Film Studies and Media

Film Studies and Media - BA (Hons)

Film studies and media at Keele explores the evolution of the media industry and how film has developed through time and across cultures. You will investigate a range of issues, such as representations of gender, race and sexuality, and the politics and economics of the global entertainment industry. You will develop creative and practical skills, whilst exploring a range of different media forms and outlets and how these impact society. This combination of theory and practice will make you a better analyst and practitioner of film and media, helping to prepare you for a career across various creative industries.

We are in the process of refreshing our curriculum for the 2025/26 academic year to reflect best practices and the latest advancements in academia. Updated course content and modules will be available on this page in due course.

Year of entry

2025 - for 2025 entry see here - for 2024 entry see here

Course type

Combined Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Humanities

UCAS code

PP39

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Enquire about this course Clearing vacancies and entry requirements 2024 Book an open day Chat to students

Why study Film Studies and Media at Keele University?

On demand access to the media building – gain practical skills using film, sound and image production facilities

Tailor your degree and explore both theory and practice based on your interests and career aspirations

Film Studies and Media at Keele is ranked Top 10 in England for student positivity* NSS 2023 (Broad-based universities) *based on overall student satisfaction, which is an average score across 27 questions asked in the NSS

Work placement opportunities to gain key transferable skills to enhance your career prospects

Discover diverse cultures through an international year at a partner university across the globe

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Course overview

Film Studies and media at Keele combines two subjects of study that complement each other in both theory and practice. Film is a powerful art form that incorporates the study of technology, culture, and aesthetics, whilst media allows you to develop practical skills in film making, editing and specialised equipment.

You will explore the theoretical aspects of media, critically evaluate content and develop new ideas throughout your studies. You will widen your cinematic and cultural knowledge through a range of innovative and creative teaching and assessment methods.

Film studies at Keele allows you to delve deep into the theoretical analysis of film from both historical and modern perspectives, identifying key debates in contemporary screen media, and analysing a broad range of film and television texts from the widest cultural contexts. Ranging across Hollywood film, world cinemas and newer forms of global film and television, you will consider the characteristics that distinguish these different types of production. You may wish to develop key skills in creative filmmaking, as well as in related practices such as screenwriting. You may also have the chance to make further connections to film through the study of other media forms, such as photography and literature.

Media allows you develop your understanding of how our mediated world has developed, and the role of media industries, texts and audiences in shaping that world. You will explore media in the context of business, politics and history and will review and analyse a range of media forms such as social media and the news. This will help to inform your theoretical learning, before analysing key themes and concepts that can be applied to your practical work.

There are a number of exciting activities to get involved in across this degree programme including film making, photography, broadcasting and sound recording. These experiences will allow you to showcase and develop your skill set and apply your learning in a creative setting, using industry-standard equipment. The depth and breadth of film studies and media will enhance your powers of expression and discussion, as well as providing you with transferable skills across film and media industries, or in a variety of other professional sectors. You will be equipped with a wide range of skills that will enable you to produce high quality media content, as well as improving your skills as a writer, speaker and researcher. You will also work with others to develop and collaborate on projects, learning how to embrace new ideas and build effective working relationships.

Work Placements

Having the opportunity to undertake a placement is a valuable experience which will enable you to demonstrate and develop your skill set further. Through this course you will become a creative individual with the ability to critically evaluate, synthesise and produce content effectively through various methods.

There may be an option to do a work placement module. This could provide you with a platform to work within an organisation, and further develop your professional skills. You will identify an organisation based on your interests, with the guidance of the module tutors, and will spend a semester engaging with projects and tasks set out by the employer, as well as taught sessions at university.

You will also have the opportunity to apply for a work placement year that allows you to apply your knowledge and prepare for employment after university. This opportunity will enable you to build confidence in the workplace and demonstrate your abilities in a professional environment, using the skills you have gained throughout your degree programme. You will be supported to prepare for your placement with advice on CV writing and cover letters, as well as the chance to attend Q&A workshops to discuss individual experiences with alumni and employers. This is a valuable, character-building experience where you will develop both personally and professionally.

Study abroad

International year

Enhance your career prospects with an international year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe.

On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with an enhanced degree title. This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures; you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society. You can find more information here.

Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second-year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.

