FILM AND VISUAL CULTURE
FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE 1 (TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2024) IN THE UK ST MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
FOR TEACHING QUALITY 1 (TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2024) IN THE UK ST MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
We have made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided is both helpful and accurate. All information was correct at the time of printing. However, changes to programmes, study location, facilities or fees may occur. Visit swansea.ac.uk/culture-communication for the most up-to-date information.
WELCOME
A warm welcome to the School of Culture and Communication at Swansea University, where dynamic teaching and renowned research go hand in hand. Our vibrant School brings together a team of experts who are leaders in their fields, delivering world- class education and ground-breaking research. Our various research institutes and networks tackle a series of global challenges that impact society and contributes to our civic mission. We believe in the power of real-world learning, and our dedicated academic community encourages our students to explore the practical applications of academic theories, whilst providing significant support in lectures, seminars, and as personal tutors. Our students are an integral part of our community, and we are proud to welcome students from all backgrounds who contribute to our vibrant culture. From assisting with research projects, to running societies and organising events, our students have the opportunity to actively contribute to our community, making meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Our goal is to provide an exceptional learning experience that nurtures excellence, enables you to become an independent thinker, and prepares you for your chosen career path. Whether you turn the pages, visit our website, or follow us on social media, I hope we can inspire you to study at Swansea on a course that is right for you.
Year Abroad and Year in Industry opportunities Semester Abroad Opportunities Internship Opportunities Tuition by Industry Professionals WE OFFER:
Practical Media Skills Film Production Writing for Radio and Screen Close Reading Film and Television Texts SKILLS ACQUIRED:
Are equipped with skills for rewarding careers Benefit from extensive support and guidance Are actively involved in School activities and research OUR STUDENTS:
Professor Ryan Murphy Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
FILM AND VISUAL CULTURE Our Film and Visual Culture, BA (Hons) is an exciting new interdisciplinary programme aimed at students who are interested in exploring a wide spectrum of visual culture and film. The programme investigates contemporary culture through diverse social media platforms, video gaming, creative media and more. Study Film and Visual Culture with us and you will learn practical skills to equip you for an exciting career in cultural industries, media, marketing, or related fields, as well as transferable skills, which are valued by employers and open up a range of wider career opportunities.
OUR DEGREES
P410 P41A P41I
Film and Visual Culture, BA (Hons) Film and Visual Culture, BA (Hons) with a Year Abroad Film and Visual Culture, BA (Hons) with a Year in Industry
This undergraduate programme spans a wide range of aspects of visual culture and film, encompassing film theory, the analysis of screen industries, learning about storytelling techniques across different media forms, and key techniques in analysing and closely reading a variety of visual texts. It offers a combination of theory and practice within three pillars: Film, Visual Culture, and Practice. We also offer a Year in Industry or work placement, which will give you first-hand experience, and you will have the option of studying a Year Abroad.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS GUIDE
We will consider your application and will use prior achievement, UCAS personal statement, predicted grades, references and mix of subjects to set the terms of each offer. The below table is intended as an overview and guide. Please visit our website for information about entry requirements to your particular course. swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/film-and-visual-culture-undergraduate- courses/film-and-visual-culture-ba
COURSE TITLE
A-LEVEL OR EQUIVALENT OFFER
BTEC EQUIVALENT TYPICAL OFFER
GCSE OR EQUIVALENT
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
FILM & VISUAL CULTURE, BA (Hons)*
ABB-BBC
32-33
DDM-DMM
N/A
*with or without Year Abroad and Year in Industry variants
Foundation Year - Subject to your predicted grades and course choice, we may offer a place on a foundation year as an alternative – completion of which leads to Year 1 of your chosen course. The foundation year is also taught on Singleton Campus. Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - applicants will be able to meet our requirements from three A-levels or two A-levels and the Skills Challenge Certificate. Extended Project Qualification - applicants predicted grade B or above in EPQ will receive an offer with a one-grade reduction. e.g., an offer of AAB would become ABB plus EPQ B. At Swansea University, we review every application on a case-by-case basis, and accept a range of qualifications. We will consider issuing tariff point offers to students studying a combination of different qualifications. If you have any questions about our admissions process, please email our friendly recruitment team at studyFHSS@swansea.ac.uk .
For more information, scan the QR or visit our website.
swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/film-and-visual- culture-undergraduate-courses/film-and-visual-culture-ba
MODULES
The modules listed below will give you a taste of what you could study on our 3-year Film & Visual Culture, BA (Hons) degree. Each degree offers varying modules.
Please visit our website for the detailed options available to you within your course. The full list of all compulsory and optional modules for your particular course can be found here: swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/film-and-visual-culture-undergraduate- courses/film-and-visual-culture-ba
FILM & VISUAL CULTURE , BA (Hons): Year 1 (Level 4): 120 credits comprised of 6, 20 credit modules.
You will study three compulsory modules in Year 1. Two in Semester 1 and one in Semester 2. You will then choose one optional module for Semester 1 and two optional modules for Semester 2.
