Film and History with Year Abroad

UCAS code: WV62

Here's what University of Southampton says about its Film and History with Year Abroad course.

About this course Film and history are closely linked, with roots going back to the earliest days of cinema. We offer this exciting and challenging film and history degree for movie lovers and history buffs. A year abroad will enhance your understanding of visual arts and let you experience a new culture. You'll study film history from a variety of perspectives: as popular art, big business and as a cultural record. You’ll study familiar classics alongside contemporary cinema, with genres including film noir, horror, science fiction, documentary and animation.

Analytical thinking, critical appreciation, and a deep knowledge of formal techniques will prepare you for a rewarding career in the ever-evolving landscape of film and media. Some pathways include Film or Television critic for newspapers, magazines, blogs, or broadcast media; Content creator/producer for online or print magazines, podcasting or television shows; Screenwriter; Media distribution and exhibition; Festival organisation or curation, as well as different roles in the GLAM sector.

Key features of the course:

• Join a Film department that is 2nd in the UK for research quality, Complete University Guide 2026.

• Access specialist streaming services including Box of Broadcasts, BFI Player and Kanopy and an on-campus cinemaStudy and research through cutting-edge technology at the Digital Humanities facilities, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre.

• Option for a four-week summer programme at the prestigious Dongguk University in Seoul.

• Spend your third year abroad at an exchange partner university. You can study in English but will have opportunities to develop your language skills.

Student support You’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Small-group seminars and personal tutors will help you build confidence. Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community.

Further information The BA Film and History with Year Abroad is a four-year, full-time course at our Avenue Campus. For details, visit our course page.

Over the three years of this course, you will explore a broad range of modules in film analysis, cinema history, media theory, and technological innovations as well as cinema history and representations of the past, heritage sectors and their role in shaping cultural memory.

Year 1: Establish a strong foundation in film studies with core modules in film analysis, cinema history; World Histories and History Matters. Year 2: Explore early film and contemporary global cinema as well as topics in history ranging from ancient world to modern history. Year 3: Year Abroad Year 4: Undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice in either Film or History.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through student-selected units and an elective placement. Module structure may vary to keep your learning up to date with medical advances.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/film-history-with-year-abroad-degree-ba#modules

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as blogs, essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations and dissertations.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.