UCAS code P303
Films have been vital cultural outputs for over one hundred years. The context in which they are produced and distributed is constantly changing but their importance as documents of our times remains, as does the pleasure they give to audiences across the world and their potential influence on the way those audiences may see the world.
Film Studies at Liverpool offers you the chance to study with recognised scholars of film cultures and industries around the world, offering a wide-ranging and sophisticated academic programme in this critical field.
Our students have an interest in world cultures and a desire to fully appreciate the ways in which these cultures have expressed themselves through film. We encourage you to become an independent learner and can offer a variety of support to aid this development.
Students develop a high level of creative, intellectual, analytical, digital and interpersonal employability skills as well as intercultural and transnational awareness.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester one and 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Language modules are taken across semesters one and two; these modules must be completed and cannot be dropped. For guidance on registering for the appropriate language level, please contact the relevant Subject Lead.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester one, and 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Students cannot take more than 60 credits of COMM and/or MUSI optional modules per year. An additional 15 credits may be taken from COMM and/or MUSI optional modules, or from subjects elsewhere in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, with prior permission from the Subject Lead.
FILM200 is subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students cannot register for this module directly.
Registration onto HLAC220 is for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year between second and final year, or for those who are interested in developing their transferrable skills in preparation for a short placement or other work experience.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FILM THEORIES (FILM208) | 30 |
| SCREEN CULTURES (FILM206) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Students take 45 credits of optional modules in each semester. Students must take 30 credits of capstones.
Students must take FILML307.
FILM307 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FILM DISSERTATION (FILM307) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
You can take Film Studies as part of a combined degree. If you study Film Studies and another subject (50/50) you will take 60 credits in Film per year.
In year one you will take FILM101, FILM104, FILM102 and MUSI170.
In year two you will take 15 credits of required and 15 credits of optional Film Studies modules in each semester. FILM201 and FILM204 are the required modules.
In year three you will take 30 credits of optional Film Studies modules in each semester. In year three you may do a dissertation module in Film Studies or in your other joint subject (but not both).
You will experience a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, with no modules being taught entirely through lectures. Most teaching takes place in small groups where you’ll share and explore ideas with your tutors and peers. You’ll also attend screenings, workshops and lectures and undertake self-directed study through course reading, film viewing and independent research. Academic staff are available for one-to-one support and course materials are available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform.
Audio-visual materials are central to the programme. Films are studied through screenings and independent viewing, supported by streamed film collections, specialist databases and digital archives. Students are also encouraged to make use of the Language Lounge and the University Library’s extensive film resources to support their studies. We encourage our students to become independent learners, and we support them through dedicated library resources, academic guidance and skills development opportunities, including support with academic writing, research and digital literacy.
Assessment strategies vary across modules. Alongside traditional written examinations and assessed essays, assignments may include close analysis of film texts, presentations undertaken individually or as part of a group, case studies, blog entries, reports, literature reviews, video essays and other project-based work. We are constantly reviewing our assessment strategies, with the aim of offering a variety of assessment methods that allow students to develop different academic, research, communication and digital skills.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
Film Studies is part of the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film, based in 1-7 Abercromby Square. Students experience teaching across a number of departments, and have access to a variety of Film Studies resources in the department’s Language Lounge for independent study.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The industry specific knowledge that you can acquire from a Film Studies degree will prepare you for a wide range of film-related careers in production, distribution, marketing, film writing and more broadly in media-related careers locally, nationally and internationally.
The programme more broadly allows students to develop transferable skills – critical thinking, writing and communication skills, presentation skills, independent research – which are crucial for a variety of careers beyond film and media.
Career paths could include: