Film and Television Studies

Three years full-time.

Students have the chance to explore the influential media of film and television, examining their role in popular culture, their form and content, their inflection by technology and industry, and the practical aspects of how they are made. We aim to produce graduates who are passionate, knowledgeable and thoughtful about cinema and television, who are capable and imaginative film-makers, and who possess an excellent combination of practical expertise and strong academic skills.

The degree is designed for students interested in exploring the role of the moving image in the contemporary world. Students develop their passion for movies and television, learning more about the history and social impact of these media, and engaging with both the theoretical and practical sides of the moving image. Having a historical understanding of film and television, and being able to think critically about these, helps students to make creative and exciting films of their own.

Stage one

Stage one provides an introduction to the theory and practice of film and television. The history and development of the media themselves are studied, as well as the way that the content, industry, and audience of films and television have been understood and interpreted, using examples such as Bowling for Columbine, Japanese animé, CSI, and Big Brother. Students learn the basics of video production.

Stage two

Stage two takes a more focused look at specific genres and areas of film and television content including the crime film, international cinema and television drama, developing knowledge of how film and television operate in the field of popular culture and its industrial context. Students will begin to hone their skills of video production with work on larger and more skills-orientated projects.

Stage three

Here, students work more independently, undertaking either a written dissertation or practical project work and pursuing specialised interests.

• Combines theoretical and practical modules
• On-campus cinema
• Fully-equipped television studio
• Engages with the contemporary worlds of film and television
• Study of genre, including horror and science fiction

• Contemporary Hollywood
• Film and Television practical project
• Horror Film
• Music and Sound for the Media
• Television Drama

"The course is really helping me develop my organisation and research skills as well as my practical skills." - Helen, stage two

"The course is making me realise how much there is in films that I hadn't noticed before." - Claire, stage one

"The idea of linking theory and practice made us think really hard about our final year film project. It meant we had to produce something a bit more original and challenging. It helped us develop a distinctive story with some substance to it." - Ben and Richard, final stage

The range of assessment includes essays, presentations, reviews, practical work and evidence of preparation for practical projects. Examinations form part of the assessment pattern, though the emphasis is on coursework and practical projects. Written and verbal communication and the ability to research, analyse and argue are as important as practical production skills.

Dedicated teaching and demonstrating spaces, editing facilities, a television studio and the University's own cinema, run in conjunction with Northampton's Forum Arts Cinema, support the learning experience.

Teaching takes the form of screenings, lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Film-making projects are supervised by both academic and technical tutors. Student participation in class discussion is encouraged and valued.

We aim to equip our graduates to pursue careers not just in film production but in other areas of professional employment from education to marketing and management. If you are not sure what you want to do with your degree, the course will provide you with a range of organisational, research and critical thinking skills that any employer would find attractive. By choosing Film and Television Studies you will not be limiting yourself to a career in the media; but if that is what you want to do you will have all the skills employers are looking for in a graduate.

What is the difference between Film and Television Studies and other Media courses?

Film and Television Studies, while including practical film-making elements and modules, is a primarily theoretical course of study. The relationship between theory and practice is an important part of the degree and informs the programme of study at all levels. We think that having a historical understanding of film and TV, and being able to think critically about the movies and shows they love, helps our students to make creative and exciting films of their own.

Do I need to have studied Film and Television before, or made my own films in the past?

We recognise that not everyone will have had the opportunity to gain experience of either academic study of the media, or of film production before applying. An enthusiasm for the subject is the key qualification.