Film & Television Studies Degree Guide

It’s an academic and creative subject that combines history, theory and practical skills. If you're passionate about cinema, TV and media - and want to understand how they work, who makes them, and what they mean - this degree offers a rich and thought-provoking path.

What You Study

Film and Television Studies can be studied on its own or combined with subjects like English, Media, Creative Writing or Production. Key areas typically include:

Analytical and Theoretical Modules:

• Film history – from silent cinema to streaming platforms

• Television studies – genres, audiences and industry structures

• Critical theory – feminist, queer, postcolonial and psychoanalytic perspectives

• Global cinema – world film traditions and movements

• Genre studies – horror, sci-fi, documentary, drama

• Representation and identity – race, gender, class and sexuality on screen

Practical and Industry-Focused Modules:

• Screenwriting and script analysis

• Directing, editing or production (at some universities)

• Media and cultural industries

• Audience research and reception studies

• Film festivals and exhibition

• TV production environments and commissioning

Some courses are more theory-based, while others include hands-on production. Always check the course balance before applying.

Useful A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications)

Entry requirements vary depending on the course and university. Useful subjects include:

• Film Studies or Media Studies (where available)

• English Literature or Language

• Art or Photography

• Drama or Theatre Studies

• History or Sociology (for cultural and critical thinking skills)

Creative portfolios may be required for production-heavy programmes, but not for theory-focused ones.

What Makes a Strong Application

To make your application stand out:

• Show a clear passion for film and/or television - not just as a viewer, but as a thinker or creator

• Mention:

  • Independent viewing or analysis (e.g. reviewing films, writing blogs, making short films)

  • Attendance at film festivals, workshops or screenings

  • Insight into directors, genres or movements that interest you

• If applying to a theory-based course, focus on your critical thinking and analytical writing skills

• If applying to a production course, highlight any technical or creative experience

Career Prospects

A Film and Television Studies degree builds a strong foundation for careers in media, culture, education and beyond. While some roles require additional training, many graduates succeed in creative industries or transferable careers.

Popular career paths include:

• Film and TV production – researcher, assistant director, script editor

• Screenwriting and development

• Broadcast media and streaming platforms

• Film festivals, curation and programming

• Marketing and publicity

• Journalism and reviewing

• Teaching, lecturing or academic research

• Creative project management

• Media policy or communications roles

Transferable skills include:

• Critical thinking and analysis

• Research and writing

• Visual literacy

• Creative collaboration

• Cultural awareness

Studying in the UK vs Other Countries

UK

• Strong academic tradition in film and media studies

• Top universities include Warwick, Exeter, King’s College London, Glasgow, and Sussex

• Some courses focus on theory and criticism, while others offer practical production

• Opportunities to study abroad or work in creative placements

USA

• Degrees often called Film Studies, Cinema Studies, or TV and Media

• Many universities offer strong film schools with production training

• Emphasis on screenwriting, directing, and Hollywood history

• Access to industry internships, especially in cities like Los Angeles or New York

Canada

• Mix of practical and analytical courses

• Strong film departments at universities like York, UBC and Concordia

• Good links to Canada’s national and regional film industries

Australia and New Zealand

• Courses combine theory and practice

• Opportunities to work with emerging film and TV industries

• Emphasis on Pacific, Indigenous and global film culture

Europe

• Some English-taught courses in Film and Media in countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia

• Often more theory-focused, but growing options in creative practice and international cinema

Final Thoughts

Film and Television Studies is ideal for students who:

• Are curious about how stories on screen shape the world we live in

• Enjoy discussing, writing about and analysing visual culture

• Want to explore both the creative and critical sides of media

• Are considering careers in the creative industries or related fields

It’s a subject that blends passion with purpose - helping you see media not just as entertainment, but as art, industry and influence.