Why Film and Media Studies?

Film is the predominant popular art form in the world today, a position it has held since early in the 20th century.  It is an enjoyable subject to study, requiring no previous formal knowledge; it is adaptable, broad in its scope and outcomes and is an increasingly popular choice of degree throughout the UK and the rest of the world. The subject is rewarding for people of all ages and backgrounds; typically, students have a great deal of investment in something that has such a prominent role to play in their cultural lives. Coming out of both literary theory and cultural/media studies, the academic rationale of Film and Media Studies is rigorous and wide-ranging, allowing for a selection of differing approaches to films, national cinemas, theory, directors, historical movements and technological innovation. Film and Media Studies can be studied at Bolton as a joint honours degree and combines well with other subjects in Cultural and Creative Studies, as well as with Modern and Contemporary History, Photography and many others.

Why study Film and Media at Bolton?

The Film and Media Studies undergraduate programme provides a potent mix of the textual, the industrial, the theoretical and the historical. The student is introduced to the technological and formal aspects that constitute a filmic text; this is allied at level 1 to a comprehensive foundation in the history and context of film production. On top of this, students explore how film functions as a product and creator of culture and how differing notions of spectatorship affect the reception of a film. Fundamental critical skills will be developed: the ability to analyse a sequence of film in a variety of ways; the ability to contextualise a film within a given production context; the ability to recognise how film may play with unconscious meanings and identifications; the ability to situate film within broader debates around contemporary media. You will have the chance to study a broad range of films, genres and national cinemas: European Cinema; Contemporary Hollywood Cinema; British Cinema; Comedy; literature-to-film adaptation; Experimental Cinema; World Cinema; Animation, and Children's Film. Many of the modules taught on the degree specifically reflect the research interests of the teaching staff, who are active researchers. There is also the chance to research for a dissertation and modules from other relevant degrees are available for study. There are also work-based learning modules, giving the student the opportunity to enter a relevant field of employment for a placement. The staff have links to the creative industries in the Greater Manchester area, such as Cornerhouse in Manchester. The North West is an increasingly rich area in the field of film and contemporary media and provides the student with a wide range of extra curricular learning opportunities.  

How is the course delivered?

Learning takes place in three hour blocks, often including a film screening, as well as a lecture. Other classes are taught in seminar format and provide the student with the opportunity to contribute fully to the debate. Additionally, at level 1, there are screening programmes, giving the student the opportunity to watch a weekly film in high-quality screening conditions. We consider student-centred learning to be paramount in importance and we are approachable and friendly; we have an excellent staff/student ratio and are available for tutorials whenever feasible. You will also have a Personal Tutor who will be there for pastoral and academic support throughout your three years at Bolton. Further support and guidance is always available from the Learning Support and Development unit; as well as this, there are trained personal counsellors available to discuss any issues from outside your life at the University that may have a bearing upon your studies.

How will the course enhance your future prospects?

Studying film at Bolton helps you to develop a wide variety of graduate skills that employers look for, such as the ability to organise and critically evaluate material; time management; enhanced written skills; electronic and other research skills. Media employers have stated that the ability to think independently and innovatively promoted by a critical degree is a desirable attribute. Film and Media Studies can enhance prospects in many areas within the creative industries, including arts management, television and film production, and media marketing, and provides a good route into teaching. Of course, students may wish to undertake postgraduate study and Film and Media at undergraduate level provides an excellent base for Masters' degrees in Critical Theory, Media/Cultural Studies, and of course, Film Studies which may also lead to a career in higher education.