Undergraduate Course

BA (Hons) Film Studies

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Overview

The details

Course: Film Studies

UCAS code: W620

Start date: October 2026

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 3 years

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies

we need to re-write the BA Film studies page for the university of essex using the existing HTML template... this is the feedback : ilm Studies: The ‘Why we are great’?section is quite generic and uninspiring. Consider introducing a?‘Course Highlights’?section early in the page. This could foreground some of our most distinctive features, such as: the Film Festivals module OR?the opportunity for?students to organise and deliver a public film festival, opportunities to engage with filmmaking and screenwriting, guest lectures and masterclasses from industry practitioners, research-led teaching, The page could place greater emphasis on?what students gain from the degree, including transferable skills, employability, and possible career pathways. At present, some sections focus more on what students study than on the skills and experiences they develop. We currently underplay the practical and industry-facing opportunities available within the programme. Prospective students may not immediately realise that Film Studies students can engage with filmmaking, festival organisation, production projects and other practice-based activities alongside critical and theoretical study. It would be useful to have a more visible?Facilities?section (or linked page) featuring photographs of the Film Centre, studios, edit suites and equipment available to students. The current ‘specialist?facilities’?section on the page is out of date and not visually attractive. A?showreel of student work?would be a valuable addition. Showcasing student films, festival activities and other projects would help applicants visualise the kinds of work they might undertake during their studies. A section explaining?how students spend their time?across lectures, seminars, screenings, independent study and practical activities could also be useful in helping applicants understand what studying Film at Essex looks like in practice. See an example here. Please impliment the suggestions and do the BA Film equivelant of this:

What is the LLB Law?

The LLB Law is a three-year qualifying law degree, extendable to four with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll gain a thorough grounding in the core principles of English and international law while developing critical thinking, legal research, and professional reasoning skills. By graduation, you’ll be equipped with the academic foundation required for a legal career as a solicitor or barrister, alongside transferable skills valued across business, government, and the public sector.

Why this course

The LLB Law helps you understand how law shapes society, government, business, and global justice, giving you the tools to make sense of the world you want to work in. By studying core areas including contract law, criminal law, tort law, public law, and EU and international law, you build the legal knowledge required for professional training and a wide range of careers beyond law.

You’ll learn from expert academics whose research influences legal reform, public policy, and international justice. This ensures your learning is grounded in real cases and contemporary legal challenges, helping you develop informed and critical perspectives valued by employers and professional bodies.

From your first year, you’ll begin developing practical legal skills such as research, drafting, advocacy, and critical analysis. These skills are taught with a clear focus on professional practice, helping you feel confident applying your knowledge in assessments, applications, and future legal roles.

You’ll also gain hands-on experience through on-site, real-world legal clinics. Working on live cases under expert supervision, you’ll support individuals, businesses, and charities with free legal advice. This practical experience helps you graduate with professional confidence, commercial awareness, and a strong advantage in the competitive graduate jobs market.

You can choose to add a placement year or study abroad year to gain professional experience or international legal perspectives. This helps strengthen your CV, clarify your career goals, and stand out to employers and training providers.

By the end of the degree, you’ll graduate with a qualifying law degree, practical legal experience, and a strong academic foundation, preparing you for solicitor training, the Bar, or a wide range of professional careers where legal expertise is highly valued.

Who should apply

Students with a strong interest in law, justice, rights, and legal systems who want to understand how law operates in practice
Aspiring solicitors, barristers, legal executives, or legal researchers seeking a clear route into professional training
Learners who enjoy critical thinking, debate, and problem solving, and want to develop skills valued across legal and professional careers
Anyone looking for a law degree that builds employability from day one, including genuine casework experience through on-site legal clinics

What you’ll learn

Foundations of law: Study core areas including contract, criminal, public, and tort law
Legal systems and institutions: Understand how courts, Parliament, and legal bodies operate
International and EU law: Explore how law functions across borders and within global institutions
Legal research and reasoning: Develop advanced skills in legal analysis, case interpretation, and argument construction
Ethics and justice: Examine professional responsibility, human rights, and access to justice

Your learning experience

Optional modules: Choose specialist areas such as human rights, commercial law, family law, environmental law, or international criminal law
Optional study abroad or placement year: Gain international experience or professional legal training with university support
Expert teaching: Learn from leading legal scholars and experienced practitioners
Applied learning: Take part in mooting, advocacy, client interviewing, and case analysis
Specialist facilities: Access legal databases, mock courtrooms, and modern teaching spaces

Careers and outcomes

An LLB Law degree prepares you for careers in:

Legal practice: Solicitor, barrister, paralegal, legal executive, or legal adviser
Government and public sector: Civil Service, local government, policy, and regulatory roles
Human rights and NGOs: Legal research, advocacy, and international justice organisations
Business and commerce: Compliance, contracts, risk management, and corporate governance
Further study: Solicitor training (SQE), Bar training, postgraduate law, or academic research

Employers of graduates from this course

Graduates from this course have progressed to roles in national and international organisations, including:

UK Government
International criminal courts and tribunals
Global law firms and regional legal practices
Human rights and charitable organisations
Financial and professional services firms

Why we're great.

