Culture, Film and Media

Why choose us?

  • Film and television studies at Nottingham investigates production contexts as well as history, aesthetics and culture, and students conduct advanced independent research in the final year
  • Our broad communication programmes incorporate cultural studies, journalism and new media, and give students the opportunity to join a study abroad exchange with a particular emphasis on our China campus
  • Film and television programmes offer the opportunity of industry placements, while communication programmes enable proficiency in a second language
  • Staff undertake cutting-edge research in film and television industries and audiences, visual culture, mass media, critical theory and cultural studies

Now offering two of the UK's largest programmes of their kind, the Department of Culture, Film and Media is an established centre for the study of film, television, new media and the theory and practice of communications. The Department offers innovative research and teaching in contemporary and historical screen media, cultural studies and critical theory.

About the subject
Degree courses in the Department of Culture, Film and Media include strands focused on film and television studies and international media and communications studies.

Film and television studies courses explore the places and roles of film, television and new media in everyday life, both as industries and cultural practices. These courses encourage students to analyse film, television, and other screen media within contexts of production, exhibition and reception. Students also gain expertise in social and cultural context, textual analysis, and empirical research.

International media and communications studies degrees explore the complex world of communications, media and culture through study of the different forms of communication, both visual and linguistic, new technologies, politics, popular and high culture, and news media. Courses in international media and communications studies train students in theories of mass media and communications, combined with strong emphasis on language proficiency.

Teaching and learning
The Department of Culture, Film and Media is part of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, which received the top rating in the latest independent assessment of teaching quality. The Department offers thriving undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and a teaching and research culture of the highest quality.

Staff in the Department research and teach on a range of specialty subjects, including US film and television, visual culture, East Asian cinema (particularly China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea), the cultural industries, new media, film sound, branding, media reception, international news media, critical theory and cultural studies.

On all courses, students explore the history, theory and practice of film, television and communications media, along with the political, social, economic and cultural contexts within which media production and consumption occur.

Assessment and progression
Assessment occurs each semester based on written coursework, research and presentations, exams, and in some modules, practical production work. Final-year students write original research dissertations under staff supervision.

Study abroad
The Department is a member of Universitas 21 (U21), a consortium of universities that includes institutions in Australasia, North America, Europe and South-East Asia. We also have links with the University of Bologna and the New University of Lisbon. Students on the BA International Media and Communications Studies course have the opportunity to apply to study for one semester at one of the universities listed above, or to spend time at Nottingham’s campus in Ningbo, China, which operates a sister-degree in communications studies. Students undertaking joint honours courses also have the opportunity to study in a U21 partner university, alongside their year abroad.

Career opportunities
Courses in film and television studies and international media and communication studies at Nottingham train students in critical analysis, communication, research, and media literacy, with many courses including core language components highly attractive to potential employers. Graduates gain valuable training for research careers in film and media and for professional work in media industries such as film, television, radio, journalism, and advertising and other fields such as business, public relations and political communications. Our graduates are also well positioned for postgraduate study.

Application and interview
Applicants are assessed on the basis of their UCAS form, usually without interview. Applicants with non-standard qualifications, including mature students, may be invited for an interview.

Opportunities to visit
Visit days for students offered a place are normally held in February and March. Prospective students are welcome to visit at other times as well by contacting the Department directly. Click here for dates of our open days.

Further information