Program Overview

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Film Studies

Overview

Film is a vital form of cultural output. The way films are produced and distributed is constantly changing, but their ability to educate, entertain and inspire audiences remains the same. If you’re looking for a programme designed to explore all facets of film and the film industry, this BA (Hons) Film Studies degree is the right choice for you.

Course Details

All about the course

Throughout your film studies course, you’ll explore cinema in a broad range of social and cultural contexts. You’ll begin by deepening your knowledge of film through core modules focused on form, meaning and history, before moving onto optional modules reflecting the dynamic expertise of our academic staff – from film journalism to contemporary Hollywood.

Year one

• Classical Hollywood Cinema
• Film Form, Film Meaning
• Film Histories, Film Movements I
• Film Histories, Film Movements II
• Critical Approaches to Film I
• Critical Approaches to Film II

Year two

• Film Distribution and Exhibition
• Film Journalism
• Cinema Asia
• Comedy and British Cinema
• Contemporary American Cinema
• British Cinema

Year three

• Dissertation (Core Module)
• Sequential Art (Comics and Graphic Novels)
• Hollywood Masculinities
• Film Programming and Curating for Cinemas and Festivals
• Alternative, Independent, and Marginal Film
• Film and Theory

What will I be doing?

Teaching

As part of your film studies degree, you’ll be given a timetable that will include a breakdown of your scheduled lessons with timeslots for you to explore your independent research interests. Your classes will be based at our MediaCity campus.

You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and individual tutorials. Your seminars will give you the chance to develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. In workshops, you’ll focus on specific writing or practical skills, as well as having meetings with your personal tutor.

Assessment

As part of your film studies degree, it’s important that you are given the opportunity to showcase your academic skills through submitted assignments. All of your assessments will be based on coursework.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

A degree in film studies provides you with a combination of theoretical and technical skills that are transferable to a whole host of professional roles within the creative industries. Our recent graduates have utilised their film studies degree to go on to establish successful careers in a range of related areas, from working in distribution for the British offices of a Hollywood studio to managing festivals and starting award-winning youth cinema projects.

Career Links

This degree in Film Studies has strong links to the local culture industries, in particular: HOME, Greater Manchester Arts Centre; and the Viva: Spanish and Latin American Film Festival. This will give you an insight into the practicalities of film distribution, exhibition and programming. Graduates of this course have gone on to work in a number of film related-careers such as film journalism, cinema administration, cinema programming and film festival/events organisation.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

To gain a place on this film studies degree, you’ll have to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.

Within your film studies personal statement (up to 4,000 characters), we’ll want to understand:

• What motivates you and what current experiences do you have in terms of thinking critically around film and media?
• What did you do; did you write essays, create podcasts or have a personal blog?
• Are you a creative thinker and how do you develop ideas?
• Do you have any knowledge of the film industry or film sector; are there any projects that inspire you?
• Why is the University of Salford and this film studies degree the right choice for your future goals?

Standard entry requirements

• GCSE English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent)
• UCAS tariff points: 104-120 points
• A level: 104-120 points. Film Studies or Media Studies preferred but not essential. General Studies accepted.
• T level: Merit
• BTEC National Diploma: DMM
• Access to HE: 104-120 UCAS Tariff points from Level 3 QAA approved Access programme in relevant subjects.
• Scottish Highers: 104-120 points
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 104-120 points
• International Baccalaureate: 30-32 points
• European Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 71% overall

International students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.

Alternative entry requirements

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.

How much?

Tuition fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year (2025/26), £9,535 per year (2026/27)
• Full-time international: £16,500 per year (2025/26), £17,160 per year (2026/27)

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for International Students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.