BA Film & Television Studies

The BA Film and Television Studies at the University of Exeter explores the creative, cultural, historical, and theoretical aspects of film and television, helping students understand how screen media shapes societies, identities, and global cultures. This programme is ideal for students who are passionate about cinema, television, storytelling, and media analysis, while developing strong critical thinking, research, creative, and communication skills for careers across the creative industries.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In the first year, students are introduced to the key concepts, theories, and approaches used in film and television studies, building a strong foundation in screen analysis and media research. Modules such as Major Debates in Film Theory, Introduction to Film History, Interrogating Screens, and The Contemporary Film and Television Industries allow students to explore film theory, the evolution of screen media, audience relationships, and the wider creative industries.

Year 2

The second year allows students to develop deeper knowledge of film and television through specialist topics that explore creative practices, genres, technologies, and industry developments. Through modules such as Script Craft: Writing for Screen and Stage, Shots in the Dark, Television: Times, Trends and Technologies, and Filmmaking, students gain insight into screenwriting, visual storytelling, television analysis, and practical filmmaking approaches.

Year 3

In the final year, students explore advanced areas of film and television studies while completing an independent research or creative project. Students can choose between a traditional Dissertation or a Creative Film Dissertation, giving them the opportunity to research a specialist topic, create a video essay, or produce a short film while demonstrating their analytical and creative skills.

Year 4 (Optional Study Abroad/Placement Year)

Students may have the option to add an additional year focused on gaining international experience or professional development, depending on the available pathway. A Study Abroad year allows students to experience a different academic and cultural environment, while a placement year provides the opportunity to apply their film, television, communication, and creative skills in a professional setting, helping them build industry experience and improve employability.

Focus areas

Film theory, television studies, film history, screen cultures, filmmaking, scriptwriting, creative industries, media technologies, visual storytelling, audience studies, contemporary cinema, independent research.

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to critically analyse films and television programmes while understanding their historical, cultural, and industrial contexts. The programme helps students build strong research, communication, creativity, digital, teamwork, and analytical skills, enabling them to develop and present original ideas through written assignments and practical projects.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA Film and Television Studies develops transferable skills in research, communication, creativity, digital confidence, teamwork, and critical analysis that are valued across the creative and media sectors. Although the programme does not have a specific professional accreditation, its combination of theoretical understanding and creative practice prepares students for careers in film, television, publishing, marketing, communications, media production, and cultural organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter supports students in developing career-ready skills through subject-focused learning, practical projects, and opportunities that strengthen communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and digital abilities. The programme’s blend of academic study and creative exploration helps graduates develop the adaptable skills needed for careers in the fast-changing film, television, and wider creative industries.