COURSE CURRICULUM

The Film and History degree provides a dynamic blend of critical and creative study across four years, starting with foundational knowledge in both disciplines. In the first year, students are introduced to major academic debates in film and history while developing essential analytical skills to interpret a range of visual and written texts. Modules such as Doing Film History and Analysing Film provide a deep dive into the evolution of cinema from 1895 onwards, focusing on style, genre, and representation, while Visual(ising) History and Introduction to Modern History encourage students to engage with historical change and understand how media shapes collective memory. Year two expands on these foundations, encouraging students to begin shaping their academic path with modules like Propaganda, which explores the intersection of power and media communication, and Key Concepts in Film Theory, which introduces feminist, queer, race, and genre theory. This year also offers real-world opportunities through optional placements in media and heritage sectors. The third year is dedicated to an extended placement, allowing students to apply their academic learning in a professional setting, gaining hands-on experience, industry insight, and vital career skills. This placement year is supported by university staff and can be tailored to individual interests across sectors like media, heritage, and creative industries. The final year focuses on critical reflection, advanced media research, and memory studies. Students explore how history is constructed and contested in the present through modules like Contesting the Past and Researching Contemporary Media Cultures, while also conducting independent research for their dissertation. With strong academic support and a curriculum that mixes theory, practice, and research, this degree prepares students for careers in film, media, academia, heritage, or any field where critical thinking and visual literacy are key.