The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities for film studies, offering a rich mix of theoretical and practical programs in this creative field. But what are the best film studies programs in the UK?
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in media and film studies, in this guide we will help you understand the landscape of film studies in the UK, the best universities for film studies in the UK based on their ranking, entry requirements, scholarships, and other essential details.
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Film Studies in the UK: What is It Exactly?
Studying film studies in the UK involves the critical analysis of films, both contemporary and historical, across different cultures. It’s not just about watching movies; it’s about understanding how films are made, the history of cinema, and the cultural, political, and social implications behind them. Students learn about everything from screenwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and even marketing and distribution. The UK, with its rich cinematic history and globally respected education system, provides a perfect setting for aspiring filmmakers and scholars alike.
What Do You Need to Study Film at University?
To study film at a university in the UK, you’ll typically need a mix of creative and academic strengths. Most programs look for applicants with:
- A high school diploma or equivalent (A-levels for UK students)
- A passion for film often demonstrated through portfolios, personal projects, or work experience in film, theatre, or related fields
- A good score in English proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL if you’re an international student
Specific universities may ask for related subjects such as English, Media Studies, or Art, and having prior experience with practical filmmaking can be a strong advantage.
Film Studies Degree Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary by university and the level of study. For undergraduate degrees, most universities ask for:
- A-levels: Typical offers range from BBB to ABB.
- International Baccalaureate: A score of 32–34 points.
- Portfolio: Some UK universities may ask for a portfolio showcasing creative work (short films, scripts, or multimedia projects).
- English Language Proficiency: For non-native speakers, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is usually required.
Postgraduate courses may require a bachelor’s degree in film or a related discipline and a portfolio.
Where to Study Film in the UK
The UK boasts a diverse range of institutions offering film studies, from specialized film schools to major research universities. Each offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience. Some universities focus on theoretical aspects, while others provide hands-on training in filmmaking.
Best Universities to Study Film in the UK: Based on Ranking
Here are the top 10 universities to study film in the UK with the best programs they offer, based on subject-specific rankings, student satisfaction, and the quality of their programs.
1. University of Warwick
Warwick offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Film Studies. The program blends academic theory with practice-based learning.
- Department: Film and Television Studies
- Strengths: Excellent facilities and a strong emphasis on research-led teaching. Partnerships with the Warwick Arts Centre provide students with real-world exhibition experience.
- QS Ranking: Top 100 for Arts and Humanities
- Programs: BA in Film Studies, MA in Film and Television Studies
- Facilities: State-of-the-art screening rooms, access to Warwick Arts Centre
- Famous Alumni: Stephen Merchant (Co-creator of The Office)
- Fees: £23,390 (international students)
- Scholarships: Various merit-based scholarships
2. University of St Andrews
Known for its interdisciplinary approach, the University of St Andrews offers a BA in Film Studies, focusing on critical and theoretical frameworks.
- Department: Department of Film Studies
- Strengths: High ranking in the Guardian University Guide for Media and Film Studies, the program integrates film history, theory, and production.
- Ranking: 2nd in Guardian University Guide for Media Studies (2024)
- Programs: BA in Film Studies
- Facilities: Cinemas, film archives
- Alumni: Notable alumni in media and journalism
- Fees: £24,240 (international)
- Scholarships: St Andrews International Excellence Scholarship
3. University of Westminster
Westminster offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Film, focusing on theory and practical filmmaking.
- Location: London
- Strengths: Strong industry connections and London location offer extensive networking opportunities. Facilities include film studios, editing suites, and digital media labs.
- QS World Ranking: Top 700
- Programs: BA in Film, MA in Film, Television and Moving Image
- Famous Alumni: Christopher Nolan (Director of Inception and Oppenheimer)
- Facilities: Extensive film studios and editing suites
- Fees: £16,000 (international)
- Scholarships: Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
4. National Film and Television School (NFTS)
Recognized as one of the best film schools globally, NFTS offers highly specialized MA programs in film studies, covering Directing, Screenwriting, Producing, and more.
- Location: Beaconsfield
- Strengths: Practical, hands-on education with access to industry-standard equipment. Extensive industry connections with studios like the BBC and Channel 4.
- QS Ranking: Globally renowned for practical training
- Programs: MA in Directing, Screenwriting, Producing
- Facilities: World-class studios, partnerships with major studios (BBC, Channel 4)
- Famous Alumni: Nick Park (Creator of Wallace and Gromit)
- Fees: £32,000 (postgraduate)
- Scholarships: NFTS Scholarships for diversity and inclusion
5. University of the Arts London (UAL)
UAL’s film programs are offered through its constituent colleges like London College of Communication, with a focus on experimental and innovative approaches to filmmaking.
- Location: London
- Strengths: Top-ranked for Art & Design globally, the program emphasizes creative risk-taking and technical proficiency.
- QS Ranking: 2nd for Art & Design (2024)
- Programs: BA in Film & Television
- Facilities: Industry-standard studios, editing software
- Famous Alumni: Steve McQueen (Director of 12 Years a Slave)
- Fees: £24,220 (international)
- Scholarships: UAL International Postgraduate Scholarships
6. Bournemouth University
Bournemouth Film School, part of Bournemouth University, offers courses in film production and screenwriting.
- Film School: Bournemouth Film School
- Strengths: Emphasizes practical, hands-on filmmaking. Known for strong industry links and alumni success.
- QS Ranking: #801
- Programs: BA in Film Production, MA in Film Practice
- Famous Alumni: Edgar Wright (Director of Shaun of the Dead)
- Fees: £16,750
- Scholarships: AUB GREAT Scholarship
7. University of Glasgow
Glasgow offers an MA in Film & Television Studies, focusing on both film theory and media production.
- Location: Glasgow, Scotland
- Strengths: Top-tier research facilities and access to the Glasgow Film Theatre provide a robust theoretical and practical education.
- Ranking: Top 50 globally for media studies
- Programs: MA in Film & Television Studies
- Facilities: Multimedia labs, Glasgow Film Theatre collaboration
- Fees: £20,000 (international)
- Scholarships: Various international scholarships are available
8. University of East Anglia (UEA)
UEA’s Film and Television Studies program provides students with both a theoretical background and practical experience in filmmaking.
- Location: Norwich
- Strengths: Renowned for its academic rigor and hands-on projects, UEA also has strong ties with the British film industry.
- QS Ranking: Top 200 for Arts & Humanities
- Programs: BA in Film and Television Studies
- Facilities: On-campus cinemas, cutting-edge media labs
- Fees: £17,000 (international)
- Scholarships: UEA International Excellence Scholarship
9. Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway’s BA in Film, Television, and Digital Production combines theory with practical filmmaking projects.
- Location: Egham, Surrey
- Strengths: Ranked among the top 100 globally for Communication and Media Studies, the university has strong industry ties and offers a wide range of modules.
- QS Ranking: Top 100 globally for Communication and Media Studies
- Programs: BA in Film, Television and Digital Production
- Facilities: On-site media labs, industry collaborations
- Fees: £19,300
- Scholarships: Royal Holloway Excellence Awards
10. King’s College London
King’s offers BA and MA programs in Film Studies, with a strong focus on the cultural, historical, and theoretical study of film.
- Location: London
- Strengths: Situated in the heart of London, students benefit from access to major media resources and archives.
- QS Ranking: Top 30 for Arts and Humanities
- Programs: BA in Film Studies, MA in Film and Philosophy
- Facilities: Extensive film archives, on-site cinema
- Fees: £25,000 (international)
- Scholarships: King’s International Scholarships
