Film and Media BA (Hons)

Overview

Study film and the fascinating world of the media. Apply critical thinking and analysis and develop the transferable skills of problem solving, communication, and presentation. Combine academic research with practical application, developing the talents to join an exciting and ever-changing industry.

Course Structure

Year 1 (National Level 4)

• Core Modules:
  • Understanding Media and Culture (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Film Studies (20 credits)
  • History of Cinema (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Cinema (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Scriptwriting (20 credits)
  • Single Camera Production (20 credits)

Year 2 (National Level 5)

• Core Modules:
  • Interrogating Factual Media (20 credits)
  • Film Theory and Criticism (20 credits)
  • Screening Nations (20 credits)
  • Film and Society (20 credits)
  • Researching Media in Theory and Practice (20 credits)
• Optional Modules (Choose One):
  • Screenwriting (20 credits)
  • Cultural Theory and Popular Culture (20 credits)
  • Ready Player One: Operating within the Streaming Industry (20 credits)
  • Documentary Production (20 credits)

Year 3 (National Level 6)

• Core Modules:
  • Media and Society (20 credits)
  • Engaging Screen Audiences: Music, Performance and Genre (20 credits)
• Final Project Options:
  • Media Research Project (40 credits)
  • Practical Project: Scriptwriting (40 credits)
• Optional Modules (Choose Two):
  • Popular Music Cultures (20 credits)
  • Loving The Alien: Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Television (20 credits)
  • Film Studies Special Topic (20 credits)
  • Film, Horror and the Body (20 credits)

Facilities

• The David Puttnam Media Centre is a thriving place to study and experience media.
• Rub shoulders with BBC Newcastle and Tyne & Wear TV, who are both based in the building.
• Volunteer with award-winning Spark Sunderland, write for one of our suite of websites or edit Spark Magazine in our mediaHUB.
• Get hands-on in TV and Radio Studios, Journalism and Digital editing suites.
• Learn from experts in this centre of excellence for training.

Entry Requirements

• Our typical offer is:
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 112 UCAS points – Students must have H1-H7 or O1-O4 in Maths & English.
  • QQI/FETAC 5: Pass profile overall. For entry, we also require H1-H7 or O1-O4 in Maths and English from Irish Leaving Certificate.
• If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team for further advice.

Fees and Finance

• The annual, full-time fee for this course is:
  • £9,535 if you are from the UK/Europe
  • £16,500 if you are an international student
• Tuition fees for part-time students are £7,145 per 90 credits. Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

Career Ready

• Build transferable skills and gain experience to get career-ready.
• Open job opportunities such as teaching, consultancy, TV and film production, new media, marketing and research, PR, advertising, and more.
• Recent graduates from Sunderland have gained jobs with employers such as BBC (including Radio 1), Channel 4, Sky TV, MTV, The Guardian, I Daniel Blake, Capital North East, regional newspapers, and PR companies.
• You could choose to continue your studies on one of our master's degrees such as MA Media Production (Film and Television) or MA Journalism.

Work Placements

• We actively encourage you to gain relevant work experience while at university.
• During every year of your course, you'll be guided and encouraged to gain meaningful experience that'll fit around your studies.
• You can choose to undertake a number of practice modules throughout your course, which can include live briefs from clients from outside the University.
• Get the opportunity to gain production experience with independent production company, Fulwell 73, and build up a portfolio of work to show future employers.

Practical Experience

• Many students get involved in Spark Sunderland, a community radio station based at the University.
• Students are responsible for all news-gathering, programme production, and advertising.
• Spark has won many awards including four golds at the Student Radio Awards 2012, and holds the Nations and Regions Award for Best Radio Station in the North East.
• Work alongside BBC Newcastle Journalists in our mediaHUB, home to student-run websites covering sport, news, entertainment, fashion, and Spark online magazine.
• Sunderland's daily newspaper, The Sunderland Echo, has a weekly page called 'On Campus' that is written entirely by students at the University.
• Throughout the course, we invite guest speakers to run workshops and masterclasses that allow you to relate your learning to real-life opportunities.

