Film Studies (BA)

The BA Film Studies program at the University of Southampton combines thoughtful analysis with hands-on experience, helping students not only understand the art and history of cinema but also actively engage with it in practical ways.

Throughout the program, you’ll explore film from its historical origins to modern digital innovations. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, giving you the tools to understand films as cultural artifacts, artistic creations, and commercial products. Beyond traditional classroom learning, the university offers many opportunities to put your knowledge into practice, preparing you for diverse careers in the film industry and related fields.

Experiential Learning Opportunities:

Student-Led Filmmaking Societies: Join societies focused on filmmaking, TV, and radio, where you can get hands-on experience with directing, producing, scriptwriting, sound, and camera work.

Annual Student Film Festival: Showcase your own films at the university’s annual film festival, sharing your work with fellow students and industry professionals.

Volunteer Opportunities at Cinemas: Gain practical skills like team management, projection, and digital design by volunteering at local cinemas.

Extensive Film Library: Dive into a collection of over 5,800 films from around the world, perfect for research, study, and inspiration.

Digital Humanities Facilities: Experiment with immersive technology, virtual reality, and digital production tools to create and explore environments, artefacts, and recordings that complement your film studies.

International Study Opportunities: Broaden your horizons by studying for a semester or summer abroad at partner universities in places like South Korea, Sweden, Ireland, Hong Kong, or the Czech Republic.

Collaborative Projects: Work on team-based projects that develop your collaboration, project management, and creative computing skills.

Field Visits to Archives: Explore early cinema firsthand through visits to film archives, deepening your understanding of film history.

Access to Specialized Libraries: Benefit from unique collections, including rare books at Chawton House Library, supporting your research in film and literature.

These experiential learning opportunities are carefully designed to enrich your academic journey, equipping you with practical skills, creative experience, and industry insight that will help you thrive in the world of film.

Graduates of the BA Film Studies program at the University of Southampton leave well-prepared for a wide range of careers in the film and media industries. The program combines a strong academic foundation with hands-on experiences, giving students the skills needed for roles such as:

• Film Director

• Film and Video Editor

• Location Manager

• Production Designer

These roles make the most of the critical thinking, research, and creative skills you’ll develop throughout the degree.

University Support & Industry Connections:

• Careers & Employability Service: The university provides personalized support during your studies and for up to three years after graduation, helping with job searches, career planning, and professional development.

• Industry Partnerships: Southampton works closely with leading organizations such as the BBC, Netflix, StudioCanal, British Film Institute, Universal Pictures, and Sky. These collaborations give students access to internships, networking opportunities, and real-world industry experience.

• Graduate Outcomes: The Graduate Outcomes Survey shows that 98% of graduates are either employed or pursuing further study, with an average starting salary of around £26,000.

• Accreditation: The BA Film Studies program is fully accredited by the University of Southampton, ensuring that your qualification is both recognized and respected.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA, graduates can continue to advanced studies, such as:

• MA Film Studies: This postgraduate program offers a deeper dive into film theory, history, and criticism.

• PhD in Film Studies: Ideal for those interested in academic research or teaching, a PhD allows you to contribute original knowledge to the field and pursue high-level positions in academia or the film industry.

These further studies can open doors to more specialized roles and help you make a greater impact in both the academic and professional worlds of film.