(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Film and Journalism
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies
BA P565
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, including 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
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 creative, flexible degree with a strong foundation for employability.
- The degree is balanced 50-50 between the disciplines of Film and Journalism, but there will be many modules where the two disciplines come together. For example, by combining practical film making techniques with the research and presentation of stories and news items to a range of audiences.
- In Film, students study the history and theory of film, and will have the opportunity to gain technical skills in camerawork, editing and film-making. They can also study directing, screenwriting and explore many aspects of screen media, from cinema to social media.
- They will gain transferable skills in research, essay-planning and writing, and they will be offered careers guidance and training.
- On the Journalism side, students become thoroughly grounded in the theory and practice of journalism, develop the craft of writing and broadcasting skills to a high level, and make sound editorial judgements.
- They will gain investigative and analytical skills, learning to work effectively on their own and in teams to produce the best journalism.
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: Theoretical and practical approaches to journalism
A2: Aspects of the significant theoretical, thematic, and formal approaches to Film Studies and the social contexts in which films are made
A3: Standard terms, concepts and methods employed in film analysis
A4: More general methods of critical analysis and argument
A5: Hands-on film/digital production techniques
A6: The history and evolution of journalism, the current state of the industry and its future prospects
A7: The role of publishing and broadcasting in a modern society, including challenges in reporting on international issues
A8: The UK legal system, and the law, regulatory framework and codes of practice relating to journalism
A9: The characteristics and needs of a range of print, broadcast and web-based journalism, production processes and professional practice in relation to newspapers, magazines, online content and broadcast journalism
A10: A range of films from different genres and national cinemas
Learning methods
Learning and teaching are delivered through a variety of methods with different types of activities to be inclusive for all students. A1 to A9 will principally be taught through lectures, group discussion and reflection, and formative and summative feedback on coursework. Additionally, A1, A5 and A10 are taught through practical workshops and talks by industry professionals, and A6 is enhanced through weekly screenings.
Assessment methods
The programme has a variety of assessment methods to be inclusive to all students. A1-A10 are assessed through a range of in-class tests, portfolio of work, reflective journals, group work, project work, oral presentations and essays and other coursework. A1 and A4 are also assessed through examination. Collective and individual practical filmmaking projects (normally in the form of digital filming and editing) are assessed for quality of ideas, range, complexity, and technical competence.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: For Journalism: ability to absorb and organise large amounts of information in a short time, applying critical techniques to assess evidence on the basis ofrelevance, reliability and newsworthiness. For Film Studies, ability to integrate and evaluate information obtained from a variety of sources, including books, journal papers and the Internet.
B2: To question received thinking, reason critically, and to develop own thinking.
B3: Analyse and interpret a wide range of filmic texts and their relation to their contexts.
B4: Show some ability to apply theoretical concepts in a practical context
B5: Reflect in a critical manner on the creative film-making process
B6: Turn raw data and information into clear, accurate and engaging journalism with impact
B7: Make good decisions and present clear, well-reasoned and coherent arguments, in writing or orally, often against a deadline
B8: Exercise judgement in designing, planning and delivering journalistic output
B9: Evaluate, interpret and demonstrate critical judgement in the understanding of developments in the news, of issues and concepts, and be able dispassionately to assess one's own work and the work of others
B10: Produce independent and imaginative treatments conforming to a clear framework of values
Learning methods
Intellectual and cognitive skills are developedthrough seminars, guided instruction, analysis of material, group discussion and reflection, and practical exercises in workshops. Pre-production preparatory assignments are offered for the practical course components. Individual guidance, in addition to timetabled teaching, is available through academic support hours.
Assessment methods
Assessment is by written and practical coursework, including portfolios, individual and/or group projects, peer assessment, critical commentaries, examinations and oral presentations.
C: Practical skills
C1: An ability to find, research and write news stories and features for various print, online and broadcast media
C2: An ability to conduct interviews, record information accurately and analyse it to a professional standard
C3: An ability to work in production for various media, using industry-standard software and hardware
C4: An ability to work independently, cooperatively and in editorial teams to produce finished work to agreed deadlines for various media
C5: An ability to operate in professional manner, observing ethical and legal constraints
C6: An ability to plan, manage and conduct an individual or group film project.
Learning methods
Students develop their production skills (C1 -C6) through a cycle of practice, feedback and critical reflection in workshops and assignments. C7 -C9 are developed through coursework and discussion in seminars, and through individual consultation in academic support hours.
Assessment methods
The main assessment methods for practical skills are practical assignments, portfolios, group and/or individual projects, and peer assessment. C7 –C9 are assessed through written coursework (critical commentaries and essays) and oral presentations.
D: Key skills
D1: Ability to convey information, arguments and ideas in a clear, focused, relevant and effective manner, both orally and in writing; ability to be a good listener; ability to comprehend and produce the visual language of film.
D2: Ability to use appropriate software and hardware to produce and present high quality editorial content
D3: Management of a production budget as appropriate
D4: Ability to find, organise and analyse relevant materials, identifying problems and proposing creative solutions. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding to make judgements. Ability to question conventional wisdom and find innovative methods of research. Ability to manage projects and timetables, working to deadlines.
D5: Ability to advance and argue for proposals in editorial meetings, ability to respond constructively to criticism, ability to engage in collaborative writing and programme-making activities; ability to work co-operatively in a variety of group contexts, including practical production, taking on a number of different roles.
D6: Ability to reflect on one's own work and make constructive use of feedback offered through written comments on coursework and oral communication.
Learning methods
Communication skills are developed through seminar discussions,project-based work and oral presentations. Analytical skills are developed through guided analysis and discussion of material in seminars. Students are expected to acquire IT skills based on initial guidance and support. Students are given the opportunityto work constructively and productively in groups, particularly as part of the practical components of the degree.
Assessment methods
Written and oral coursework assignments, including practical projects.