International Study Centre

International Year One in Film and Media

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Studying Film and Media

The International Year One in Film and Media is your route to a range of Film and Media degrees at the University of Sussex.

English language and career skills are combined with subject-specific modules such as cultural studies, media industries, media practice and media texts, to provide you with a strong foundation for your chosen Film and Media degree.

Why study the International Year One in Film and Media with us?

There are many reasons to study this preparational programme and progress straight to the second year of one of three creative undergraduate degrees.

  • The University of Sussex's specialist facilities include a professional-standard news room, edit suites and a sound-proofed studio.
  • Brighton is one of the UK’s fastest growing hubs for digital and creative media – perfect for expanding your creativity.
  • Brighton also hosts several arts festivals every year that showcase the latest cinema from around the world.
  • Ranked 8th in the UK for the quality of Communications, Cultural and Media Studies research outputs (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

What you’ll study

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

The Approaching Film and Media Studies module is designed to help develop students' ability to work critically, confidently and independently with reading lists, academic texts and with specialised media and film resources. These skills are of particular use for effective seminar participation, essay preparation and independent research projects.

This module focuses on one key film and looks at the way it connects with, and was influenced by, a variety of films from around the globe. Concepts and key debates around authorship will be explored, and you will develop the skills to critically interpret film and its wider social, political and historical context.

You will be introduced to funding models of television and other digital platforms as well as considering the influence of new media technology in contemporary society. You will develop an awareness of the media’s role in a globalised world in both national and international contexts.

This course will develop your understanding of the critical issues associated with the study of film. This module will firstly explore the study of key expressive techniques associated with the language of film, through analysis of narrative structure, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound. Then, it will move on to apply this knowledge through exploration of some of the key film movements of the 20th and 21st century.

You will be introduced to the key concepts underpinning ideology and representations in the media, considering the role and influence of the media in either reflecting or questioning the dominant ideologies in society.

This course will introduce you to digital video and sound production, and how to convey meaning and emotion through the documentary form. You will be introduced to many of the technical skills required to produce video and podcast media, and have the opportunity to develop a project in either field.

This course will introduce you to both creative photography and communication design, and help you develop critical and technical skills in media production. You will learn key processes and techniques involved in photography and design through the development of your own creative project.

Your degree at Sussex

This course can lead to the second year of an undergraduate degree listed below (subject to meeting the grades outlined). The degrees and grades listed are valid for 2022/23 intakes only and are subject to change.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
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How to apply

Ready to apply? Discover how to submit an application and learn more about fees, semester dates and entry requirements.

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University of Sussex International Study Centre

Develop skills to change the world at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. Improve your English, develop your academic skills, and grow the confidence you need to succeed in your degree.

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English language courses

Improve your English skills with one of our Online English language courses designed to support international students studying a pathway programme at the International Study Centre.

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!