International Study Centre

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Film and Media

Study Film and Media

The International Foundation Year in Film and Media is your route to a variety of undergraduate degrees at the University of Sussex. You will study a range of subject specific modules, as well as develop your English language skills and future employability as part of this programme.

Why study with us?

There are many reasons why you may want to study this preparational programme and have the opportunity to progress to a range of undergraduate degrees. These include:

  • 8th in the UK for our research outputs in Communications, Cultural and Media Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
  • =16th in the UK for Communications and Media Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
  • The University of Sussex’s specialist facilities includes a professional-standard newsroom, edit suites, a sound-proofed studio Teaching labs, a Digital print room and Equipment Store.

What you’ll study

During the International Foundation Year two-semester programme you will study a combination of academic modules, specific to your pathway, and compulsory modules.

You will study a total of seven modules and achieve 120 credits required in your chosen pathway to progress.

Core modules

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.

This module develops your understanding of the role that media plays in shaping today’s social, cultural, business and political world. Throughout the module you will explore a range of contexts where media is used, whilst developing core transferable skills, which are useful in other modules, future study, career and beyond. In the final weeks of the module you will apply your knowledge and practise these skills for a final group assessment. 

Pathway modules

This module gives you the necessary analytical skills to understand and interpret screen media and will prepare you for studying film and media at the University of Sussex. You will develop understanding of the core theoretical and practical aspects of screen media and the film industry through studying a wide range of films, shows, music videos, adverts and video games.

In this module you will study film forms and film movements, engaging with examples from European and global cinema. You will learn how to analyse film texts according to their historical, cultural and social contexts, by engaging with key theoretical debates and textual analysis.

This module will equip you with a basic understanding and awareness of visual media and how to convey meaning through the moving image. You’ll be introduced to many of the technical skills required in filmmaking practices. You will develop your team-working and independent working skills across different types of tasks. You will regularly be expected to present and critically review your work in front of the class. You will also learn how to provide constructive criticism to others and apply it to yourself.

This module will introduce you to the basic theory and concepts of photography as a medium and develop your appreciation of the possible meanings generated by the still image when placed within different contexts and modes of practice. You will produce a portfolio of photographic work, and experience the creative potential of photography, and some of the historical and critical aspects of photographic practice.

In this module you will develop your understanding of representations of social groups, issues, events and places in a wide range of media texts including advertising, film, cartoons and news media, through case studies and regular activities designed to practice and improve analytical and evaluative skills. In doing so, you will deepen your awareness of how media products reflect and shape the social, cultural, historical and political contexts in which they are produced.

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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!