Undergraduate study in Film Studies

The Department of Film Studies enjoys a strong and supportive student-staff culture. It consistently receives the highest possible ratings of satisfaction amongst students in course evaluations and in student satisfaction polls. It was ranked second in the UK for Media and Film Studies by the Guardian Good University Guide 2024.

You will be taught by leading scholars in the discipline, enabling you to engage with, research and evaluate the very latest ideas and materials.

The courses on offer are:

Strengths of the course

  • High standards of teaching and student work, which are celebrated in an annual award for outstanding honours essay: the Anita Loos award.
  • Modules cover an extensive assortment of topics, periods and approaches so students are exposed to a wide range of media texts.
  • Students develop excellent communicative, analytical and other transferable skills.
  • Research-led teaching by academics at the cutting edge of the discipline.
  • Teaching in small groups which assures close attention and individual help.
  • Excellent specialist library resources, including one of the best collections of international cinema and artists' film held on DVD and digitally, with over 9,300 AV Materials and including some extremely rare films and holdings.
  • Specially-fitted teaching facilities, including a screening and seminar room with 3D projection.

The honours modules reflect the research expertise of the Department and allow students to choose and develop their own specialisms within the discipline. Honours modules regularly incorporate special screenings, events and trips to film sector institutions, such as Dundee Contemporary Arts or the film archive in Stirling.

Students are also involved in a wide range of film-related activities beyond the classroom, such as opportunities to contribute to Sands: International Film Festival of St Andrews, research internships, and talks from industry professionals. The Department encourages students to get involved and lead film activities across the University.