BA Film & Television
-
UCAS code
W600 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2022/23 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2022/23 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
COVID-19 update
With our BA Film and Television course, pursue your passion for films with leading academics and visiting practitioners, and have the chance to apply what you learn through practical filmmaking.
Here at the University of Reading, you will blend practical work with the theoretical study of film from the late nineteenth century to the modern day, including world cinema, avant-garde and experimental filmmaking. You will also explore the cinema of classical and contemporary Hollywood, together with new forms of digital entertainment and video art.
Alongside this, you can investigate television from its origins in the mid-twentieth century to contemporary engagements with new media and digital platforms, from soap opera to sitcom to sci-fi, exploring questions of authorship, genre and audience.
The focus is on your development into a critically informed filmmaker. You will gain academic knowledge and practical skills, with opportunities to collaborate on films and television programmes in the final two years. In addition to learning the histories and meanings of film, you will receive technical training in a range of creative techniques, such as editing, sound and lighting design, and television studio production.
In the first year of the degree, you will have the opportunity to watch, interpret and debate a wide range of film and television, including documentary, Soviet cinema and the work of Alfred Hitchcock. This enables you to build up a strong foundational knowledge of, and appreciation for, how stories and images work. Alongside these studies, you will learn key production and post-production skills, and start to explore what it means to apply critical ideas in a practical context.
In the second year, you will delve into work within and beyond classical and conventional narrative traditions. Optional modules allow you to investigate a variety of areas in detail, from genre and authorship in Hollywood and international cinema, to avant-garde, art film, political and feminist cinema. You will also have the opportunity to select theatre modules, such as Performance and Nation. Throughout this year you will engage with group-based practical work in either film or television, work that develops your ability to creatively respond to different movements, practitioners and historical periods – allowing you to develop your own distinctive storytelling and practical skills. This builds towards a 6-minute film or television piece developed across the second half of the year.
In your final year, you will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the subject through research-based modules. These modules are based around our academics’ current world-leading research and are all discussion-based, allowing you to rigorously engage with cutting-edge thought. Your practical work across the degree now culminates in either a collaborative 10-minute film or a written dissertation.
This degree is designed with the interaction between theory and practical work at its core, giving you plenty of opportunities to develop both your critical and technical skills. You will be based in Minghella Studios, a purpose-built study environment that reflects the way in which we think about and teach film, theatre and television. Your practical work allows you to try out different production roles and develop a range of skills and techniques while also developing a strong academic knowledge of their histories and meanings.
The Department of Film, Theatre & Television has a long and proud history of supporting collaborative work, and at every stage you will be encouraged to build your own knowledge and skills by working with fellow students on our BA Film & Theatre and BA Theatre & Performance degrees.
Overview
With our BA Film and Television course, pursue your passion for films with leading academics and visiting practitioners, and have the chance to apply what you learn through practical filmmaking.
Here at the University of Reading, you will blend practical work with the theoretical study of film from the late nineteenth century to the modern day, including world cinema, avant-garde and experimental filmmaking. You will also explore the cinema of classical and contemporary Hollywood, together with new forms of digital entertainment and video art.
Alongside this, you can investigate television from its origins in the mid-twentieth century to contemporary engagements with new media and digital platforms, from soap opera to sitcom to sci-fi, exploring questions of authorship, genre and audience.
The focus is on your development into a critically informed filmmaker. You will gain academic knowledge and practical skills, with opportunities to collaborate on films and television programmes in the final two years. In addition to learning the histories and meanings of film, you will receive technical training in a range of creative techniques, such as editing, sound and lighting design, and television studio production.
In the first year of the degree, you will have the opportunity to watch, interpret and debate a wide range of film and television, including documentary, Soviet cinema and the work of Alfred Hitchcock. This enables you to build up a strong foundational knowledge of, and appreciation for, how stories and images work. Alongside these studies, you will learn key production and post-production skills, and start to explore what it means to apply critical ideas in a practical context.
In the second year, you will delve into work within and beyond classical and conventional narrative traditions. Optional modules allow you to investigate a variety of areas in detail, from genre and authorship in Hollywood and international cinema, to avant-garde, art film, political and feminist cinema. You will also have the opportunity to select theatre modules, such as Performance and Nation. Throughout this year you will engage with group-based practical work in either film or television, work that develops your ability to creatively respond to different movements, practitioners and historical periods – allowing you to develop your own distinctive storytelling and practical skills. This builds towards a 6-minute film or television piece developed across the second half of the year.
In your final year, you will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the subject through research-based modules. These modules are based around our academics’ current world-leading research and are all discussion-based, allowing you to rigorously engage with cutting-edge thought. Your practical work across the degree now culminates in either a collaborative 10-minute film or a written dissertation.
This degree is designed with the interaction between theory and practical work at its core, giving you plenty of opportunities to develop both your critical and technical skills. You will be based in Minghella Studios, a purpose-built study environment that reflects the way in which we think about and teach film, theatre and television. Your practical work allows you to try out different production roles and develop a range of skills and techniques while also developing a strong academic knowledge of their histories and meanings.
