Film BA (Hons)

Learn both film theory and film-making practice and prepare for a career in film, arts and culture-related roles from production to journalism on our BA (Hons) Film degree in Cambridge.As one of our students you’ll discover the history of global cinema from the avant-garde to Hollywood blockbusters. As well as learning the fundamental theories of film and how it reflects and affects society, you’ll explore the language of film from the perspective of a filmmaker and start to think critically about your creative work.This will be key in the practical side of the course: making your own explorative short films in video, animation or 16mm format. You’ll be trained in all aspects of the craft, including camera operation, sound recording and editing. As the course progresses, our optional modules will allow you to further explore your interests or specialise for a particular career with subjects such as screenwriting and film journalism.Throughout the course you’ll be supported by our team of expert lecturers and a close-knit community of students and graduates, who all keep in touch through our dedicated Facebook page.In your final year, you’ll put your well-practised skills to the test in a project that, once complete, will be screened at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse. The best will also be selected for showing at the annual Cambridge Film Festival.Our links with local and national organisations will help you make contacts and find work placements in the industry. Our recent students have found internships and placements with companies such as the BBC, Cambridge Festival of Ideas, Film & Video Umbrella, Cannes Film Festival, Cambridge Film Festival, Take One magazine, Watersprite Film Festival, CBBC, ITN Productions, London Studios, MTV, New York Film Academy, Pinewood Studios, StudioCanal UK (formerly Optimum Releasing) and Sight & Sound magazine.As a student at ARU you’ll have use of a fully-equipped HD multi-camera TV studio with multi-purpose scenic backdrops, suitable for current affairs, drama and magazine programmes; a film studio featuring overhead lighting, tracks, dollies, green screens, and flats; a full range of HD cameras, as well as Super 8mm, 16mm and 35mm film cameras, and sound-recording equipment for location filming; the complete Adobe Creative Cloud software suite, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop and After Effects. You’ll be trained on all our equipment by a team of experienced technical staff.Our course will help you prepare for a career in many film and cinema-related roles, including film and television production or post-production, journalism, screenwriting, programming and curation, festival management and public relations.Our links with local and national organisation will help you make contacts and find work placements in the industry. Our recent students have found internships and placements with companies including the BBC, Pinewood Studios, StudioCanal UK, Sight and Sound magazine, and Watersprite Film Festival.Throughout the course you’ll benefit from extra-curricular events such as Cambridge Film Festival and our Campus Cinema events; regular field trips, such as to the BFI and Tate Modern; guest lectures, with recent speakers including Jayne Parker, Margaret Salmon, Guy Sherwin, Larry Sider, and William Raban; events offered through our student-led film societies; and the chance to join Cam FM, a student-run radio station with studios on our campus and at Cambridge’s famous Fitzwilliam Museum.What’s more, you can choose to study abroad as part of your course and get funding to cover the cost.You might also decide to continue on to a Masters course, such as our MA Film and Television Production. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.