The Film Studies BA at King’s offers an exciting mix of critical theory, film history, and hands-on media practice. It’s perfect for anyone passionate about film, culture, and media, and eager to both analyze and create in a creative, intellectually stimulating environment.
Curriculum structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll lay a solid foundation in film studies. Core modules like Research & Scholarship in Film Studies and Film Studies: Forms introduce you to essential skills and concepts. You’ll explore film history and theory, gain practical experience in audio-visual work, and develop analytical skills through seminars and film critique exercises. This year gives you the broad toolkit you need for more focused study in the later years.
Year 2
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into specialized areas. Modules such as Critical Debates in Film Studies and Film History: 1895–1930 / 1930–1945 (or later periods) encourage you to explore how cinema interacts with social, political, and cultural changes. You’ll have the flexibility to choose optional modules—like global cinema, documentary, or digital media—shaping your own path. Many students also begin creating short video essays or other creative media projects during this year.
Year 3
Your final year gives you even more freedom to focus on your passions. You can select advanced modules, pursue topics like New Media & Film, Avant-garde Cinema, or Film & Politics, and complete a major dissertation or practice-based project. This is your chance to bring together all the theory, history, and practical skills you’ve learned, often with guidance from faculty mentors.
Focus areas
Critical film theory
Film history and historiography
Media and digital practices
Global and cross-cultural cinemas
Creative audio-visual practice
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
Analyze films and media texts critically using historical and theoretical frameworks
Understand cinema in social, political, and cultural contexts
Plan and produce your own audio-visual projects
Communicate your research and creative ideas effectively, in both written and visual formats
Professional alignment
This degree is closely linked to the film, media, and cultural sectors. It equips you with skills and credentials valued by media employers, cultural institutions, archives, film festivals, and research organizations.
Reputation and employability
King’s College London is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities, and its Film Studies department is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Graduates go on to careers in film and media production, cultural management, journalism, education, and beyond.
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When you join the Film Studies BA at King’s, you’ll do more than just study films — you’ll experience them. With access to dedicated screening rooms, seminar spaces, and a fully equipped auditorium capable of both 35 mm and digital projection, you’ll watch, analyse, and even present films in professional settings. Throughout the degree, you’ll also have chances to create your own short films, curatorial projects, or video essays. And being in the heart of London puts you close to major film archives, cinemas, festivals, and cultural institutions, so you can take field trips, collaborate, and immerse yourself in real film culture.
Here’s how that looks in practice:
You’ll produce audio-visual work, including short films and video essays, across all three years of your degree.
You’ll learn and present using professionally equipped screening and seminar rooms, plus an auditorium with 35 mm and digital projection.
The Maughan Library provides specialist collections — books, journals, databases — along with an excellent DVD archive and access to streaming services.
King’s central London location gives you direct access to the British Film Institute (BFI), independent cinemas, and major film festivals, making excursions, screenings, networking, and guest lectures all within easy reach.
Optional study abroad opportunities allow you to explore different film cultures and practices around the world.
You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with film festivals and programs in the UK and internationally, helping you build real connections and gain exposure in the industry.
Graduates from the Film Studies BA at King’s College London leave equipped with strong analytical, creative, and practical skills, opening doors to diverse roles in the film and media industries. Typical careers include film and media production, arts and cultural management, and journalism:
University Careers Services: King’s Careers & Employability provides tailored support, including internships, job fairs, CV workshops, and one-on-one career coaching.
Employment Stats & Salary: Graduates often secure roles in top media organizations; entry-level positions typically start around £24,000–£28,000, with rapid progression for those gaining experience.
Industry Partnerships: The program collaborates with UK and international film festivals, the British Film Institute, and other cultural institutions, offering students networking and practical experience.
Accreditation & Value: King’s College London’s global reputation enhances employability and credibility in creative industries worldwide.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni successfully pursue careers in film production, distribution, curation, journalism, PR, and education, with many leveraging their skills for freelance and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Further Academic Progression:
Students may continue their studies with postgraduate degrees in Film Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, Screenwriting, or Film Production, both at King’s and other leading institutions, deepening their expertise and expanding career prospects.
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