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BA (Hons) English and Film Studies
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) English and Film Studies program at the University of Sussex offers a dynamic combination of literary analysis and cinematic exploration, providing students with a deep understanding of both the written word and the art of film. This interdisciplinary program allows students to engage with a diverse range of texts from literature and film, encouraging critical thinking and creative expression. By blending the study of English literature with an exploration of film theory and practice, the program prepares graduates for a variety of career paths in the media, arts, academia, and beyond. The course is designed to inspire creativity, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary thinking, making it ideal for students passionate about storytelling in both written and visual forms.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) English and Film Studies program is structured to balance literary studies with film analysis. In the first year, students are introduced to core topics in English literature, where they study key literary movements, genres, and texts from different historical periods. Alongside this, they begin exploring foundational concepts in film studies, such as film history, theory, and cinematic language. As students progress, they delve deeper into specialized areas of both fields, exploring genres, auteur theory, narrative techniques, and the relationship between literature and film. The final year provides students with the opportunity to engage in independent research and projects, culminating in a dissertation or creative work that combines both English and film studies. This combination of literature and film studies enables students to critically analyze narrative forms in multiple mediums while honing their skills in research and creative writing.
Research Focus: The English and Film Studies department at the University of Sussex is renowned for its research in contemporary literary and film studies. Research in this area spans a wide range of topics, from classic literature to modern media, and from film history to film theory. Sussex’s strengths include areas such as postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality in both literature and cinema, narrative theory, and the study of popular culture. Students benefit from a research-led teaching approach, where faculty members’ expertise informs the curriculum and helps to foster a deeper understanding of both disciplines. The department also emphasizes the connections between literature and cinema, encouraging students to explore how storytelling techniques and cultural narratives shift between these two art forms.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage with the film and media industries. Through its strong links with professional organizations, film festivals, production companies, and publishing houses, the program ensures that students have access to a wide network of industry professionals. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, work placements, and practical projects that allow them to apply their academic learning in real-world settings. The university also hosts guest lectures, workshops, and events featuring filmmakers, writers, critics, and other industry professionals, providing valuable insights into the media landscape. This close industry engagement allows students to build strong professional networks, gain relevant experience, and enhance their employability in the competitive film and media sectors.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) English and Film Studies program at Sussex has a global outlook, emphasizing the international dimensions of both literature and film. The curriculum includes the study of global literary traditions alongside a diverse range of films from different cultures, regions, and historical contexts. Students are encouraged to analyze how stories are told across the world and how cinema reflects, influences, and engages with global cultures and societies. This international perspective is further enriched by the university’s global research initiatives and collaborative projects, providing students with a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of literature, film, and culture in the modern world. Sussex’s international student body and faculty also contribute to a diverse learning environment, fostering cross-cultural exchange and broadening students’ worldviews.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) English and Film Studies program at the University of Sussex are well-equipped to pursue diverse and exciting career opportunities in the media, creative industries, publishing, education, and beyond. The combination of literary expertise and film studies offers a versatile skill set that is highly valued by employers in a variety of sectors, particularly those requiring strong communication, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills.
Film Critic/Reviewer: Graduates can become film critics or reviewers for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or television networks. Their deep understanding of film theory, history, and analysis enables them to write informed and engaging reviews for a range of audiences. These roles also involve evaluating new releases, reviewing film festivals, and contributing to discussions about cinematic trends and innovations.
Film Production Assistant: A degree in English and Film Studies can open doors in the film production industry. Graduates may work as production assistants, supporting the production team in various stages of filmmaking. These roles can lead to positions in film editing, cinematography, sound design, and direction, offering hands-on experience in the film industry.
Screenwriter/Scriptwriter: The program’s strong focus on narrative, storytelling, and creative writing prepares graduates for careers as screenwriters or scriptwriters for film, television, or digital media. They may create original scripts, adapt literature for the screen, or write dialogue for various media productions. With film studies as a foundation, graduates can effectively craft compelling narratives for visual mediums.
Media Planner/Content Strategist: Graduates may pursue careers in media planning or content strategy, particularly for advertising agencies, digital platforms, or marketing firms. Media planners are responsible for selecting the right platforms and strategies to reach target audiences. A deep understanding of storytelling and cultural context makes graduates ideal candidates for creating engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Editor: Many English and Film Studies graduates pursue careers as editors, working for publishing houses, magazines, websites, or film production companies. Whether working as film editors, video editors, or literary editors, these professionals are responsible for reviewing, revising, and refining content to meet high standards of quality and clarity. The program’s focus on critical analysis and language proficiency makes graduates well-suited for these roles.
Publisher or Literary Agent: Graduates with an interest in publishing can work in editorial roles at publishing houses or as literary agents. They may be responsible for acquiring new books, working with authors to refine manuscripts, and guiding literary works to market. Their skills in analyzing texts and understanding cultural and narrative trends give them an edge in the publishing world.
Advertising/PR Specialist: Graduates may pursue roles in public relations (PR) or advertising, where they use their storytelling and writing skills to promote brands, individuals, or causes. They can work in PR agencies, advertising firms, or corporate communications, creating compelling narratives through press releases, advertising copy, and media content. The ability to craft persuasive and engaging stories is a key asset in these fields.
Teacher or Lecturer: Graduates interested in education can pursue careers as teachers or lecturers in English, film studies, or media. They can teach at secondary schools, colleges, or universities, sharing their passion for literature and film with future generations. Those wishing to teach at the university level may choose to further their studies by completing postgraduate degrees, which could lead to professorial roles.
Archivist or Curator: A background in film studies also provides a strong foundation for roles in film archiving or curation. Graduates can work in libraries, museums, film archives, or cultural institutions, preserving and curating valuable film collections, organizing film festivals, and providing research support for historical and contemporary film studies.
Film Festival Organizer: Graduates can take on roles as event organizers or film festival coordinators, helping to plan, manage, and promote film festivals. These roles often involve liaising with filmmakers, sponsors, and other stakeholders to ensure successful events, and may also include programming films, organizing screenings, and overseeing marketing and public relations.
Digital Media Specialist: With the increasing importance of digital media, graduates can pursue careers as digital media specialists, creating and managing content for websites, social media platforms, and digital marketing campaigns. Their understanding of narrative techniques and film analysis can help them create compelling visual content that engages audiences in innovative ways.
Cultural Critic/Commentator: Graduates of this program can also work as cultural critics or commentators, contributing essays, articles, and blog posts on the intersection of literature, film, and culture. They may work for cultural magazines, academic journals, or independent platforms, analyzing films and literature from a critical and socio-cultural perspective.
