2.5-Term Pathway - Foundation Certificate in Humanities - Continue to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Film Studies and Literature (Placement Year)

For students who've finished high school but don’t meet the entry requirements for university, a Foundation Certificate can help them gain entry to an undergraduate degree. After completing this pathway option students qualify for progression to the 1st year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Essex.

A student’s course length is determined mainly by their English language level (UKVI IELTS score). Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. Students taking a course longer than 2 terms, will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Film Studies and Literature

Film at Essex equips students with the theoretical and background knowledge to understand the dynamics of global cinemas. Plus, combining their studies with Literature gives students an understanding of how to engage with media across comparative contexts. The Department introduces students to some of the most significant works of literature and film which have sparked movements or represented a crucial conceptual or aesthetic turn, giving them keen insights into the far-reaching influences of these media.

Students will have a range of optional modules to choose from, and they could choose topics such as:

• American film authors • Film and propaganda • World cinema • Narrative and film • Documentary film • Psychoanalytic theory • Shakespeare • British romanticism • European literature • Writing of the American South • The Western in literature and film

Students also have the opportunity to take practical options in the second year, to develop their production skills and knowledge of the filmmaking process. From initial concept to research methods, addressing legal and consent requirements, filming, and editing, these options can give students an insider knowledge of what it means to work behind the camera.

The Department is ranked number 1 in the UK for film studies (Dance, Drama and Cinematics, Times Good University Guide 2019).

* Please note that this delivery option of the course includes a placement year.

Students may decide to opt for a placement year, where they develop their professional skills and build a network of business contacts. A placement year can give students a career advantage by showing future employers that they are a dedicated and experienced professional.