Why study Film Studies
In an increasingly media-saturated world, the study of film is integral to a critical understanding of the modern world. The main purpose of the undergraduate programme is not to train media practitioners, but rather to provide an extensive, high quality education. The programme promotes independent thought and encourages intellectual initiative. It develops media-literate students able to work across media, geographical contexts and historical periods, from early cinema to the digital era.
Students in Film Studies develop excellent intellectual, communicative, writing and research skills, providing the foundation for a wide range of career opportunities as well as for careers directly connected with cinema. These include:
- film distribution and production
- arts administration
- cinema management
- film festivals
- advertising and public relations
- journalism and media
- publishing and education.
Why St Andrews?
St Andrews has one of the highest ranked UK Departments in Film and Media Studies (ranked second in the Guardian University Guide, 2020).
The nature of the undergraduate programme at St Andrews, where students take modules in multiple subjects, encourages an interdisciplinary approach to film and ensures that students leave with knowledge and expertise beyond film.
Noted for its outstanding level of student satisfaction (ranked first in the 2019 National Student Survey with 100% satisfaction), Film Studies at St Andrews offers a comprehensive study of global cinema in all its forms and provides a host of opportunities beyond the core syllabus. The course is open to those with no previous experience of learning about cinema as well as those who may have studied film and media subjects at school.
Students are taught by leading academics in small classes with state of the art facilities and are an active part of a friendly, inclusive and vibrant department. Staff and students work closely together and continually look to develop the teaching and curriculum in line with latest developments in the discipline.
The external examiner described the feedback provided to students as "the strongest I have seen" and "stellar across the board". The latest six-yearly teaching review praised the "high level of curricular innovation" and the "varied and skills-oriented assessment methods." The external examiner further praised "the varied assessments across the program which really push your students to think and write in different registers that will be useful to them in their future work."
In addition to the degree programme, the Department hosts numerous extra-curricular activities, including festivals, screenings, workshops and talks with academics and leading film personnel.