2024/25 entry Applications also open for 2023/24
BA (Hons) Film Studies
Why study Film Studies at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Explore the history and development of cinema from around the world
- Study film theory, criticism and interpretation
- Hands-on practice with digital cameras and editing software
- Opportunity to learn filmmaking skills
- Opens up careers in film production, exhibition and distribution as well as research and teaching
- 2021 Degree show: https://www.ljmuscreenschool.com/
About your course
The BA (Hons) Film Studies at Liverpool John Moores University is a hybrid degree that combines practical and theoretical work. The course will enable you to explore the development of cinema worldwide, while providing you with extensive hands-on filmmaking and editing experience using our industry-standard production studio and editing suites.
The degree offered by LJMU is an academic programme but you will also be given the option of receiving hands-on practical experience with digital cameras and editing software to create an impressive portfolio of your own. This will include short fiction and documentary. Liverpool is the second most filmed city in the UK after London and the perfect place to start your filmmaking career.
You will be based in the Liverpool Screen School, which is located in the £38million Redmonds Building in the Knowledge Quarter of Liverpool city centre. The building features the latest in specialist facilities, including a production studio, a green screen and designated editing suites.
Additional course costs
Production expenses are subsidised for Final Film Production at level 6.
"The degree was the first time I had direct academic support towards becoming a filmmaker. Having never written or worked on a film's production before, the course gave me my first invaluable practical experience. Since graduating, I have received two short film commissions from the UK Film Council as a writer-director."
Professional accreditation/links
The Liverpool Screen School enjoys excellent connections with key film and media organisations in the UK and internationally. Such connections open up exciting chances to network with leading practitioners as well as diverse work-related learning opportunities where you can put what you have learnt at LJMU into practise out in industry.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
This course has a strong vocational dimension and encourages the development of a particular set of skills that are valued not only in the film industry but in other industries as well.
LJMU Film Studies graduates have gone on to work in the film and television industries as writers, directors, researchers and actors. Employers include the BBC, Channel 4, FACT, LA Productions and Lime Pictures.
Key skills gained during the degree - such as problem solving as part of a team, critical judgement and being able to approach tasks independently, creatively and in a disciplined manner - are also in demand in public relations, advertising, corporate communications, cultural journalism, research and the film and television service industries. As a Screen School student, you will receive lots of opportunities to gain paid and unpaid work experience from PULSS (Production Unit Liverpool Screen School) alongside the taught curriculum
Alternatively, you may want to pursue postgraduate study at MA and PhD level or go into teaching.
Some of our graduate destinations include:
- Joshua Pullar: ProducerMTV (New York)
- Alex Beards: Editor LA Productions
- Matthew Plant: Locations Assistant on Peaky Blinders
- Abby Brennan: Digital Content Producer Creative England
- Matthew Wiggins: PA/Editorial Department - Artemis Fowl, Rocket Man, Mamma Mia 2
- Adam Yee: Social Media and Marketing - Sichuan Education Association (China)
- Emma Green: Digital Marketing - Northern Powerhouse Partnership
- Adam Jones: Won BAFTA Scholarship
- Joe Costin: MCR Manager - Envy Post Production
- Danny Kilbride: Creative Director - Thinking Film Ltd.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
A life-changing experience
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Film Language
20 credits
Film Language will introduce you to the key formal and aesthetic properties of film. You will learn different components of filmmaking, such as cinematography, editing, lighting, music, sound and mise-en-scene. This module will equip you with the fundamental tools for close textual analysis and basic elements of academic essay writing.
Screenwriting and Genre
20 credits
This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to genre and scriptwriting. You will learn how to use script formatting software as well as exploring the relationship between script and final film.
Introduction to Filmmaking A
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the basic principles of single camera factual filmmaking and introduce you to the organisation, planning, management and production of factual film.
Introduction to Filmmaking B
20 credits
A continuation from Filmmaking A, you will gain basic skills in cinematography, sound recording and editing. During workshops, you will develop skills in using film equipment relevant for the production for the of fiction filmmaking. You will also have the opportunity to gain practice-based learning that explores how a scene fits within a fiction narrative, and, how aesthetic choices affect storytelling.
Film Criticism
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop critical skills in film studies by outlining the different critical approaches to cinema. You will investigate textual criticism, identity politics and various other interpretive paradigms.
Documentary: Film and Reality
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the different formats of documentary, showing how throughout history, documentary film has taken various forms. You will investigate the problems of representing the historical world on screen and asses the ethical implications of different forms of representing reality.
Level 5
Core modules
American Cinema
20 credits
The module offers an overview of historical developments in American cinema from the silent period to the present, highlighting key industrial, technological and aesthetic transformations in its history. It explores the concepts of classical and postclassical cinema, and assesses their usefulness for understanding the recurring group characteristics of American cinema. It focuses on both mainstream and Independent films, and explores the changing social and industrial landscape in which they are produced, distributed and exhibited, and the effects of these changes on the form and style of the films.
Experimental Filmmaking
20 credits
In this module you will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience, planning and managing a short film production. You will be able to develop specific skills in the areas of cinematography, lighting and sound design, as well as post production skills in editing and colour grading.
European Cinema
20 credits
This module serves as an introduction to the range and variety of films produced in Europe, and their industrial contexts. It highlights the diversity of cinematic production in Europe, focusing not only on different national traditions, but also on the fact that European cinemas consist both of art and popular films.
Optional modules
Film Adaptation
20 credits
In this module you will investigate the relationship between film and source texts such as novels, comic books, graphic novels, scripts, plays, computer games, other films etc. You will also explore the theoretical issues surrounding the relationship of form to content in narrative fiction film as they are highlighted in the process of adaptation, to facilitate the adaptation of a text into a film script.
