Program Overview

Overview of the Film BA (Hons) Program

The Film BA (Hons) program at the University of Kent is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of film and cinema, including its history, theory, and practice. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the film industry, as well as to provide a foundation for further study or research in the field.

Program Structure

The program is structured over three years, with a range of compulsory and optional modules that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. The program includes a mix of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, as well as opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals and to develop their own film projects.

Compulsory Modules

The compulsory modules in the program include:

• Film Theory: This module introduces students to the key concepts and debates in film theory, including the nature of film, the role of the spectator, and the relationship between film and society.
• Film Histories: This module provides a comprehensive overview of the history of film, from its early beginnings to the present day.
• Film Style: This module explores the ways in which films tell stories and create meaning, including the use of cinematography, editing, and sound.
• Film & Media Practice #1: This module introduces students to the principles of film and media production, including pre-production, production, and post-production.
• Film & Media Practice #2: This module builds on the skills and knowledge developed in Film & Media Practice #1, with a focus on more advanced techniques and practices.

Optional Modules

The optional modules in the program include:

• Screenwriting: This module provides an introduction to the craft of screenwriting, including the development of ideas, characters, and storylines.
• Documentary Filmmaking: This module explores the principles and practices of documentary filmmaking, including the use of interviews, observational footage, and archival materials.
• World Cinema: This module provides a comprehensive overview of world cinema, including the films and filmmakers of different regions and cultures.
• Costume and Fashion: This module explores the role of costume and fashion in film, including the use of clothing and accessories to create character and atmosphere.
• Disability and the Arts: This module examines the representation of disability in film and other art forms, including the ways in which disability is portrayed and the impact of these portrayals on audiences.
• Psychology of the Arts: This module explores the psychological factors that influence our responses to film and other art forms, including the role of emotion, cognition, and perception.
• Cinematography: This module provides an introduction to the principles and practices of cinematography, including the use of camera, lighting, and sound.
• Hollywood Studios: This module explores the history and development of the Hollywood studio system, including the role of the major studios in shaping the film industry.
• Sound, Music and Cinema: This module examines the role of sound and music in film, including the use of dialogue, sound effects, and music to create mood and atmosphere.
• Podcasting: This module provides an introduction to the principles and practices of podcasting, including the development of ideas, scripting, and production.
• Social Media and Digital Platforms: This module explores the role of social media and digital platforms in shaping our understanding of film and other art forms, including the ways in which these platforms influence our responses to and engagement with film.

Year in Industry

The program also offers students the opportunity to undertake a year in industry, which provides valuable work experience and the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. The year in industry is optional, but it is highly recommended as it provides students with a competitive edge in the job market.

Assessment

Assessment in the program is based on a range of methods, including essays, exams, and practical projects. The assessment methods are designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, as well as their skills and abilities in film production and criticism.

Career Opportunities

The Film BA (Hons) program at the University of Kent provides students with a range of career opportunities in the film industry, including:

• Film production: Students can work in film production, including roles such as producer, director, cinematographer, and editor.
• Film criticism: Students can work as film critics, writing reviews and articles for newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
• Film education: Students can work in film education, teaching film studies and production in schools and universities.
• Film archiving: Students can work in film archiving, preserving and restoring films for future generations.
• Film marketing: Students can work in film marketing, promoting films and film-related products to audiences.

Research Areas

The program also provides opportunities for students to engage in research in a range of areas, including:

• Film history: Students can research the history of film, including the development of film technology, the evolution of film genres, and the impact of film on society.
• Film theory: Students can research film theory, including the nature of film, the role of the spectator, and the relationship between film and society.
• Film production: Students can research film production, including the use of camera, lighting, and sound, as well as the role of the director, producer, and other crew members.
• Film criticism: Students can research film criticism, including the ways in which films are reviewed and evaluated, and the impact of film criticism on audiences and the film industry.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the Film BA (Hons) program at the University of Kent are:

• UK students: £9,535 per year (2025-2026)
• International students: £23,500 per year (2025-2026)

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Film BA (Hons) program at the University of Kent are:

• A level: BBB
• BTEC: DMM
• IB: 120 tariff points
• GCSE: Grade 4/C or above in English Language

Conclusion

The Film BA (Hons) program at the University of Kent provides students with a comprehensive understanding of film and cinema, including its history, theory, and practice. The program offers a range of compulsory and optional modules, as well as opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals and to develop their own film projects. The program also provides opportunities for students to undertake a year in industry, which provides valuable work experience and the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. The tuition fees for the program are competitive, and the entry requirements are flexible, making it an attractive option for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the film industry.