Creative Industries Week

• Creative Industries Week gives everyone in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries the opportunity to participate in a range of projects, workshops, talks, industry visits, and career events.
• This exciting week encourages interdisciplinary working and broadens your experience to build your confidence and help develop your career path.

Degree Overview:

This program allows you to explore the world of film and media through theoretical and practical perspectives. You'll learn about the history of film and media, the different ways in which they impact society, and how to create your own film and media productions.

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Here's what you'll gain:

• Critical thinking and analysis: You'll learn how to critically analyze film and media, understand their historical and cultural contexts, and develop your own interpretations.
• Transferable skills: The program will equip you with valuable transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and presentation, which are highly sought after by employers in various industries.
• Practical experience: You'll gain practical experience through a range of modules, including scriptwriting, film production, and research.
You'll also have the opportunity to work on a major project, such as a research-based placement, a script, or a video essay.
• Industry connections: You'll have the opportunity to learn from established researchers and practitioners in the field and gain valuable insights into the film and media industries.

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This program is for you if you:

• Are passionate about film and all aspects of media.
• Are interested in learning about the history, theory, and practice of film and media production.
• Want to develop your critical thinking and analysis skills.
• Want to gain practical experience in film and media production.
• Are looking for a career in the film and media industries.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Core modules:
• Understanding Media and Culture
• Introduction to Film Studies
• History of Cinema
• Contemporary Cinema
• Introduction to Scriptwriting
• Single Camera Production
• Optional modules:
• Screenwriting
• Cultural Theory and Popular Culture
• Ready Player One: Operating within the Streaming Industry
• Documentary Production

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Year 2:

• Core modules:
• Interrogating Factual Media
• Film Theory and Criticism
• Screening Nations
• Film and Society
• Researching Media in Theory and Practice
• Optional modules:
• Screenwriting
• Cultural Theory and Popular Culture
• Ready Player One: Operating within the Streaming Industry
• Documentary Production

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Year 3:

• Core modules:
• Media and Society
• Engaging Screen Audiences: Music, Performance and Genre
• Final project options:
• Media Research Project
• Practical Project: Scriptwriting
• Optional modules:
• Popular Music Cultures
• Loving The Alien: Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Television
• Film Studies Special Topic
• Film, Horror and the Body

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Essays: This allows you to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Reports: This requires you to apply your knowledge to real-world situations and present your findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Written coursework: This allows you to develop your research and writing skills.
• Projects: This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning to a specific project, such as a film, script, or video essay.
• Presentations: This helps you develop your communication and presentation skills.
• Exams: This tests your knowledge and understanding of the course material.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: These are used to introduce key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: These provide an opportunity for students to discuss and debate ideas in a smaller group setting.
• Group work: This helps students develop their teamwork and collaboration skills.
• E-learning: This allows students to access learning materials and resources online.
• Individual study: This allows students to pursue their own interests and develop their independent learning skills.

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Careers:

This program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the film and media industries, including:

• Film and television production: This includes jobs such as director, producer, screenwriter, editor, and cinematographer.
• Media research: This includes jobs such as researcher, analyst, and consultant.
• Journalism: This includes jobs such as reporter, editor, and writer.
• Marketing and communications: This includes jobs such as marketing manager, communications officer, and social media manager.
• Education: This includes jobs such as teacher, lecturer, and trainer.

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Other:

• The program is offered full-time or part-time.
• The program is taught at the University of Sunderland's David Puttnam Media Centre, which is a state-of-the-art facility with two broadcast-quality production studios, four Steadicam rigs, and a green room.
• The program is accredited by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
• The program has strong links with the film and media industries, and students have the opportunity to work on live briefs from industry clients.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

The annual, full-time fee for this course is: £9,250 if you're from the UK/Europe £16,000 if you're an international student (EU nationals will receive a £5,750 scholarship to reduce their fee to £10,250) The part-time fee for this course is £6,935 per 120 credits. Please note that part-time courses aren't available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

• The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter.
Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.