BA

Film and Television Studies

This course is available through Clearing.
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BA Film and Television Studies Code W62F Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day Clearing places available – 0800 121 40 80

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You are viewing this course for September start 2023

Key Facts

W62F

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Further details on entry requirements

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In choosing to study a degree in Film and Television Studies with integrated Foundation Year at Aberystwyth University, you'll be immersing yourself in a rigorous and challenging discipline combining both practical and theoretic components.

Here in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies in Aberystwyth University, we work closely with the BBC, S4C and Boomerang+ Plc. With a focus on developing the essential competencies and capabilities demanded by the key industry employers, the degree will provide you with the skills and attributes required in the discipline. In addition, you'll be taught in one of the UK's pre-eminent facilities by enthusiastic and dedicated staff.

This degree course with integrated foundation year is the perfect option if you do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background but want to access this exciting degree scheme. During the Foundation Year, you will develop the academic skills that will prepare you for the full scheme from the second year onwards.

Course Overview

Following the foundation year, the syllabus of this course is identical to its sister course [Film and Television Studies, W620].

Why study Film & Television Studies at Aberystwyth?

  • You will be taught and mentored by a team of internationally known designers and experts.
  • We are a vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide.
  • You will benefit from our complementary learning experiences where theory and practice are designed to feed into each other.
  • You will benefit from our connections with key industry partners, such as National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, BAFTA, Avid and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. These creative partners provide an excellent opportunity to network and liaise with those in the industry before graduation.
  • You will have access to our superb facilities and resources for practical work: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
  • On our campus and situated next door to the Arts Centre is one of the largest Arts Centres in Wales, which regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.
  • Aberystwyth University is known for having a large number of clubs and societies, so be assured that your time will be occupied with your studies and taking part in your chosen club/society's activities. The University has a large and energetic drama society, come and say hello during a visit to Aberystwyth.
  • If you're looking for an experience beyond Aberystwyth, you will have the opportunity to take part in a study abroad placement with one of our partnered Universities in Europe or further afield through our International Exchange programme. Find out where your adventure could take you!
Our Staff

All academic staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

Modules September start - 2023

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Information in a Post-Truth World GS01120 20
How to be a Student 1 GS09520 20
How to be a Student 2 GS09320 20
Introduction to Humanities GS09920 20
Representing the Other: Cultures and Clashes GS09820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
The ‘Othered' Migrant: Social Science Perspectives GS09620 20
Understanding Change - Environment, People, Places GS00820 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Making Short Films 1 FM11420 20
Studying Film FM10120 20
Studying Television FM10220 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Making Short Films 2 FM11240 40
Movements in Film History FM11120 20
Studying Communication FM10720 20
Studying Media FM10620 20
Writing Continuing TV Drama FM17320 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Work in the Media Industries FM23820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Art Cinema FM24420 20
Digital Culture FM25520 20
LGBT Screens FM20120 20
Stardom and Celebrity FM21520 20
Television Genre FM20620 20
Creative Documentary FM26520 20
Creative Fiction: Horror FM20920 20
Creative Studio FM25420 20
Writing for Film and Television FM21620 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Contemporary Film and the Break-Up of Britain FM30020 20
Contemporary TV Drama FM30320 20
Cult Cinema: Texts, Histories and Audiences FM38220 20
Experimental Cinema FM34520 20
Gender and the Media FM38320 20
Independent Research Project FM36040 40
Videogame Theories FM38420 20
Documentary Production FM33740 40
Experimental Media Production FM33540 40
Fiction Film Production FM34240 40
Scriptwriting 1 FM37020 20
Scriptwriting 2 FM37120 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What can I do with a Film and Television Studies degree?

Many of our graduates have been successful in finding employment in these fields:

  • research, editing, floor managing, operating the camera, designing and directing for film and television production companies
  • film distribution
  • freelance film-making
  • marketing and public relations
  • film festival programming
  • advertising
  • arts administration
  • education.

What skills do I gain from this degree?

Students in our department gain many transferable skills that are sought after by employers. These include the ability to:

  • apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
  • research, evaluate and organise information
  • structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations and using a variety of means
  • work independently and with others
  • effectively organise your time and deploy your skills
  • listen to and make use of critical advice
  • be self-motivated and self-disciplined
  • use a range of information technology skills and resources
  • be entrepreneurial in developing cultural projects.

Are there any work experience opportunities whilst studying?

  • The department has strong partnerships and connections with many organisations e.g., the BBC, Fiction Factory and Boom Pictures, with who our students have been offered work placements.
  • Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers.
  • Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and Year in Employment Scheme managed by our Careers Service. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

In the first foundation year, you will be introduced to academic study and prepared for the remainder of the course. Following the foundation year, you will follow the same syllabus as the sister course W620.

In your second year you will study:

  • core introductory modules in the history, theory, and analysis of film and television products
  • practical modules that develop skills in all stages of the production process: scriptwriting, shooting, directing, and final editing
  • other modules chosen by you, for example: Movements in Film History, Studying Communication, and Studying Media.

In your third year, you will have the opportunity to:

  • develop skills in studio production, documentary filmmaking and writing for film and television
  • gain knowledge and key critical skills in a range of complementary theoretical modules that span Hollywood cinema, documentary filmmaking, art cinema and contemporary issues in digital culture
  • increase your employability prospects and transferrable skills through the compulsory work placement module.

In your final year you will be able to:

  • specialise in documentary production, fiction film, experimental media or scriptwriting and build advanced skills in this area
  • study specialist subject areas that deal with histories of technology, experimental film, cult cinema, television and society in the 20th Century, and stardom
  • embark on an independent research project, leading to a dissertation on a film and television-related topic of your choice
  • benefit from extensive support and guidance whatever pathway you decide on.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a variety of lectures, seminars, screenings, technical demonstrations, and group-based project work. The diversity of activity is essential part of our philosophy, and creates a uniquely exciting and productive learning environment.

How will I be assessed?

We assess our students through:

  • group devised productions
  • individual film and video projects
  • practical analyses
  • production diaries and creative scriptwriting
  • formal essays and examinations
  • reflective journals, blogs, Wikis
  • seminar presentations.

Additional assessments may include:

  • storyboards
  • screenplays
  • pitches.

All of these materials you could use to generate a working portfolio to present to potential employers.

More Information.

You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree scheme, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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