About this course
Film and history are closely linked, with roots going back to the earliest days of cinema. We offer this exciting and challenging film and history degree for movie lovers and history buffs. You'll study film history from a variety of perspectives: as popular art, big business and as a cultural record.
You'll study familiar classics alongside contemporary cinema. Genres you'll explore include:
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film noir
-
horror
-
science fiction
-
documentary
-
animation
You'll deepen your understanding and enjoyment of film, and develop your critical thinking as part of a lively community.
History modules will cover the development of historical debates and imagining the past. Topics range from ancient societies to the war on terror.
Our Framing the Past module looks at cinema's relationship with history. You'll study films about the distant past of Greece, Rome or Egypt. You'll also study works from more recent times, such as heritage films about the British Empire or the Titanic.
As part of this BA Film and History you can:
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study film noir, animation, horror and sci-fi
-
explore British, European and world cinema
-
discover early film through archive visits
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access document collections, including the Wellington, Palmerston and Mountbatten papers
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use one of the largest Jewish document centres in Europe, the Parkes Archive
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submit your own film to our annual student 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
A-levels
ABB including History or a related subject*
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
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 History or a related subject* and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students 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 History or a related subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in History or a related subject*
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
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 History or a related subject*.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in A level History or a related subject*
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB to include A level History or a related subject*
BTEC additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in History or a related subject*
Access to HE additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including History or a related subject*
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including History or a related subject* at B1
Irish certificate additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including History or a related subject*
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including History or a related subject*
or
AB from two A levels including History or a related subject* and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall including grade 8 in History or a related subject*
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB to ABB including History or a related subject*
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
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:
ABB to BBB including History or a related subject* and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB to BBB including History or a related subject*
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in History or a related subject*
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
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 A to B in A level History or a related subject*.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A to B in A level History or a related subject*
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA to AB to include A level History or a related subject*
BTEC additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in History or a related subject*
OR
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in History or a related subject*
Access to HE additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including History or a related subject*
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 to A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including History or a related subject* at B1
Irish certificate additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 to D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including History or a related subject*
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
*Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB to ABB from 3 A levels including History or a related subject*
or
AA to AB from two A levels including History or a related subject* and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *Related subject includes subjects such as English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects. Students applying without History will need to make a case in their personal statement.
Our preferred subjects are English Literature, English Language and Literature, History, Philosophy, Film Studies, Law, Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies. Our lower offer is given to applicants studying one or more of these preferred subjects.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8 in History or a related subject*
OR
77% overall including grade 8 in History or a related subject*
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
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 the particular topic or theme. You can access a vast array of films in our well-equipped libraries.
We offer a customisable course programme with a mix of compulsory and optional modules each year. Optional modules encourage you to develop your personal interests and to study particular areas in greater detail.
You can also study topics from other subjects, including languages and English literature.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules will introduce you to film, starting with classical Hollywood and European cinema. You'll learn about this important early period for cinema and develop your critical and analytical skills.
You'll also learn about ancient and modern world history in a compulsory module exploring contact, conflict and culture.
You'll choose from optional History topics including:
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twentieth-century China
-
apocalyptic visions through history
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death and mourning in Victorian Britain
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the First World War
-
an archaeology module about objects and technologies
Year 2 overview
You'll study early and silent cinema, and choose from a wide range of Film and History modules.
Film topics include:
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film noir
-
animation
-
women and Hollywood
-
scriptwriting
History topics include:
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the British Empire in the Americas
-
US counterterrorism
-
witchcraft in England
-
urban nightlife in the 19th and 20th centuries
Year 3 overview
You'll write a dissertation on a topic of your choice to develop your independent research skills. A supervisor with research expertise on your topic will support you.
You can also choose from modules on topics including:
-
horror, science fiction and fantasy film
-
stardom: history, myth and heritage
-
race, gender and sexuality in British cinema
-
television studies
-
the impact of ancient Egyptian culture
-
revolutions in modern Iran
-
nuclear war and peace
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following module in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
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)
How you'll spend your course time:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
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
Film and History at Southampton will give you a strong foundation in skills that are attractive to all graduate employers, including:
-
written and verbal communication
-
analytical and critical thinking
-
evidence assessment
-
research
-
organisation
-
project management
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
-
arts based careers
-
charities
-
civil service
-
financial sector jobs
-
journalism
-
legal sector jobs
-
museum work
-
politics
-
teaching
Our research staff and industry experts will help you gain a picture of the film and TV industries today.
Some modules include work experience. Our module on how the arts work, for example, shows you how to programme and manage a professional arts venue.
As a Humanities student you can take employability modules to learn how to plan your future career. These consist of lectures and seminars given by experts, employers and alumni. They cover:
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career opportunities for humanities graduates, including digital jobs
-
entrepreneurial and start-up options
-
psychometric and skills assessment to help you discover hidden talents
Volunteer opportunities will build 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
-
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
-
our radio and TV societies can give you hands-on experience of making television and radio shows
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/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: WV61
- 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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000