About this course
Study our Film and English degree at Southampton and discover how we tell stories across both art forms. On this course, you'll analyse writing from early poetry to the present day novel. You'll learn how to view Hollywood blockbusters, European and world cinema with a critical eye. You can look at literature and films in new contexts, including performance, music, science, philosophy and more.
In Film, you'll study familiar classics alongside contemporary cinema, and genres including:
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film noir
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horror
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science fiction
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documentary
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animation
You'll deepen your understanding and enjoyment of films and develop your critical thinking as part of a lively community.
Our English modules look at written English from across the world, in many social and cultural contexts. You're encouraged to study literature from different eras and creative writing.
You can examine both classical and popular novel adaptations in our specialised module. From Jane Austen to Harry Potter, you'll explore the close links between film and literature.
As part of this film and English course you can:
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explore British, European and world cinema
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take modules in scriptwriting and narrative non-fiction
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join writing workshops at Nuffield Southampton Theatres
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explore experimental writing at Entropics
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use a unique collection of rare books at Chawton House Library
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submit your own film to a yearly film festival
We offer a 4-week summer school at Dongguk University in Seoul. This includes film and cultural orientation courses.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
ABB including English Literature or a related subject*
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB including English Literature or a related subject* and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including English Literature or a related subject*
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in English Literature or a related subject*
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in A level English Literature or a related subject*.
or
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level English Literature or a related subject*
or
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB to include A level English Literature or a related subject*
BTEC additional information
*Related subject includes History, English Language and Literature, English Language or Drama and Theatre Studies.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The main teaching format is a tutor-led lecture, followed by a seminar. Most film modules also have a screening each week that links to a particular topic or theme. You can access a vast array of films in our well-equipped libraries.
You're encouraged to keep an even balance between film and English modules. You can also take creative writing modules.
Each year, we offer a customisable course programme with a mix of compulsory and optional modules. You can also study topics from other subjects, including languages, philosophy and English literature.
Year 1 overview
You'll take a module on Hollywood film and learn the basic principles of film studies, including narrative, style and criticism. You can also study European cinema, and its history, themes and styles.
You'll choose from English modules on topics including:
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poetic language
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a group research project, including options such as City Writing in the Nineteenth Century, Literature to Save the Planet, or Decadence and Decay at the Fin de Siècle
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the novel
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the history and practice of essay writing
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literary transformations (how writers adapt and renew stories)
Year 2 overview
You'll take a module on early and silent cinema. You can also choose from a wide range of topics from film, English and other subjects, including:
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scriptwriting
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film and TV adaptations
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20th century literature in New York
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realism in film
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women and Hollywood
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the philosophy of art
Year 3 overview
You'll write a dissertation on a topic of your choice from English or Film. A supervisor with research expertise on your topic will support you.
You'll also choose from modules on topics including:
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horror, science fiction and fantasy film
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stardom
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race, gender and sexuality in British cinema
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contemporary American cinema
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Jane Austen and the Regency world
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language and the city
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Holocaust literature
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Shakespeare then and now
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how the arts work (a module on programming in arts venues)
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Shelley Cobb is the course leader.
Careers
When you study Film and English at Southampton you'll gain a strong foundation in skills that are attractive to all graduate employers:
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written and verbal communication
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analytical and critical thinking
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presentation
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research
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organisation
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project management
Our research staff and industry experts will help you gain a picture of the film and TV industries today.
Some modules include work experience. How the arts work, for example, shows you how to programme and manage a professional arts venue.
Humanities students can take employability modules to learn how to plan a future career. These consist of lectures and seminars given by experts, employers and alumni. They cover:
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careers opportunities for humanities graduates, including digital jobs
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entrepreneurial and start-up options
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psychometric and skills assessment to help you discover hidden talents
Volunteering opportunities will help you improve your work-related skills. For example:
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Union Films is our on-campus cinema where you can develop new skills, such as team leading, projection and digital design
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our student film societies, FilmSoc and Wessex Films, where you arrange film screenings, help organise the University's Film Festival or take workshops to develop your skills
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our radio and TV societies can give you hands-on experience of making television and radio shows
Some of our graduates go on to careers in film and media, including: film production, editing and post-production, distribution and marketing. Others continue into postgraduate studies or find employment in careers such as:
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advertising, marketing and PR
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arts based careers
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charities
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civil service
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financial sector jobs
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journalism
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legal sector jobs
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teaching
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writer
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
We can help you find placements and work with local, national and international employers. You could even spend a full paid year in employment.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: QW36
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
