Degrees Offered

• BA Single Honours Film Studies (UCAS Code: W600)
• BA Joint Honours Drama and Film Studies (UCAS Code: WW46)
• English and Film Studies (UCAS Code: QW36)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information
Jacqueline Cullen
School of Creative Arts
T: +44 (0)28 9097 5364
E: film.studies@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/film

Entrance Requirements

• A-level
  BBB
  

• Irish Leaving Certificate
  B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2

BA Joint Requirements
For BA Joint Honours the requirements are stated separately under each programme.

For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information on other acceptable English Language qualifications is available here

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including:
International Foundation in Business, Humanities and Social Science

The Subject

Cinema was the major art form of the last century, popular in its appeal and radical in its practices. It transformed our ways of seeing and storytelling, and continues to have an impact on all the arts, shaping the structures of contemporary culture. It is an area of experimentation, of innovative critical investigation, and of immense pleasure.

The degree programmes in Film Studies at Queen's aim to introduce students to the widest possible experience of cinema. Students are exposed to a rich, stimulating curriculum based around in-class film screenings, all of which are held at Queen's Film Theatre (QFT) under normal cinema exhibition conditions. On the Single Honours programme, students also develop their own creative film projects through classes in scriptwriting, editing, cinematography, direction, location filming and post-production sound.

Course Content

On all of our programmes, students examine key debates in film history, theory and criticism. Students explore a range of national and world cinemas (Italy, Ireland, USA, Africa, Latin America, Asia), central genres and film forms (documentary, horror, animation), and key movements and historical moments (French New Wave, New Hollywood, Third Cinema, Dogme 95). During Level 3, students have the opportunity to complete a supervised dissertation around their individual interests.

Our Single Honours programme is characterised by the integration of film scholarship and film production, with equal weighting given to both these areas. We offer specialist tuition in advanced film production techniques alongside modules in film history, theory and criticism.

Click here for more information on modules

Learning and Teaching

On the BA in Drama & Film Studies, we provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. The Drama component of the course combines history, theory and practice in an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach, to discover why and how theatre works. On the Film side, the emphasis is more on critical and historical analysis. In both parts of the course, analysis of productions, whether live or on film, enable students to draw upon their reading of literary, cultural, historical and sociological studies to inform their learning. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading.  Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• Practicals (drama only):  Students have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. You will be expected to attend two practical workshops per week for modules DRA1003 and DRA1004. 
• E-Learning technologies:   Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.  A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example:  interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities.
• Seminars/tutorials:  Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students).  These provide the opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers.  Students should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study:  This is a vital part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Years 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. 
• Study Abroad: The School has an Erasmus link with the University of Tours in France.

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment (general): The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.  Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.  Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.  Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Outline Document which is provided to all students.

Feedback (general):  As student progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and their peers.  University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work.  Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that students, as individuals or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when they make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards students should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which students can review in their own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once students have reviewed feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work. 

Careers

Studying for a Drama & Film Studies degree at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.  Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline.  Many students also apply the skills they develop through the degree entrepreneurially to create their own work opportunities and the University runs a number of extra-curricular programmes in entrepreneurship. 

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in the theatre or in teaching, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors.  Film Studies, with its practice and professional components, provides an excellent background for work in film, television and other media and creative industries.   A degree in Film Studies can lead to careers in education, training and arts administration as well as offering a wide range of career possibilities including postgraduate study.

Consultations:  We regularly consult and have developed close links with a large number of employers including, for example, the Lyric Theatre, Tinderbox Theatre and local schools and colleges.

Placement Employers: Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as:

Graduate Careers and Achievements:  Our graduates have gone into a diverse range of careers including the following:

• Lucia McAnespie (Actress RADA trained)
• Lisa McGee (writer for theatre, film and television)
• Cat Barter  (Singer and Actress trained in Musical Theatre in Royal Academy of Music)
• Ciaran Mc Quillan   (Outreach Officer with Tinderbox)
• Connor Phillips, broadcaster (Cool FM)
• Ian Baxter (Broadcaster, UTV)
• Tom Finlay (Artistic Director, Rainbow Factory)
• Alison McCrudden (Lecturer)
• Des Kennedy (Theatre Director—Royal Court Theatre, Out of Joint Theatre)
• Karen Hassan (Actor, Hollyoaks)
• Jennifer Neil (Teacher, Banbridge Academy)
• Richard Gray (Teacher, Strangford College)
• Philip Hilditch (BBC Cameraman)
• Adrian Dorrian (Church of Ireland minister)
• Claire Campbell (Researcher, BBC NI)
• Daniel McCabe (Production Trainee, BBC)
• Niall McEvoy, (on set VFX supervisor, HBO, Game of Throne)
• Grace Sweeney (Camera Department, HBO, Game of Thrones)
• Michele Devlin, (Director of The Belfast Film Festival)

For further information regarding the types of jobs that attract Drama & Film Studies graduates, see www.getintotheatre.org, www.creative-choices.co.ukand the Prospects website.

Further study is also an option: students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics.

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast fullemployability statementfor further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plusin particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Special Features

Facilities: the Single Honours programme employs state-of-the-art digital production facilities; HDV, solid-state and full high-definition cameras are available, as are substantial lighting and grip kits. Additionally, we are an authorised Avid Learning Partner for Pro Tools 9 and Media Composer 5.5 music and video editing software, and certified training in these is available. Screenings and lectures for critical and theoretical modules take place in the dual-screen QFT, which also plays host to an extensive programme of international art house and independent cinema. A large collection of feature films on DVD and VHS is available at the McClay Library, alongside an extensive collection of books and periodicals in the field.

Placement: we have strong contacts with the local film industry, which has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, and we facilitate workshops and placements for students interested in careers in film and the creative industries.

Students are regularly taught by industry tutors currently working in the profession.