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Our BA in Film degree gives you the opportunity to explore film theory and history, as well as hands-on in a range of practical media production modules.

  • The programme will provide you with a solid background in screen industries, from a theoretical, practical and industry perspective.
  • Study with media professionals and international and national experts in film, television and popular culture.
  • You will learn precise research and production skills that will allow you to enter a wide variety of professions.
  • Professional development and work experience modules.
  • Degree includes a placement year of paid work experience

Why study Film?

With approximately one in five new jobs in London within the creative industries, our Film degree will provide you with a solid background in screen industries, from a theoretical, practical and industry perspective.

You will learn precise research and production skills that will allow you to enter a wide variety of professions. You will also be following individual interests and passions that will motivate you to work hard in your chosen area of study.

By studying a range of topics you will gain an understanding of the most significant issues affecting the media today and its relationship with our culture and society. This degree will prepare you for a career in a wide range of industries.

We offer opportunities for you to gain work experience in the media and specialist modules to develop your skills in creative scriptwriting, film and cultural criticism and film production.

Why St Mary's?

The degree includes modules on a wide variety of film, television, popular music and other screen media. There is plenty of chance for you to explore the types of media that particularly interest you.

As well as being a train ride away from the heart of London's film industry, our students benefit from an extremely accessible teaching staff, made up of research academics as well as industry professionals.

About the Placement Year

A placement year enables students to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between their second and final year. It is a substantial piece of paid experience where you can make a real contribution to your employer and it can really make you stand out from the crowd.

It will also enable you to:

  • apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
  • build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
  • develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
  • get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.

Support from St Mary’s every step of the way

Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities. You will need to attend some preparatory workshops which will explain all aspects of the placement year and give you the skills to find the placement of your choice. With access to our jobs board, careers events, and employer contacts you will be able to approach companies confidently and find the right opportunity for you.

Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.


Course lead

Dr Jon Hackett headshotDr Jon Hackett
Associate Prof

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Entry requirements

96-112UCAS points required

Check how many points your grades are worth

Calculate your total UCAS points

80 UCAS points should include at least two B grades at A level (or equivalent).

We will make you an offer if you are within the tariff band range and you meet subject-specific requirements (where applicable).

For undergraduate programmes we will take into account subjects studied at Level 3, your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile, relevant non-academic achievements outlined in your personal statement, references, and your motivation for study.

International requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).

UCAS Personal statement support

Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.

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Course content

Year one

  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional

Year two

  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional

Year three

Year four

  •  Core
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional
  •  Optional

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

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Career opportunities

With approximately one in five jobs in London in the creative industries, there are numerous career opportunities in the film, television and cultural arts. Previous graduates have also entered journalism, management and administration, advertising, research, marketing, and PR.

Many students also go on to study at postgraduate level for a Master's degree. At St Mary's we welcome MPhil and PhD proposals in a number of areas related to the content of this Film degree.

Most of the optional work placements take place in the Greater London area. Some might be in central London, but there are also a number of suitable Communications and Marketing organisations in west London.

The Careers Service has more information on careers and postgraduate study options available to Film students who have started their studies at St Mary’s.

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How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

We place a strong emphasis on developing skills that will be essential in the work place and further study. Most courses are taught through lectures, workshops, practical exercises, screenings, field trips and small group discussions, with an emphasis on developing your communication skills and the ability to express your ideas with confidence.

You will also be taught by both academic specialists and industry professionals. We offer exciting study trips and opportunities for work experience in the media and creative industries.

Most classes range from around 15 to 40 students. Seminars will have a maximum of around 20 students.

Teaching breakdown

Learning on the course is made up through a combination of:

  • Contact time: 20%
  • Work-based learning: 2%
  • Guided learning: 33%
  • Independent study: 45%

Independent study is a key feature of your degree and is crucial to furthering your knowledge.

You will receive your timetable a week before teaching is due to start at the latest.

Assessment methods

We assess your work in a variety of ways. These usually include essays, portfolios of work, research reports and blogs. We also assess group work including presentations, films and other practical projects.

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within three weeks.

See how your final degree mark is calculated...

Compensated passes

Please refer to the information on compensated passes throughout your degree as outlined in the academic regulations.

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Facilities

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Fees and funding

2023/24 fees

  • Home: £9,250 (£1,200 during placement year)
  • International: £14,850 (£1,200 during placement year)

*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Governments review of Higher Education Funding.

Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage

Scholarships

A range of scholarships and bursaries are available to new undergraduate students. This includes:

Living costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

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Further information


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Visit the campus

Upcoming open days

Meet current students, explore our green campus, and find out why St Mary’s could be the place for you.

You'll also get a chance to:

Staff from various teams, including the Student’s Union, Student Funding, and Admissions, will also be around to discuss any questions you may have about studying at St Mary’s.

Book your place now

Campus tours

There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore the campus, even if you can't make it to an Open Day. We run campus tours every Wednesday at 12pm. If you'd like to join us for one of these tours please register your place for your preferred day.

Virtual tour

We know that for it's important to you to see where you'll be living and studying before you make your decision. However, we also know that for many people it's not always easy to make it to the campus.

That's why we've developed a virtual tour of campus, allowing you to explore that facilities and the beautiful views that we have to offer.

Launch the virtual tour

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