BA (Hons)
UCAS CODES: 4 YEARS – P303
NEW: 4 YEARS WITH FOUNDATION – RF13
Films can open doors to new worlds, new cultures, new ideas and a new career.
Take a major step into the world of film by studying this vibrant, multi-disciplinary programme which incorporates the historical, critical and theoretical aspects of film, including television and new media.
Our students have gone on to a range of successful careers in finance, business, media and not-for-profit organisations thanks to the unique teaching experience at Richmond. We spoke to those alumni as well as faculty members and employers about career prospects for future students graduating with a dually accredited liberal arts degree.
About the programme
Based in one of the world’s top cultural centres, you’ll be close to the British Film Institute’s IMAX, the UK’s largest screen based at London Waterloo, together with the capital’s many other cinemas and home to world-leading film production companies and studios.
You’ll begin with a look at mass media and communications, photography and an introduction to Film Studies. Together with other students at Richmond, you’ll also study disciplines from the Humanities such as Tools for Change and Visual Thinking, all part of the American style, liberal arts approach to education which gives a broad perspective, highly valued by employers.
There’s a specialist emphasis on the history of film, international cinema and the programme explores some fascinating film themes, including gender, horror, fantasy and science fiction.
A strong technical and practical element of the degree complements the theoretical side, with classes on topics such as video production, acting and screen writing, and documentary film production.
You’ll gain a global awareness of film and related media through your choice of electives, as you decide what to study from topics like Superhero Cinema, Gender in Film, New Media and Working in the Art World.
There’s the opportunity to do an integrated internship, gaining great experience by working within the film industry.
By studying with us at Richmond, you’ll gain two degrees through one programme, one from the UK and one from the US. International and multi-disciplinary, this degree combines theoretical knowledge with strong elements of practical training.
What you will study
Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programmes are based on the US educational approach which is a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.
This programme can also be taken as a three year pathway depending on previous qualifications. The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.
Find out more about the Core Curriculum >>
YEAR 1Courses
Plus one of the following:
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YEAR 2Courses
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YEAR 3Courses
Plus one of the following:
Plus one of the following:
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YEAR 4Courses
Plus one of the following:
Integrated Internship
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In addition to the courses outlined above, there are open electives in each year. Course content and delivery can be subject to change. For more detailed information on the programme specification, please find more details here.
A normal course load per academic year is 30 US credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits. Students complete 120 UK credits at Level 6 in their chosen major.
Film Studies (BA) with Foundation
There are many reasons why taking this programme with a Foundation option could be the ideal choice; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have tried other options such as apprenticeship and want to change direction or have been living abroad.
Whatever your starting point, studying this programme with a Foundation option offers you a great opportunity to gain both a UK and US degree and start the adventure of a lifetime, studying with us in the world’s top student city.
This is what our Foundation option can offer you:
Entry requirements
At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.
This programme can also be taken as a three year pathway depending on previous qualifications. The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.
Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.
4 YEARS
4 YEARS W/ FOUNDATION
We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us enquiries@richmond.ac.uk.
For more information on English Language Requirements for your country visit our How to Apply webpage.
Fees & funding
Undergraduate tuition fees for students starting their programme this academic year can be found in the table below.
UK |
EU / INT |
US |
||||
| Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 | |
| Undergraduate Programmes
(per year) |
£9,250 | £9,250 | £14,750 | £14,900 | $38,000 | £14,900 |
*This includes a scholarship award upon successful application
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
For more information visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
Employability
The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.
Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.
Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.
Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.
Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
Graduate Destinations
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.
Study abroad
All students at Richmond University have the opportunity to study abroad. You can either study at one of our campuses for a semester to a year or study overseas at any of our partner locations across the world giving you an unique experience.
How to apply
You can apply one of three ways, either apply directly through us, apply through UCAS and for our US students, via the Common Application ($50.00).
In order to submit your application you will need the following information
Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.
When to apply
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable.
If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended.
What our students say
Register for an Undergraduate open event at Richmond >>
Sign up and find out about our programmes, generous scholarships and what life is like at Richmond.
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“Our BA in Film Studies programme at Richmond explores theoretical aspects of the subject while offering plenty of opportunities to focus on practical projects and develop vocational skillsets across the creative arts and mainstream production. Being part of a liberal arts university, and using London as a learning resource, this film degree builds bridges between theory and practice as well as academia and industry, allowing you to shape the courses to meet your unique future career goals.”
– Dr. Caleb Turner, Programme Leader
“As a person who has been passionate about film for many formative years it has been a greatly fulfilling experience to study film at this University. The film courses that I have participated in at Richmond University have been immensely successful in providing me a strong foundation of knowledge and techniques to feel capable of pursuing a career in film, whilst also managing to sustain my passion for it.
What I have enjoyed most about the course has been the in-depth theory lectures, which are so engaging and widely informative about every facet of the film industry there could be. The practical courses have also been so great, I now aspire to become as equipped and capable as those who have patiently taught me these filmmaking skills. The course content and the individuals curating it have truly created an inspiring environment to pursue becoming accomplished at film making.”
“I chose Richmond for its location and my desire to study abroad but I have since discovered that in going to there, I have allowed myself to receive a strong work ethic, drive, and a profound love for diversity in learning.
Since graduating from Richmond, I have had the amazing opportunity to intern and work for institutions like The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, The Smithsonian’s branch in Pittsburgh, The Senator John Heinz History Center and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
I have had the remarkable responsibility of working for global film festivals and conducting research in world renowned archives. I truly believe my time at Richmond aided me in my ability to perform the tasks and jobs I have held since graduating. I am now receiving my Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and I hope to someday work for a film archive.
The Richmond professors helped me hone in on my interests and made me feel comfortable learning and exploring all kinds of outlets. My time there has really shaped me into the person I am today, not just professionally but also personally.
The school, its students, and its programs, encouraged individuality while succeeding in its pursuit of being able to work together successfully. I am happy with my decision to attend Richmond the American International University in London for my undergraduate education and if I had the opportunity to choose it again, I would.”