We provide a global approach to the study of film in a distinctive and vibrant academic community.
We balance academic theory with practical production experience to make you a rounded filmmaker.
You have access to HD cameras, extensive editing facilities, a film library and a dedicated cinema.

Course content

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Approaches to Film and Media

(30 CREDITS)

How do we analyse moving images? What innovations have transformed the cinema experience? What moments and movements have been key to film history? Study the development of international cinema, looking at all aspects of the form, including analysis of theoretical issues, film language, and a variety of important directors and genres.

View Approaches to Film and Media on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Introduction to Film Production

(30 CREDITS)

Want hands-on experience of the film process, from pre to post-production? Keen to tackle technical aspects, such as framing, lighting, sound and editing? Work individually and in small groups on your own projects, covering topics like how shots are framed through to the different editing techniques that manipulate film narrative.

View Introduction to Film Production on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

The Humanities Graduate: Future Pathways

(15 CREDITS)

This interdisciplinary module serves several functions. Firstly, you will develop an understanding of your degree in the context of the wider world and specifically the graduate jobs market. You will come to understand the employability and career-development opportunities that are available to you during and after your time at Essex, and you will begin the life-long process of continuous professional development with a firm grounding in the practical skills and reflective practice involved. The module is divided into two parts: career-development learning; and Speaker Weeks, when a member of staff will interview guest speakers about their careers in fields that are allied to the arts and humanities. These will cover a range of career areas that may be of interest to humanities graduates in general: from media, arts, journalism, education, publishing, to entrepreneurship in related areas. These weeks are intended to be inspiring but also full of practical tips and ideas, with an emphasis on showing how careers develop over time, and what pathways students can explore to get to where they want to be; as well as what kinds of extra-curricular activities students can engage in now to open more doors professionally before and after graduation. In the career-development learning part of the module, you will cover topics such as the Graduate Labour market, the Humanities graduate, self-reflection and personal development, and how to research and apply effectively for jobs. Skills such as CV writing and interview technique will be covered. Two-hour interactive lecture/seminars will introduce students to careers resources and ideas, but will also include discussion and group work.

View The Humanities Graduate: Future Pathways on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: OPTIONAL

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 05: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY WITH OPTIONS

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 03: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 04: OPTIONAL

(30 CREDITS)

Placement

On a placement year you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Year abroad

On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Teaching

Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminar sessions or discussion classes
Hands-on experience of camerawork and film production
Explore film theory through use of film and literature

Assessment

Coursework includes essays, exhibition reviews and virtual portfolios, coursework reports, individual and group presentations, book reviews, and an independent research project (a dissertation)

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses with most offers expected to be made at CCD - CDD (88 - 80 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. A complete breakdown of expected Clearing entry requirements, by course, is available on our Clearing entry requirements page.

We consider each application individually and requirements may be lower for some of our courses, so please still get in touch if your grades are below those outlined.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English

IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in an equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,790 per year

International fee

£21,500 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:

Placement year

20% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Study abroad

Full year abroad

15% of your standard tuition fee for that year

Single term abroad

Standard tuition fee

Scholarships and financial support

There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Fees and funding guide

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

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Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday 15 August 2026 - Clearing Open Day

Saturday 17 October 2026 - October Open Day

Saturday 7 November 2026 - November Open Day

Find out more

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How to apply during Clearing

Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.

Find out more about Clearing

If you already hold an offer from Essex

Please don't reapply through Clearing. We'll review your existing application using our Clearing entry requirements. If you're worried about meeting your offer or would like to change course, please contact our Admissions Team on ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

Interviews

We don’t require an interview for most of our courses that are available through Clearing, however there are some courses such as those in our School of Health and Social Care and East 15 Acting School where an interview (or audition) may be required. If this is something that’s required for the course you have applied for, we’ll email you with all of the details.

Apply now

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Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Find out more

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If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.