Film Studies and Media

Film Studies and media at Keele combines two subjects of study that complement each other in both theory and practice. Film is a powerful art form that incorporates the study of technology, culture, and aesthetics, whilst media allows you to develop practical skills in film making, editing and specialised equipment.

You will explore the theoretical aspects of media, critically evaluate content and develop new ideas throughout your studies. You will widen your cinematic and cultural knowledge through a range of innovative and creative teaching and assessment methods.

Film studies at Keele allows you to delve deep into the theoretical analysis of film from both historical and modern perspectives, identifying key debates in contemporary screen media, and analysing a broad range of film and television texts from the widest cultural contexts. Ranging across Hollywood film, world cinemas and newer forms of global film and television, you will consider the characteristics that distinguish these different types of production. You may wish to develop key skills in creative filmmaking, as well as in related practices such as screenwriting. You may also have the chance to make further connections to film through the study of other media forms, such as photography and literature.

Media allows you develop your understanding of how our mediated world has developed, and the role of media industries, texts and audiences in shaping that world. You will explore media in the context of business, politics and history and will review and analyse a range of media forms such as social media and the news. This will help to inform your theoretical learning, before analysing key themes and concepts that can be applied to your practical work.

There are a number of exciting activities to get involved in across this degree programme including film making, photography, broadcasting and sound recording. These experiences will allow you to showcase and develop your skill set and apply your learning in a creative setting, using industry-standard equipment. The depth and breadth of film studies and media will enhance your powers of expression and discussion, as well as providing you with transferable skills across film and media industries, or in a variety of other professional sectors. You will be equipped with a wide range of skills that will enable you to produce high quality media content, as well as improving your skills as a writer, speaker and researcher. You will also work with others to develop and collaborate on projects, learning how to embrace new ideas and build effective working relationships.

Having the opportunity to undertake a placement is a valuable experience which will enable you to demonstrate and develop your skill set further. Through this course you will become a creative individual with the ability to critically evaluate, synthesise and produce content effectively through various methods.

There may be an option to do a work placement module. This could provide you with a platform to work within an organisation, and further develop your professional skills. You will identify an organisation based on your interests, with the guidance of the module tutors, and will spend a semester engaging with projects and tasks set out by the employer, as well as taught sessions at university.

You will also have the opportunity to apply for a work placement year that allows you to apply your knowledge and prepare for employment after university. This opportunity will enable you to build confidence in the workplace and demonstrate your abilities in a professional environment, using the skills you have gained throughout your degree programme. You will be supported to prepare for your placement with advice on CV writing and cover letters, as well as the chance to attend Q&A workshops to discuss individual experiences with alumni and employers. This is a valuable, character-building experience where you will develop both personally and professionally.

Enhance your career prospects with an international year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe.

On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with an enhanced degree title. This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures; you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society. You can find more information here.

Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second-year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

Film studies and media will equip you with a wide set of skills, applicable to various careers. The knowledge gained throughout the programme will help to inform your communications and creativity within the workplace. You will have the confidence to provide solutions and suggest ideas to assist colleagues and whichever organisation you work for.

You may wish to explore a range of roles that are involved with the early stages of production or perhaps a practical approach such as experimenting with film making or related fields.

You will be equipped with key skills in researching, writing and presenting your ideas through various media forms, and will be able to apply your knowledge in the workplace through practical methods. You will have a clear awareness of technology and the evolving industry and how you can provide your expertise in an area of interest, working independently or with a team of professionals.

You may wish to explore the following careers:

• Film making
• Television
• Broadcasting
• Videography
• Directing
• Marketing
• Photography
• Events
• Education
• Public Relations
• Public Arts
• Journalism
• Business
• Further study

At Keele, there are also a range of internships available to students that will enable you to gain real work experience with employers. This may involve full time or part time positions and roles that will allow you to gain a head start in your career.

Having the opportunity to take an internship will develop your practical skills in industries you may wish to pursue after graduation and the chance to engage with paid work during your time at university and beyond. You will be supported by staff and will be able to discuss your options to tailor your interests and career aspirations.

Media students have secured various roles in video production and other content creation for both local businesses, charities and national companies. These include Stoke Football Club, BBC Radio Stoke, NHS and Astrazeneca.

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.