Related courses

Next steps

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Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

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Course structure

Modules for Film Studies and Media

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are subject to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Learn a language Placement year International year Study abroad GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBC

BTEC: DMM

T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBC in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: CCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: MMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any T Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.

Contextual Offer: 444 in three Higher levels or 27 points.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

70% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.4 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

12 in the French Baccalaureate/International Option Baccalaureate/Baccalauréate Français International.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

75% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBC in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

Malaysia - STPM

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBC in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

European Baccalaureate

70% overall.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBC in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Your future career

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Film studies and media will equip you with a wide set of skills, applicable to various careers. The knowledge gained throughout the programme will help to inform your communications and creativity within the workplace. You will have the confidence to provide solutions and suggest ideas to assist colleagues and whichever organisation you work for.

You may wish to explore a range of roles that are involved with the early stages of production or perhaps a practical approach such as experimenting with film making or related fields.

You will be equipped with key skills in researching, writing and presenting your ideas through various media forms, and will be able to apply your knowledge in the workplace through practical methods. You will have a clear awareness of technology and the evolving industry and how you can provide your expertise in an area of interest, working independently or with a team of professionals.

You may wish to explore the following careers:

Film making
Television
Broadcasting
Videography
Directing
Marketing
Photography
Events
Education
Public Relations
Public Arts
Journalism
Business
Further study

At Keele, there are also a range of internships available to students that will enable you to gain real work experience with employers. This may involve full time or part time positions and roles that will allow you to gain a head start in your career.

Having the opportunity to take an internship will develop your practical skills in industries you may wish to pursue after graduation and the chance to engage with paid work during your time at university and beyond. You will be supported by staff and will be able to discuss your options to tailor your interests and career aspirations.

Media students have secured various roles in video production and other content creation for both local businesses, charities and national companies. These include Stoke Football Club, BBC Radio Stoke, NHS and Astrazeneca.

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and assessment in Film Studies

You will be taught by staff who have published in their specialist fields and are committed to exploring current trends and topics, providing an up-to-date outlook on the film industry and content. This high-quality teaching will involve a range of core and optional modules where you will be able to combine theory and practice, based on your interests. Our practical modules, led by lecturers with wide filmmaking experience, involve producing visual content to express your opinions, perspectives and arguments, showcasing your skills and individuality.

You will engage with a range of teaching methods that encourage you to discuss topics with teachers and peers, developing your own critical approach towards analysis. You will be taught through seminars and workshops that allow you to uncover important issues and refine your ideas through research and practice. Regular lectures and screenings provide the historical context and outline the varied approaches to studying film and television.

Film studies challenges you through a variety of creative assessment methods, all of which allow you to develop personally and professionally through different tasks and projects, building on your analytical, organisational and communicational skills.

Assessment methods may include:

Film and television analysis
Posters
Video essays
Short film production
Essays and Dissertation
Screenplay treatment

Teaching and assessment in Media

Media aims to provide an array of diverse teaching styles to promote the understanding of the subject area. You will be taught through lectures and seminars where you will have the opportunity to participate in discussions and group work with your peers to share ideas and practice with others.

You may also take part in practical workshops where you will have a hands-on approach to creating content through practical methods such as film and image production. These sessions will encourage you to build the personal and professional skills which will inform your ability to work both independently and collaboratively. This is a great way to familiarise yourself with the facilities available and practice using equipment.

Throughout the duration of the course, you will engage with different assessment methods to challenge the skills and knowledge you have developed. These include:

Essays
Presentations
Practical Projects
Posters
News stories
Magazines
Dissertations

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Our combined honours Foundation Year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) Film Studies and Media degree. For example, the Foundations of Humanities 1 module introduces you to the broad range of source material across the Humanities disciplines – from music to media – which enable us to analyse political, social or economic perspectives and attitudes to individuals, marginal groups and ‘mainstream’ society. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

In addition to the modules listed, students will study a further 15 credits in semester one. The optional modules available for students to choose from is dependent on the degree programme and timetabling restraints.

FYO-00247	Foundations: Breaking the code - Understanding Academic Writing	15 credits
FYO-00257	Foundations of Humanities - 1	15 credits
FYO-00259	Foundations of Humanities - 2	15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00261	Advancing Humanities	30 credits
FYO-00271	University Research Portfolio	30 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.

Between 40-48 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

How to apply

Students need to apply for BA (Hons) Film Studies with Foundation Year (UCAS code: P3V0) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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