Film and Television Studies and American Studies BA Jt Hons

Program Overview

This joint honors degree combines film and television studies with American studies. Graduates will possess a deep understanding of both fields and a wide range of in-demand skills. The program is theory-based with an emphasis on practical application, featuring opportunities for internships and hands-on projects. Students will benefit from personalized support from faculty and a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to their interests.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Combine your love of film and television with your fascination for one of the world's dominant cultural, economic and political powers. You'll cover topics unique to each subject as well as how they combine to: entertain promote ideologies

Outline:

Film and Television Studies

You’ll look at screen media beyond the film or TV set. In particular you'll examine their: economics and employment practices development and global operation ever changing audiences reflection of, and influence on, society decision makers and processes adoption of new platforms and technologies

American Studies

Looking across both the USA and Canada you'll cover: history politics culture - literature, music and art as well as film and television

Combine the subjects

We have specialist modules that combine the two subjects to make the degree a coherent whole. You'll also be able to write a final year dissertation that integrates both subjects into one substantial piece of work. Through our Creative Student Network you'll also have opportunities to intern at global media organisations (such as Disney in Los Angeles and Red Bee Creative in London).

Assessment:

Your assessments will vary according to the topic studied. As well as the expected essays, exams and presentations you might also pitch a media franchise, create a video essay or film a vlogs.

Teaching:

You'll be part of large lectures, small seminars and individual tutorials – some will be in person and some will be online. You'll also work in groups on projects and presentations but also be responsible for doing a large amount of individual study. We encourage you to bring both sides of your degree together. We're a theory-based course but that doesn't just mean reading books. You'll also be looking at newspaper and magazine articles; reviews; academic, trade and industry reports; press releases. And of course, there will be lots of watching of film and TV across all genres and styles. “I did a module called ‘The Pop Century’, which was on 20th century music, in second year. I loved that because you’d have a playlist every week and reading to go with it. We’d listen to songs and you’d choose your favourite one and link it to the historical context." Liberty Jones, BA American and Canadian Studies Teaching support Your lecturers will be available outside your scheduled contact time to help you study and develop. This can be in-person or online. They will all be members of our academic staff in Cultural Media and Visual Studies and American and Canadian Studies many of whom are internationally recognised in their fields. You'll also have a personal tutor who will review your academic progress and help find solutions to any issues affecting your studies. Dr Gabriele Neher, Senior Tutor

Careers:

As well as the extensive subject knowledge you'll get from a joint honours degree you will also get an unusually wide range of skills that employers are looking for: ability to conduct and report on in-depth research critical thinking and analysis working independently and as part of collaborative teams constructing and defending reasoned arguments excellent written and oral communication skills With these skills your career will be: resilient - as the nature of work changes you can adapt flexible - you can choose across different sectors as you develop and grow and opportunities arise creative - come up with new ideas and responses to developing situations

Other:

Beginners welcome - No previous experience of either subject necessary No set programme - Build a degree that suits your interests Named 3rd for American Studies in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024) Get experience - with opportunities for bespoke internships, work placements and volunteering schemes Award winning NSTV - Multi-award winning, student-run TV station Creative living - Unleash your creativity - live in a UNESCO City of Literature, take part in the student-run New Theatre and on-campus Lakeside Arts, experience a vibrant visual arts scene and legendary music venues