Short Filmmaking
20 credits
Through practice-based learning, you will learn to plan, manage and produce a short film and develop the technical skills associated with filmmaking.
Working in Film
20 credits
The aim of this module is to give you an understanding of the working practices and organisation of the British film industry in the sectors of film funding, production, distribution and exhibition. It allows you to develop a personal career experience plan to aid future employment.
Audiovisual Essay
20 credits
This module provides a framework for you to develop a critical awareness of film studies and provides the analytical, reflexive, scholarly and practical skills to produce an audio-visual essay. You will use and explore digital technologies in order to investigate their objects of study, using the material itself to ask questions of the medium.
Study Semester Abroad - Film Studies
60 credits
The aim is to provide students with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of their LJMU programme at level 5.This is a semester of full-time study at an approved higher education institution which will replace one semester of level 5 study at LJMU. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be an appropriate substitute for the modules being replaced. Assuming successful completion of this semester, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the semester abroad.
Study Year Abroad -Film Studies
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Level 6
Core modules
Final Film Pre-Production
10 credits
Within this module, you will learn approaches to pre-production and planning skills for fiction, documentary, and experimental film. You will also demonstrate how to compile a film proposal portfolio and explain how films are commonly pitched to a film industry audience.
Final Film Production
20 credits
In this module you will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience of some of the technical equipment required for short video production at an advanced level with either fiction or non-fiction filmmaking.
Optional modules
World Cinema
20 credits
This module will provide an overview of world cinema so that you can examine cinemas of the world historically and aesthetically, developing an understanding of films from different cultural contexts.
Interpretation in Film
20 credits
In this module you will explore historical and contemporary approaches to film interpretation. You will be able to critically examine and evaluate approaches to film interpretation so that you can engage with the serious analysis of film.
Dissertation
30 credits
This module provides you with the opportunity to research and conduct an in depth written study in any approved subject in Film Studies.
Mixed Media Research Project
30 credits
The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to explore the relationship between theory and practice to be able to research in depth on a specific topic of your own choice.
Work Based Learning
20 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to widen your direct knowledge of working practices in a media-related field, to widen your contacts and to apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt throughout the course. It also encourages you to develop transferrable skills relevant to the world of work.
Black American Film
20 credits
To explore the history of African American representation in American cinema. To introduce students to a range of theoretical and analytical perspectives from which to study Black texts. To situate the development of Black filmmaking and black identity.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars, writing workshops, film screenings, online activities and production group work. Your tutors will also be available for one-to-one tutorials and we make extensive use of our virtual learning environment, Canvas, to provide course information, further reading and peer interaction.
Work-related Learning
The programme includes opportunities for work-based learning in which you spend a portion of your studies working in film or film-related industries, followed up by a written account of your experience. This is an invaluable opportunity to further enhance the practical and transferable skills that give you a professional edge when it comes to securing your first job in this very competitive market.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
From the moment you begin your studies at LJMU, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will provide one-to-one support over the three years of the course. Their role is to give you feedback on how well you are progressing with your studies and encourage you to plan for your educational and professional development.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We appreciate that all students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. These include coursework (essays, reviews, individual and group presentations, individual and group critical self-evaluation, logbooks, self-reflective group portfolios, research exercises, individual work-based learning reports and dissertations); exams (seen and unseen, plus class-tests) and group productions (pre-production portfolios, factual and fictional films).
Constructive feedback is vital in helping you to identify your strengths and areas where you may need to put in more work. We aim to provide this within 21 days of submission of a piece of work.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Ruth Doughty
Programme leader
Dr Ruth Doughty
Programme leader
Dr Ruth Doughty is the Programme Leader for Film Studies at Liverpool John Moores University. Her research interests include African American cinema, Film Music, Theory and Liverpool. Ruth is one of the co-founding editors of the peer-reviewed Routledge journal Transnational Screens (formerly Transnational Cinemas). She has also co-authored the book Understanding Film Theory (2017, 2nd edition) which has been translated into easy Chinese . Ruth is the principal investigator on a Heritage Lottery Funded project looking at the history of the Littlewoods Pools building in Liverpool as part of an oral history/audio-visual community project.
This hybrid course will enable you to explore the development of cinema worldwide, while providing you with extensive hands-on filmmaking and editing experience using our industry-standard production studio and editing suites.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpools growing Knowledge Quarter. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, TV studios, radio suites, green screen, editing rooms and news rooms, social spaces, and a caf. It is only a short walk from LJMUs Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC - ABB (112 - 128)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Welsh GCSE in Maths or Numeracy
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
BBC - ABB
Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DMM - DDM
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 points
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: DMM - DDM
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
Alternative qualifications considered
Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants, who will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants may be required to submit an essay and/or attend an interview, and should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.
International applicants will be considered in line with UK qualifications.
Additional requirements
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Interview required
Mature and non standard applicants may be invited to attend interview
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
Further information
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DBS, Occupational Health requirements
Is a DBS check required?
No
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Reduced offer scheme
As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold between 8 and 16 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has experience of living in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach programmes such as a summer university. Please contact course enquiries for further details.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
We are looking for students with a critical and practical enthusiasm for film.
The kind of essential skills that you will need to demonstrate in your application are:
- Teamwork, as you will have to work closely with others
- Good communication skills, as you will be expected to contribute to seminars and give presentations
- The ability to write logically and grammatically
- Good analytical skills, so that you can critically assess films
Desirable Skills are:
- Information retrieval techniques, as you will be expected to read around the subject and draw upon your findings for essays and projects
- Time management skills, as you will have to work to deadlines on a regular basis
- Good IT skills, as you will be expected to submit work that has been word processed
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.