About Film Studies
Film Studies at the University of Essex
At Essex, students can experience the entire spectrum of Film Studies,
from examining the discipline's philosophical underpinnings to hands-on film
production. In addition to the specialised single honours
BA Film Studies, we also offer tailor-made joint degrees with
Literature, Creative Writing, History, American Studies, Art History, and
Philosophy (see across).
Film Studies is an academically rigorous and rewarding subject which
equips you with highly useful critical and practical skills - a crucial
stepping stone towards careers in film and TV production, education and the
creative/media arts. If you are interested in pursuing any of these careers,
our broad and diverse curriculum will provide an informed understanding of
moving images: how they have evolved historically, how they are put together
technically and their worldwide role and influence.
The Centre for Film Studies serves as a
focus for wide-ranging activities at the University,
including free screenings in a dedicated 120 seat film theatre on campus,
talks by visiting filmmakers, and showcases of student films. Students
taking Film Production have access to two state-of-the-art studios and brand
new professional editing facilities. The Centre for Film Studies also owns a
number of cameras and filmmaking equipment for student hire, and has its own
substantial DVD collection for student use in addition to the extensive
audio visual holdings in the university's Albert Sloman Library.
In our
MA in Film Studies
we provide our students with the unique opportunity to explore, study and
make creative connections between film analysis and film practice. We believe that some of the best filmmakers are well-versed in film
history, theory, and criticism, while good film scholarship can be enhanced by a keen awareness of
what goes on behind the camera.
The practical/filmmaking components of both the BA and the
MA are taught by professional
filmmakers and screenwriters with extensive industry experience, and they cover all aspects of film production.
We have a committed team of teaching staff who are passionate about what
they do. Several of our film lecturers have established national and
international reputations in their fields. Particular research and teaching strengths in the Department include
documentary film (both theory and practice), world cinemas (including the
cinemas of Europe, the Americas and Asia), comparative media and
adaptation, film history, and women and film.
The Department has a thriving research community where the wide interests
of staff (see across) indicate the varied possibilities for student
dissertations at Masters and Doctoral level.
Students may also pursue their extra-curricular passions through several University
film societies, ranging from the
Japan Society and the Chinese Students' Society to the Latin American Society,
who also sponsor screenings.
Film Studies Vimeo channel
Our Film Studies Vimeo channel provides a platform for students to share their work with a wider audience.
More about the Department
Languages for All
As a University of Essex student, you can also study a language alongside your course for free as part of the Languages for All scheme.