COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Film Studies and History of Art program offers an interdisciplinary study of cinema and visual culture, combining film analysis with the exploration of art and architectural history. In the first year, students build a foundation through modules covering early and contemporary film, world cinema, and the history of art from the Ice Age to the present, complemented by optional tutorials and practical engagement with art spaces. In the second year, the curriculum expands to examine screen culture in society, art theory, and European art history through field trips, while also offering specialized modules in contemporary British cinema, documentary practice, horror film, and screenwriting. This combination allows students to connect film studies with visual and historical contexts, developing critical, analytical, and research skills. The final year focuses on advanced, independent research and creative projects, including dissertations in film, docufiction filmmaking, and explorations of cinematic forms such as queer cinema, social film studies, and documentary. Optional modules allow for the study of global television industries, adaptations of literary texts to screen, and contemporary documentary filmmaking. Throughout the course, students benefit from Manchester’s rich cultural and artistic environment, gaining hands-on experience with artworks, galleries, and film screenings. Graduates leave equipped with expertise in both film and art, prepared for careers in media, curation, creative industries, and academic research.