Film and Media - BA (Hons)

On this course you will:

• study film from artistic, cultural and industry perspectives, as well as various media institutions and the debates surrounding them. You will engage in deep critical thinking about culture, media and society as a whole; and
• develop real-world technical skills in film and media production, teamwork, academic research, project management and a variety of forms of communication.

Structure

You can opt to study for an honours degree over four years or an ordinary degree over three years. You will complete a range of modules each year as outlined.

Teaching, learning and assessment

You will be taught in lectures, seminars and in practical workshops. We have superb on-campus resources, and media production equipment, including a recently-upgraded film editing suite and dedicated production and photography area equipped with a green screen and on-site lighting equipment. You will be assessed in a wide array of ways across the course, including presentations, reflective diaries, blogs, videos, essays (and video essays) and some written exams.

Exchange opportunities

In Year Three you have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at a university overseas. Please visit the Exchanges and Study Abroad pages for more information.

Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

Year One

You will:

• be introduced to key concepts in film and media studies, including the emergence of cinema and the establishment of national broadcasting systems, and concepts such as narrative, popular culture and citizenship;
• learn the basic principles of filmmaking, in terms of editing, framing, composition, lighting and story; and
• participate in our annual student film competition, the Silver Swans, where we screen a selection of the best student films and award prizes.

Modules

• Studying Cinema
• Media Analysis
• Film Histories
• Media and Communications Industries
• Media Production: Skills and Techniques
• Media Production: Video Project

Year Two

You will:

• develop your knowledge and understanding of film and media studies, thinking more critically about the film and media we produce and consume;
• strengthen your film and media production skills and develop more complex stories on film and in media; and
• apply your skills to real-world situations with our ‘Virtual Client Project’ module, where you will pitch and complete a media project for a business or charity.

Modules

• Film Genre
• Popular Media Cultures
• Disruption in the Media and Cultural Industries
• Media Production: Storytelling
• Media Production: Online Journalism
• Virtual Client Project

Year Three

You will:

• learn important research skills to prepare you for Year Four and life beyond University;
• develop a plan for your post-University creative career and understand working in the creative industries;
• choose specialist film and media options in, for example, the video essay, screenwriting, filmmaking and photography; and
• have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at a university overseas. For more information, visit Exchanges and Study Abroad.

Modules

• Working in the Film, Media and Communication Sectors
• Global Film Cultures
• Media, Politics and Culture
• Designing a Research Project
• plus two electives

Year Four

You will:

• choose further specialist film and media options in, for example,  the video essay, screenwriting, filmmaking and photography; and 
• complete a written or creative practice dissertation. Creative practice dissertations can be in film, photography, screenwriting or a video essay. You can choose a group filmmaking dissertation that adds another dimension if you want to specialise in a particular production role such as director, writer or editor.

Modules

• Dissertation
• Modernity on Screen
• plus three electives

Year Three and Four electives may include:

• Communication, Arts and Activism
• Experiential Learning Placement
• Film and the Family
• Film Festivals
• Photography and Visual Culture
• Photography Practice
• Playwriting
• Playwriting 2
• Popular Music
• Radio and Audio Media
• Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror
• Screenwriting
• Student Initiated Module
• The Only Way is Ethics
• The Video Essay
• Video Production

NB The modules listed here are correct at time of last update (June 2023) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2024. Please check back here for any updates.

You will graduate as a critical maker and consumer of film and media. You will be technically competent in the field, with rounded practical skills and ready to succeed in the career of your choice.

Our graduates are making names for themselves in film and television production, media research, PhD and academic research, public relations, marketing, advertising, arts and cultural management. Employers including the Edinburgh International Film Festival, , Channel 4 and the Leith Agency have snapped up their skills and attitude.

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher: Standard - BBBB, Minimum - BBCC

A Level: BCC

Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H3 H3

International Baccalaureate: 28 points

International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5

Required subjects: English, Media Studies, or Film Studies preferred at Higher/A level or equivalent. English required and Maths preferred at Nat 5/GCSE. We can also accept National 5 Application of Maths or Lifeskills at the same grade.

Am I a Widening Access student?: We apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to the access and application page.

Mature/Access: We welcome applications from mature students with relevant qualifications and/or experience. Visit our College Leavers and Mature Students Advice page for more information. 

Direct Entry:

Year Two

• HNC in a related subject with B in the graded unit
  Scottish Higher: BC at Advanced Higher in relevant subjects plus BB at Higher
• A Level: BBB in relevant subjects

Year Three

HND in a related subject with CB in the graded units

For details of related HNC and HND courses, visit our College Leavers and Mature Students Advice page. 

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2024/25 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).

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