Film and Screen Studies degree – BA (Hons)

Program Overview

This BA in Film and Screen Studies at Bath Spa University combines theoretical and practical aspects of film and screen studies, equipping graduates with critical, analytical, research, and creative skills for careers in the creative and cultural industries. It offers modules on film theory, cinema history, screenwriting, filmmaking, and media ethics, culminating in a dissertation and a major project in short form documentary making.

Program Outline

Film and Screen Studies BA (Hons) - Bath Spa University

Degree Overview:

This program aims to produce graduates with a critical and creative approach to understanding film and screen in contemporary society. It equips students with intellectual, analytical, research, and creative skills to prepare them for employment. The program combines film theory and scholarship with film practice, allowing students to explore their interests and enthusiasms.

Objectives:

• Develop a critical understanding of film and screen theory and criticism.
• Appreciate the relationship between film, media, and culture.
• Understand how society and culture are mediated by cinematic, televisual, and electronic images.
• Gain knowledge of the institutions of film and screen production, distribution, and exhibition.
• Develop an understanding of reception and consumption practices in film and screen.

Outline:

Year One (Level 4):

• The Moving Image: Introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of film studies.
• Film Theory, Film Philosophy: Explores key theoretical and philosophical approaches to film analysis.
• Framing Film: Silence, Sound, and Spectacle: Examines the role of sound and spectacle in film.
• European Cinema: Focuses on the history and development of European cinema.
• Introduction to Television and Screen Studies: Introduces students to the study of television and other screen media.
• Digital Creativity and Content Creation: Provides practical experience in digital media production.

Year Two (Level 5):

• American Cinema: Explores the history and development of American cinema.
• Key Movements in World Cinema: Examines significant cinematic movements from around the world.
• Director’s Cut: Auteur Cinema: Focuses on the work of individual directors and their unique styles.
• Film Genre: Analyzes the conventions and evolution of different film genres.
• Scripting for Screen: Provides practical training in screenwriting.
• Influencers and Contemporary Celebrity: Examines the role of influencers and celebrities in contemporary media.
• Media Ethics: Explores ethical issues in media production and consumption.
• Untold Stories: Screen Industries Project: Offers students the opportunity to research and present on a specific aspect of the film industry.
• Specialist Roles in Filmmaking: Provides an overview of different roles within the film industry.
• Advanced Short Film Production: Offers practical experience in filmmaking.
• Professional Placement Year: (Optional) Provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience in the film industry.

Year Three (Level 6):

• Film and Screen Studies Dissertation: Allows students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice.
• Decentred Approaches to Film and TV: Explores alternative approaches to film and television studies.
• Film Journalism: Provides training in film criticism and writing.
• Feminist Activism: Examines the role of film and screen media in feminist activism.
• Rock n' Reel: Popular Music on Screen: Explores the relationship between popular music and film.
• Major Project: Short Form Documentary Making: Offers practical experience in documentary filmmaking.
• Politics and Global Cinema: Examines the intersection of politics and cinema.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Essays
• Research reports
• Journals
• Group presentations
• Portfolios

Teaching:

• Modules are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
• Students are encouraged to use the University's virtual learning environment, 'Ultra', and the web in seminars and workshops.
• The program emphasizes a progressive learning approach, allowing students to stretch their capabilities and test their ideas and methods.

Careers:

• Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the creative and cultural industries, including advertising, journalism, publishing, film and film-related employments, television, radio, and the heritage sector.
• There are also employment opportunities in local and central government and the voluntary sector.
• Students have secured roles such as Unit Assistant, Festival Assistant, and Film Location Manager.
• Work placements are available through the second year Work Placement model and can be facilitated on an extra-curricular basis.

Other:

• Students can participate in organizing LineUP, the annual Student Film Festival at Bath Spa University.
• The program encourages students to enter their work in film competitions and festivals.
• Students can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which provides global awareness and an international dimension to their student experience.
• The program is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.

2024 entry Student Annual tuition fee UK full time £9,250 UK part time £4,625 International full time £16,905 Professional Placement Year During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students. UK: £1,850 International: £3,381