BA (Hons) Film (Full Time)

One of the UK's leading courses in film in the university sector, this degree offers rigorous academic study combined with hands-on film-making.

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Film at Southampton Solent University is one of very few degrees to offer practical production units in film, digital filmmaking and screenwriting alongside an exciting and stimulating programme of academic study. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and to see your production work exhibited at our graduate screening.

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Focusing on critical argument and research, the degree incorporates three strands of study: theory, history and practice. You will be taught by experts in their fields including screenwriters, producers, directors and academics with an excellent range of published work.

During your studies you will have access to professional digital video, high definition and 16mm filmmaking production equipment in our suite of newly refurbished industry standard studios. The library offers extensive resources for research and study of film and houses the unique Ken Russell archive.

Your studies will equip you with a wide range of employability skills, and provide excellent career prospects. The degree enables graduates to enter employment in a variety of fields – both inside and outside of the media and film industries – as well as going on to study at postgraduate level or entering teaching.

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Industrial focus

A visiting speakers’ programme and masterclasses with industry professionals are key features of the course. Students are given the opportunity to gain work experience on outside projects such as Glastonbury, Cowes Week and sporting events. Field trips are organised to film festivals at home and around the world including Rotterdam, New York, and Berlin.

Course content

Year 1

• Film Analysis
• Film History
• Cultural Theory
• Industry Research
• Digital Video and Editing
• 16mm Film Production
• Introduction to Screenwriting.

Year 2

• Hollywood Cinem
• Film Theory
• Film Spectators and Audiences
• Documentary Filmmaking
• Fiction Film Making (HD or 16mm).

Options:

• Crime and Noir
• British TV Genre
• Screenwriting
• Gender and Sexuality
• Guerrilla Filmmaking
• Cinematography and Sound
• Directing and Editing
• Short Story Cinema.

Year 3

• Major Projects - Production (Film or Script) or Dissertation
• Contemporary Cinema
• Contemporary British Cinema.

Options:

• Cinefantastic
• The Director
• The Time Machine
• Queer Cinema
• Visualising War
• Stars and Performance
• Tortured Cinema
• The Researcher. 

Why choose this course?

• The staff team are experts in their fields: academics, screenwriters, producers and directors.
• An excellent range of professional-standard facilities including film studios, screening rooms, editing suites and television studios.
• Graduate destinations include the BBC, ITV, independent film production companies, Pinewood Studios, Working Title Films, Endemol, Tiger Aspect, publishing houses, teaching, academia and Hollywood. 

Assessment

Coursework in the form of essays, research papers, reports, seminar presentations and film production. There is one exam in Year one. 

Key career skills

Writing, creative thinking, problem-solving, presentation, research, self-evaluation, teamwork, communication.

Projects/work experience

The opportunity to produce your own work at the graduate screening in the final year.

Graduate profile

Emma Romsey, graduate

"With research active academics, tutors who work in the industry, and industry standard equipment, the Film course really helps you to prepare for a career in film."