can 'make up' the credits either from their other subject(s) or from modules available in Media & Communication (or a 'free choice' subject to Pre-requisites and in consultation with the Degree Programme Director).
Documentary Practice (Route 2) enables students to develop the practical skills and academic knowledge necessary to produce documentary film. It focuses on documentary film making, set within the critical study of media, culture and society. Teaching generally takes the form of practical film making, film screenings, and modules in film history and theory.
Students must study 60 credits of Documentary Practice each year. It cannot be taken alongside Film Studies.
Pre-requisites
Students are advised to read one of the standard introductions to the subject:
- David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson, Film Art: An Introduction, McGraw Hill 2004, paperback
- James Monaco, How to Read a Film, OUP 2000, paperback
Modules
For more information on the modules available, visit the Film Studies and Documentary Practice Module List. Modules are subject to change and could differ on an annual basis.
Contact us
If you have any questions about choosing film studies as part of your Combined Honours degree, just email us.
You can also contact our subject adviser for film studies.