Course modalities offered

Birkbeck, University of London
Theatre, Film and Media Studies BA (Hons)
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Oct 1, 2022 Full-time - 3 years
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Oct 1, 2022 Part-time - 4 years

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Are you drawn to storytelling on stage and screen? Are you interested in how live performance and screen media relate to one another? Would you like to study in central London, at the heart of the city’s vibrant theatre and literary culture?

If so, our distinctive, new BA Theatre, Film and Media Studies is perfect for you. In a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group, you will study with leading academics and specialists in the fields of theatre and film. You will investigate theatre and screen media from the perspectives of spectator and practitioner, setting these practices in their historical contexts, and exploring the intersections between the live and the recorded.

You will get to grips with the many ways in which it is possible to tell stories on stage and on screen, with the chance to produce your own creative work independently and in collaboration with others. Throughout, you will ask questions about how theatre and film practices shape the world in which we live.

Highlights

  • Our BA Theatre, Film and Media Studies makes full use of the rich context of Birkbeck's position in Bloomsbury, in London's West End, allowing us to engage with guest speakers and practitioners and make analysis of live performance and cinema screenings a central focus.

  • Birkbeck is located in the heart of literary London and writers and academics maintain strong links with publishers, broadcasters and the creative industries. You can study in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group - now home to our School of Arts - and be taught by leading dramatists and artists. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the Peltz Gallery, the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space.

  • You will be eligible to submit work to the Scratch Night as part of Birkbeck Arts Week, and attend public events and performances curated by Birkbeck Institute of the Moving Image and Birkbeck Centre for Contemporary Theatre.

  • In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), English Language and Literature at Birkbeck achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality.

  • The School of Arts is an official partner of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. Opportunities for students have included a year’s free membership of the ICA, private views, discounts on all talks and events, free members' screenings and £3 cinema tickets on Tuesdays, up to 25% off ICA Artists' Editions and a monthly e-newsletter.

What You Will Learn

Programme content: As a student of Theatre, Film and Media Studies, BA (Hons) you will study the following course modules.

Year 1

Year 2

Assessment methods include: research essays and exercises, creative practice projects and exercises, creative practice portfolios, group presentations, performance presentations, group and individual vivas, and written portfolios.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Theatre, Film and Media Studies, BA (Hons).

Costs

Tuition Fees Theatre, Film and Media Studies BA (Hons)

England UK £6935 year 1
Northern Ireland £6935 year 1
Scotland £6935 year 1
Wales £6935 year 1
International £10920 year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Source: UCAS Oct 15, 2021

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2024

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

See all university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

What students say about studying Film Studies in the UK?

  • WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY FILM | University/Film School
  • Department of Film Studies
  • My entire education experience in the UK | Studying Film in London | advice from a graduate
  • MY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE (ucla film school)
  • What is Film Studies?
  • Is Film School For You? 5 Reasons You Should & Shouldn't Attend

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

  • Stella’s Starting Study Vlog
  • “How has the Birkbeck experience been for you?”
  • Birkbeck's Student Experience
  • Studying for a PhD at Birkbeck - Veronika Akhmadieva
  • Top reasons why students choose Birkbeck, University of London

Where is this programme taught

Main Site - Malet Street
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