Learn both film theory and film-making practice and prepare for a career in film, arts and culture-related roles from production to journalism on our BA (Hons) Film degree in Cambridge.
As one of our students you’ll discover the history of global cinema from the avant-garde to Hollywood blockbusters. As well as learning the fundamental theories of film and how it reflects and affects society, you’ll explore the language of film from the perspective of a filmmaker and start to think critically about your creative work.
This will be key in the practical side of the course: making your own explorative short films in video, animation or 16mm format. You’ll be trained in all aspects of the craft, including camera operation, sound recording and editing.
As the course progresses, our optional modules will allow you to further explore your interests or specialise for a particular career with subjects such as screenwriting and film journalism.
Throughout the course you’ll be supported by our team of expert lecturers and a close-knit community of students and graduates, who all keep in touch through our dedicated Facebook page.
In your final year, you’ll put your well-practised skills to the test in a project that, once complete, will be screened at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse. The best will also be selected for showing at the annual Cambridge Film Festival.
Our links with local and national organisations will help you make contacts and find work placements in the industry. Our recent students have found internships and placements with companies such as the BBC, Cambridge Festival of Ideas, Film & Video Umbrella, Cannes Film Festival, Cambridge Film Festival, Take One magazine, Watersprite Film Festival, CBBC, ITN Productions, London Studios, MTV, New York Film Academy, Pinewood Studios, StudioCanal UK (formerly Optimum Releasing) and Sight & Sound magazine.
As a student at ARU you’ll have use of a fully-equipped HD multi-camera TV studio with multi-purpose scenic backdrops, suitable for current affairs, drama and magazine programmes; a film studio featuring overhead lighting, tracks, dollies, green screens, and flats; a full range of HD cameras, as well as Super 8mm, 16mm and 35mm film cameras, and sound-recording equipment for location filming; the complete Adobe Creative Cloud software suite, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop and After Effects. You’ll be trained on all our equipment by a team of experienced technical staff.
Our course will help you prepare for a career in many film and cinema-related roles, including film and television production or post-production, journalism, screenwriting, programming and curation, festival management and public relations.
Our links with local and national organisation will help you make contacts and find work placements in the industry. Our recent students have found internships and placements with companies including the BBC, Pinewood Studios, StudioCanal UK, Sight and Sound magazine, and Watersprite Film Festival.
Throughout the course you’ll benefit from extra-curricular events such as Cambridge Film Festival and our Campus Cinema events; regular field trips, such as to the BFI and Tate Modern; guest lectures, with recent speakers including Jayne Parker, Margaret Salmon, Guy Sherwin, Larry Sider, and William Raban; events offered through our student-led film societies; and the chance to join Cam FM, a student-run radio station with studios on our campus and at Cambridge’s famous Fitzwilliam Museum.
What’s more, you can choose to study abroad as part of your course and get funding to cover the cost.
You might also decide to continue on to a Masters course, such as our MA Film and Television Production. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Course Details - Modules
Year one, core modules
Film Language and Concepts
Creative Moving Image
Screenwriting: The Short Film
Year one, optional modules
History of Global Cinema
Introduction to Filmmaking: Super 8mm
Year two, core modules
Theorising Spectatorship
Classical Hollywood Cinema
Cinema and Sound
Documentary Film Theory
Year two, optional modules
Independent Cinema: US and Beyond
16mm Filmmaking
Non-Fiction Filmmaking
Film Criticism and Reviewing
From Script to Screen
Year three, core modules
Major Project
or
Major Project in Film Practice
Special Topics in Film Studies
Multiplexed: Contemporary Popular Cinema
Year three, optional modules
Screenwriting: Writing and Selling the Feature Film
Narrative in Global Cinema
Professional Practice in Film
Experiments in Film and Moving Image
Film Journalism
Experimental Cinema
Optional modules available all years
Anglia Language Programme
Course Details – Assessment Method
To reflect the practical nature of the course, you won’t take any written exams. Instead, you’ll show your learning through a portfolio of creative work (including short films and film scripts), film reviews, critical essays and oral presentations. You’ll also critically evaluate your creative work, presenting and defending your work in ‘crits’.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
P303
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Advanced Highers are accepted.
UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Highers are accepted.
UCAS Tariff Points accepted.
96 UCAS Tariff points acquired from BTEC Level 3 Diplomas are accepted.
96 UCAS Points from a minimum of 2 A Levels.
from a minimum of 2 A Levels.
2020 Entry requirements are under review for the next cycle and have been published using the current cycle information. Please check back when apply opens for the exact requirements.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
