Information for prospective undergraduates

Course of study

The first two years of the programme at the Subhonours level provides a set of four core courses (one per semester) in film analysis, film history, world cinema, and film theory. Students with marks of 11/20 or better are allowed to progress to Honours level study where students are introduced to advanced issues in film theory and history, many of which incorporate the latest developments and opportunities for more specialised study.

Joint honours

At present Film Studies offers joint degrees with Ancient History, Arabic, Art History, Biblical Studies, Classical Studies, Economics, English, French*, Geography, German*, International Relations, Italian*, Modern History, Philosophy, Psychology, Russian*, Scottish History, Social Anthropology, Spanish*, and Theological Studies. This will be followed by the launch of a single honours degree.

* Starred programmes include an integrated year abroad.

NEW: Joint Honours with Psychology 

Subhonours

The First Level modules familiarise students with key concepts, theories and methodologies of Film Studies. FM1001 (Key Concepts in Film Studies) covers foundational issues of film form and aesthetics, genre and narrative, audiences, technology, and industry while FM1002 (Film History and Historiography) introduces students to significant movements in cinema history and to considerations in the practice of history. Students view classical cinematic texts from around the world in the context of society, culture, ideology, and technology. Issues covered here include classical Hollywood cinema, key aspects of European cinema before World War II, and aspects of various other world cinemas.

The two Second Level modulesexplore a range of further issues in film theory and history related to the production and interpretation of the moving image. FM2001 (World Cinemas) focuses on historical aspects and technological advances in film following World War II, by looking at developments in Europe (e.g. Neorealism, New Waves), New Hollywood, and Third Cinema. FM2002 (Film Culture, Theory Entertainment) introduces a range of approaches to cinema, their relationship to culture, and the politics of entertainment.

Honours

The Honours syllabus covers subject matters reflecting the research expertise of teaching staff. Students at the Third Level are required to take a core course in advanced film theory (FM3001), which addresses issues of post-feminism, post-colonialism, blockbusters and the digital revolution among others. Honours (3000 and 4000) level modules are taught by lectures, screenings, seminars and tutorials. Students choose further modules for more advanced study of cinematic texts, discourses and images. Optional Honours modules are generally available to both Junior and Senior Honours students and each year are drawn from a list which covers a variety of subjects.

Available modules include but are not limited to: American Independent Film, Film and History, Cultural Identity in Auteur Cinema, Japanese Cinema After WWII, Documentary Film, Contemporary Period Drama, War and Cinema, Scotland and Cinema. Please see the full list of modules.

Film Studies at Honours level will have the opportunity to engage in writing about cinema, including a dissertation.

Strengths of the course

  • High standards of teaching and student work;
  • Courses cover an extensive assortment of periods, authors, and genres; students are exposed to a wide range of cinematic texts over four years;
  • Students develop excellent communicative, analytical and other transferable skills;
  • Teaching by academics at the cutting edge of the discipline. Students receive the best and latest ideas and material to research and evaluate;
  • Attractive social, cultural and intellectually stimulating environment;
  • Teaching in small groups which assures close attention and individual help.

Teaching

Class sizes in Honours vary between modules. We aim to give all students in Film the chance to engage in learning, debating and presenting in lively seminars. Besides lectures and seminars, film courses also include scheduled screenings of the selected texts for the course, which students are expected to attend. Screenings normally take place in the evening.

Admissions

Students interested in applying to St Andrews should visit the admissions page.