If you have a passion for watching and discussing film, then a degree in Combined Film Studies at the University of Chester might be just what you’re looking for.
Taught within the Department of Media at our Warrington Campus, Film Studies is just one of a number of complementary courses that has developed an impressive reputation during the past decade for high quality teaching and support.
Preparing for a career in the creative industries
Developing subject specific skills as well as knowledge is incredibly important when trying to enter the competitive world of film production. Whilst Combined Film Studies is a largely theoretical and historical based course, you will still get the opportunity to develop some practical filmmaking skills and techniques at each level of study. Developed over the last three years, the course contains key elements of production relevant to the current film and media industries. You’ll get the opportunity to produce scripts, write reviews, create storyboards, produce short films and/ or animations and gain practice-based competencies in filming and editing.
Film Studies graduate Jay Petherbridge recently spoke to the University about how her time on the course prepared her for work in the creative industries, highlighting the importance of work experience and the support she received to pursue opportunities.
Having work to show to potential employers is obviously a real positive; it allows you to showcase your skills, technical ability and creativity. Take a look at the following films produced by students as part of the Short Cuts and Animation module:
Tinnitus by Phil Palin
Hank by Sam Dale:
Combined Film Studies student Sam Dale commented on the production of Hank:
"During my second year Film Studies course I produced an animated short film influenced by Tim Burton. After a long period of writing and pre-production I created the film using Adobe Flash, created the soundtrack in Soundtrack Pro and edited in Premiere Pro. It allowed me to put my skills into practice and challenge myself and I found it to be a very rewarding experience."
End of Year Showcase
Each year, students from the Department of Media have the opportunity to showcase the projects they have worked so hard on. The Media Showcase, followed by an awards ceremony, brings together students, their families, staff, and industry guests, to celebrate their fantastic achievements. To get a better idea of what students have been getting up to within the Department, take a look at our 2016 Showcase gallery.
The annual field trip
Each year, students within the Department have the opportunity to go on an international trip – in 2016, this was to Prague. As well as visiting TV and radio stations, students explored the world-famous Barrandov Film Studios. Disucssing the trip, Film Studies student Katy Moore said:
“It was my third media trip abroad and it has to be one of the best. Although it was an educational trip, you had plenty of time to go about and explore the city yourself. The film studios was my favourite part of the trip. Not only did we have the freedom to explore these places, but we also had access to areas that weren't open to the general public! Our tour guide gave us backstage access to the collection of costume and props as well as entry to each film stage, where they made films such as Hannibal, The Matrix, Casino Royale and Shanghai Knights.”
Industry active staff
As a Film Studies student, you will be learning from lecturers with real expertise in the field, as can be seen by their growing body of published research in film and screen studies. Our Head of Department Dr Alec Charles – who has previously written several journal articles about Alfred Hitchcock and contributed to such books as The Directory of World Cinema: Britain, The Films of Tod Browning and The Films of Edgar G Ulmer, as well as writing for Science Fiction Studies and Science Fiction Film & Television – has in 2015 published a book chapter about The Killing and a book about Doctor Who. And our Film Studies lecturer Dr Mark Duffett, (whose previous work includes the 2013 book Understanding Fandom), has this year published a new book on Fan Identities & Practices.
Attend an Open Day
A great way to find out what it's really like to study Film Studies at the University of Chester is by attending an Open Day. Not only will you learn more about the course itself, but we also run a mini workshop or lecture (and always try to get the parents involved too!). Don’t worry, we don’t expect you to have prepared for this – it's meant to be fun as well as informative! This will give you a flavour of the course and the kind of content that’s involved. By attending an Open Day you can also ask lots of questions about anything from contact hours to types of assessment. You can book on to the October Open Day now.
Want to know more?
For more information on Film Studies at Chester, take a look at the course page on our website. If you have any questions about the course, feel free to contact Programme Leader, Caroline Ford
E: c.ford@chester.ac.uk T: 01925 534670
For general enquires regarding studying at Chester, please feel free to contact us, we’ll be more than happy to help.
E: enquiries@chester.ac.uk T: 01244 511000
Visit us
If you have any questions about visiting us at one of our Open Days then just get in touch.
T: 01244 512800 E: visitus@chester.ac.uk
