Bachelor of Arts - Film and Journalism (Including Placement Year) (P567)

BA Film and Journalism at Essex offers a creative, flexible degree with a strong foundation for employability. Students' degree is balanced 50-50 between the disciplines of Film and Journalism, but there will be many modules where the two disciplines come together, for example in modules such as ‘Documentary Filmmaking’ and ‘Advanced Practical Journalism.’

On the Journalism side, students will become thoroughly grounded in the theory and practice of journalism, develop their craft of writing and broadcasting skills to a high level, and make sound editorial judgements. Students will gain investigative and analytical skills, learning to work effectively on their own and in teams to produce the best journalism.

In Film students will study the history and theory of film, and will have the opportunity to gain technical skills in camerawork, editing and film-making. Students can also study directing, screenwriting and explore many aspects of screen media, from cinema to social media. In addition, students will gain transferable skills in research, essay-planning and writing, and they will be offered careers guidance and training. In the third year, a specialist option on film journalism, consolidating the two parts of the degree, will be available.

On a placement year students gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving students a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing them with key contacts within the industry. The rest of the course remains identical to the three-year degree.