Film and Visual Culture

Film and Visual Culture at Aberdeen is in a period of exciting expansion, and the focus is now on global cinema in respect to other art forms and visual culture, and film production courses at Honours level.

Why Aberdeen?

• The study of cinema explores the most vital medium of the twentieth century, taking account both of the nature of film as an art-form, and of the cultural contexts in which films are produced. By making connections between global communications, new technologies, international politics and aesthetic practices, Film and Visual Culture aims to develop an awareness of how media affect pressing questions of contemporary life
• What distinguishes this programme is its interdisciplinary focus. Rather than compartmentalise the study of media and film in terms of form, genre, history, theory or area studies, we believe it is essential to engage all of these issues in a way that fosters an awareness of the historical culture and aesthetic politics

Programmes

You may also be interested in

English, History of Art, Sociology

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

First Year

Introduction to Film and the Cinematic Experience provides an introduction to the analysis of film form. The course introduces students to the primary visual, sound and narrative conventions of visual media. We discuss issues of framing, mise-en-scène, montage, sound, narrative structure, cinematography, cinematic style and ideology. Introduction to Visual Culture introduces students to the key concepts and theories that shape the fluid field of visual culture in an era when the visual landscape has become digital, virtual, viral and global.

Second Year

The second year core courses Cinema and Modernity, and Cinema and Revolution examine an exceptionally rich and diverse choice of films from around the world.

Students are introduced to various national cinemas and movements covering the last 100 years of cinema history; and consider the principal aesthetic, cultural and institutional factors influencing their distinguishing features.

With an emphasis upon making both connections and disconnections between cinemas and film theory, these courses encourage students to understand and appreciate how film is a peculiarly modern art form.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours)

 Students select from a variety of Honours course options. Depending on the particular year offerings, which draw on staff research expertise, these may include modules on such areas as Minor Cinemas, Cinematic Cities, God at the Movies, Transport Technologies, Creaturely Cinematics, The Politicization of the Aesthetic and Bodies on Screen. Courses are also offered on French, Hispanic and German cinema. In addition, different types of courses integrating theory and practice are available on Documentary Film, and Panoptic Digital Culture, and students may write their dissertation in some area of Film and Visual Culture, and include a practical element.

Teaching and Assessment

Film is a popular subject, and first and second year courses therefore involve large lecture classes. However, weekly tutorials enable closer work with the tutor and with other students. Marks for the course are normally based in part on participation in these tutorials, and involve research, essays, exams and Web CT written submissions, depending on individual course requirements.

Honours courses are based on seminars which encourage active participation.

Careers

The Film and Visual Culture degree is designed to specialise your knowledge in the academic study of cinema, placing an emphasis on enhancing your analytical skills in research and critical writing. In addition, students have an opportunity to develop skills in digital video production and web design. This focus should provide a useful platform for further study or for a career in film industry, broadcasting, new media, journalism, teaching and other related fields. New opportunities in Scottish broadcasting are available through our Joint degree in Film and Visual Culture and Gaelic Studies.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Film and Visual Culture.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide