(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Film and Drama (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BA P402
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB, including one essay based subject
BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655, either must include a Higher Level essay based subject grade 5.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma:15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Andrew Birtwistle
Reader in Film and Sound
Canterbury Christ Church University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To offer a varied, flexible and distinctive curriculum in Film and Drama.
- To provide students with an opportunity to study a wide range of dramatic texts, ranging from classic to contemporary texts .
- To explore concepts and practices of performance and theatre from around the world.
- To study and analyse themes in drama such as gender, identity, tragedy, human rights, immersive theatre, interculturalism, devising and playwriting .
- To foster skills in technical theatre, design and stage management, and voice and movement .
- To acquire critical terminology and understand the methodology necessary for undertaking a close analysis of a text passage or film extract.
- To work in small groups and to prepare their own group and/or solo performance projects.
- To study the history and theory of film, and to provide the opportunity to study directing and screenwriting
- To explore many aspects of screen media, from cinema to television and social media.
- To understand the conceptual links between theoretical and practical work in film.
- To provide an opportunity to gain technical skills in camerawork, editing and film-making
- To acquire transferable skills in research and scholarly writing .
- To develop skills of analysis, argument and critical thinking to equip students for a wide variety of careers and/or further study.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: A critical understanding of a selection of dramatic texts
A2: Knowledge of performance art, theatre genres and contemporary theatre writing
A3: Concepts, themes and practices of performance and theatre
A4: A range of films from different genres and national cinemas
A5: Aspects of the significant theoretical, thematic, and formal approaches to Film Studies and the social contexts in which films are made
A6: Standard terms, concepts and methods employed in film analysis
Learning methods
The principal methods of delivery for A1 to A6 are lectures and seminars, and for A1 to A3 via practice-based theatre seminars, including a programme of workshops as appropriate. A4 to A6 are also delivered through weekly film screenings and supervised group discussions.
Understanding is reinforced by a combination of formative and summative written and oral class assignments, group project work, and continually assessed course work with regular feedback.
Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from seminars, classes and lectures by regularly consulting texts and materials in various formats related to the course.
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are assessed through examinations, written course work, group and/or solo practical projects, and oral presentations.
Collective and individual practical filmmaking projects (normally in the form of digital filming and editing) are assessed for quality, range, complexity, and technical competence.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Integrate and evaluate information and data obtained from a variety of sources including books, journal papers, the Internet and theatre performances.
B2: Analyse and evaluate a wide range of dramatic texts and the connections between filmic texts and their contexts
B3: Synthesise relevant information in order to develop a rational, coherent argument
B4: Show some ability to apply theoretical concepts in a practical context
B5: Reflect in a critical manner on the creative film-making process
Learning methods
Intellectual and cognitive skills are developed through seminars, including practice-based seminars, presentations, guided instructions and analysis of visual material, and workshops.
Pre-production preparatory assignments are offered for the practical course components.
Individual guidance, in addition to formal seminars, is available through academic support hours.
Final year projects allow students to apply these skills.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods are written examinations, presentations, and written or practical coursework, including individual and/or group performances or film projects.
C: Practical skills
C1: Apply a critical methodology to the analysis of playtexts
C2: The ability to present effective practical theatre projects
C3: The ability to plan, manage and conduct an individual or group project
C4: The ability to perform a basic analysis of film images, deploying a vocabulary of cinematic terms
C5: Organise, structure and present an argument in writing, having had guidance in putting forward critical positions
C6: Use accepted conventions of presenting references and bibliographies in writing
Learning methods
Students develop their creative practice and production skills through a cycle of practice, feedback and critical reflection (C1 - C3).
Practical skills are developed during workshops or through specific units on pre-production, production, and post-production techniques.
C4 - C6 are developed through coursework and discussion in classes and seminars, and through individual consultation in academic support hours.
Assessment methods
The main assessment method for practical skills is marked practical theatre course work and/or individual or group projects.
C3 will also involve peer group assessment as appropriate.
C4 – C6 are assessed through written coursework and examinations.
D: Key skills
D1: The ability to communicate information, arguments and ideas with a degree of effectiveness in a range of different contexts; the ability to be a good listener; some ability to both comprehend and produce the visual language of film.
D2: Use appropriate IT to research and present materials.
D3: Management of a production budget as appropriate
D4: Analyse relevant materials, identifying problems and creatively proposing solutions
D5: Participate effectively as a member of a group. Contribute to the management of practice-based projects
D6: Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating self-organisation and time-management, and being receptive to feedback in the form of written comments on coursework and oral communication; an ability to reflect on their own work and to respond constructively to the comments of others.
Learning methods
Communication skills are developed through seminar discussions and project-based work.
Visual media skills of analysis are developed through guided analysis and discussion of visual material in seminars.
The development of communication skills may also be enhanced through more formal oral presentations in seminars, with further information supplied through subsequent questions and answers.
Students are expected to acquire IT skills based on initial guidance and support.
Students are given the opportunity to work constructively and productively in groups, particularly as part of the practical components of the degree.
Assessment methods
Written and oral assignments and assessed coursework, including practical projects.