The Department of Film, Theatre & Television has a long and proud history of supporting collaborative work, and at every stage you will be encouraged to build your own knowledge and skills by working with fellow students on our BA Film & Theatre and BA Theatre & Performance degrees.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB
As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT1ATT | Approaches to Television | DR Faye Woods |
FT1ITF | Introduction to Filmmaking | MS Shweta Ghosh |
FT1TSP | TV Studio Production | DR Dominic Lees |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
FT1EN | English for Arts and Communication Design | MS Emily Salvesen |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | MRS Jackie Baines |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | DR James Hellings |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MS Joan McCormack |
LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
MM1F10 | Student Enterprise | DR Lebene Soga |
PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | DR George Mason |
TY1HGC | History of Graphic Communication | DR Rob Banham |
TY1PRI | Printing and printmaking | DR Rob Banham |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Matthew Lickiss |
TY1WTF10 | What the font? Making and using typefaces (10 credits) | DR Matthew Lickiss |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FT2FFC | Film Forms and Cultures | DR David Foster |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FT2ACR | Academic Research Skills (20 Credits) | DR Sarah Bartley |
FT2CSP | Creative Screen Practice | DR Dominic Lees |
FT2EE | Extended Essay | DR Tonia Kazakopoulou |
FT2IPC | Identity, Performance and Culture | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT2PE10 | Placements and Employment Skills (Ten Credits) | DR Lucy Tyler |
FT2PE20 | Placements and Employment Skills (Twenty Credits) | DR Lucy Tyler |
FT2PS | Performance Skills: Acting and Directing | DR Lisa Woynarski |
FT2SSC | Screen Storytelling and Criticism | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT2SSCB | Screen Storytelling and Criticism B | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT2TCC | Television and Contemporary Culture | DR Faye Woods |
FT2WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR Adam O'Brien |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
CL2AE | Ancient Epic | DR Christa Gray |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Timothy Duff |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF Barbara Goff |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | PROF Annalisa Marzano |
IL2GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | |
IL2GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Alice Christensen |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Veronica Heath |
MM2101 | Founder Dilemmas | DR Norbert Morawetz |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2AMG | American Government and Politics | DR Mark Shanahan |
PO2GPH | Global Politics and History | DR Kerry Goettlich |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Brandon Beomseob Park |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | MISS Michela Bariselli |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Severin Schroeder |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | DR Charlotte Newey |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
FT3AD | Adaptations across Stage and Screen | DR Sarah Bartley |
FT3AFP | Advanced Filmmaking Project | DR Adam O'Brien |
FT3CAS | Cities on Screen | DR Faye Woods |
FT3CD | Contemporary Documentary | MR James Kenward-Abdollahyan |
FT3CST | Cinema, Spectacle and Technology | PROF Lisa Purse |
FT3DISS | Dissertation: Film & Theatre | DR David Foster |
FT3IAA | Identity, Agency, Advocacy: Diversity and Representation in Film, Television and Theatre | DR Lisa Woynarski |
FT3IE | Independent Essay | |
FT3PAR | Practice as Research Project | PROF Teresa Murjas |
FT3PD | Performance & Design: Site, Scenography and Installation | DR Matt McFrederick |
FT3PL20 | Work Placements and Profiles (20 Credits) | DR Lucy Tyler |
FT3SSS | Scriptwriting for Stage and Screen | |
FT3TFW | Television: Exploring Fictional Worlds | |
FT3WCC | World Cinema: Creative Peaks | MR Mark Player |
FB3LNPA | Lifestyle, Nutrigenetics and Personalised Nutrition | DR Vimal Karani |
GV3CC | Climate Change | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
GV3ESM | Ecosystems Modelling | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3TRC | Tropical Rainforests, Climate & Lost Civilisations | PROF Frank Mayle |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROFESSOR Jo Phoenix |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | MR Federico Faloppa |
MM302 | Entrepreneurial Project | MR Keith Heron |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
PO3GAP | Gender and Politics | DR Rose De Geus |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £20,300
* UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
94% of leavers are in work and/or study 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Film, Theatre & Television).
Our degrees are designed to develop the skills valued by both creative and commercial industries providing you with a diverse range of career opportunities following graduation.
An emphasis on professional skills is built into the courses to prepare you for the future. Each course also has a dedicated careers module to support your personal development and a range of written and practical assessments designed to make you a highly articulate and rigorous graduate.
You will develop the practical film and theatre production skills needed in industry, as well as many transferable skills for work in a wider range of sectors.
Our degrees include:
- A dedicated careers module to support your personal development
- A range of written and practical assessment designed to develop you into a highly articulate and rigorous graduate
- The practical film and theatre production skills needed in industry
Studying at Reading gives you the skills that enable you to rapidly develop a career in your chosen field. Many of our alumni work in the creative industries and their roles include the following:
- theatre directors
- actors
- playwrights
- film producers and directors
- visual FX experts
- cinematographers
- television producers
- critics
Graduates also go onto a range of related careers in areas including:
- commercial marketing and media
- advertising
- journalism
- teaching