OPTIONAL MODULES
Humanities Essentials COMPULSORY MODULES Introduction to Visual Culture Creative Media Platforms
Cyflwyniad i Astudiaethau Ffilm Hollywood: A History of American Film Introduction to Film Studies Sgiliau Cyfryngau Allweddol
Modern European Film: Themes and Perspectives Visuality and Embodiment
• Optional module selection may be subject to pre-requisite study at lower level.
• Course content may be updated and modules subject to change – see our Programme Disclaimer at swansea.ac.uk/study
• Please visit your course page for complete lists of all compulsory and optional modules available: swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/film-and-visual-culture-undergraduate- courses/film-and-visual-culture-ba
Year 2 (Level 5): 120 credits comprised of 6, 20 credit modules.
You will study two compulsory modules in Semester 1 – Approaches to Film Analysis and Techniques of Seeing. You will choose four optional modules. One in Semester 1 and three in Semester 2.
SEMESTER 1 OPTIONAL MODULES
SEMESTER 2 OPTIONAL MODULES
SEMESTER 2 OPTIONAL MODULES
Introduction to Film Production Professional Development: Preparing for Work Datblygiad Proffesiynol: Paratoi ar gyfer Gwaith
American Word/American Image Introduction to Writing Drama
The Story of America on Film and Television, 1607-1867 Stori America Ar Ffilm a Theledu, 1607-1867
Writing a Short Film
Social Media Cultures Creative Media Practice The History of Screen Animation
Testunau Trawsgyfryngol Drama a Dogfen ar y sgrin
Sgiliau Cyfryngau Ymarferol
Year 3 (Level 6): 120 credits comprised of 6, 20 credit modules.
You will study compulsory Dissertation Preparation and Dissertation modules. You will then select four option modules. One Film option, 1 Visual Culture option, 1 practical option, and 1 open choice module. Below shows some examples of this, however for a full list visit the course page.
Graphic Novel Graphic Novel VISUAL CULTURE OPTIONS PRACTICAL OPTIONS OPEN CHOICE OPTIONS
The Story of the USA on Film and Television, 1865-2008 FILM OPTIONS Stori yr Unol Daleithiau ar Ffilm a Theledu, 1865-2008 Drama and Documentary on Screen Intersectional Identities in Contemporary French Cinema
Writing for Radio and Screen
Documentary Filmmaking and Broadcasting
Writing for Radio and Screen
Stylistics: Language in Literature, Film and Video Gaming
Cynllunio Cynhyrchiad Aml-blatfform
The Story of the USA on Film and Television, 1865-2008 Stori yr Unol Daleithiau ar Ffilm a Theledu, 1865- 2008
History on Screen: Television, Cinema & Gaming Science Fiction and Media
Film Production Management
YEAR ABROAD Studying abroad for a year is an opportunity to experience new cultures, meet people from around the world and develop a global mindset in preparation for your future career. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has a number of international partner institutions where students can study for a full academic year. Destinations may include the North Americas, Europe or East and South East Asia.
Our Year Abroad degrees are four-year degree programmes, where your third year is spent studying abroad. During your year abroad, you will pay a reduced tuition
fee of 15% of the standard Swansea University fees and no tuition fees are payable to the host university. Funding opportunities are also available from the Go Global team. Please note, enrolment on a programme with a year abroad does not guarantee you a year abroad placement. In the event you do not secure a placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a year abroad. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOING A YEAR ABROAD? Employers value graduates with international experience. Being able to adapt to new surroundings and learning important life skills while studying abroad could put you ahead of the competition when you graduate. Developing cultural awareness Independence Language development Preparation for international work Professional and personal development Studying abroad is a valuable addition to your CV Studying in a location known as a leading hub in your field of interest
I have made friends for life and intend to visit each and every one of them at some point in the future, from Germany all the way to El Salvador. Alongside this I got to discover a lot about myself, in terms of my ability to be without my friends and family and still be fully content. My advice to future prospective study abroad students would be to 100% take the opportunity. I have at no point regretted the decision and would do another year if I could!
BETHAN WILLIAMS Year Abroad: Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Rennes, France
YEAR IN INDUSTRY
A Year in Industry is an opportunity to spend a year in employment during your studies, and is available to all undergraduate students studying within the School. It will provide you with invaluable experience in the real working world and will help you develop a range of skills which will make you an attractive candidate for jobs after graduating. There are countless benefits to completing a year in industry; and we’re proud that we can offer placement opportunities as part of all our undergraduate courses. Our Year in Industry degrees are four-year degree programmes, where your third year is spent
working in industry. The12-month placement is a credit-bearing (worth 120 credits), assessed part of a 4 year degree programme. This means that your performance on the assessment and completion of the placement will have an impact on your final degree classification, just as a year of taught modules would.
OUR EMPLOYER LINKS INCLUDE Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with a number of organisations who provide a range of placement opportunities. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of your studies you will transfer onto the equivalent degree programme.
Whilst on my work placement during my Year in Industry I completely evolved as an individual and as a professional. I developed so many valuable skills and my confidence soared! I completely changed from a shy person to confident, independent and a determined woman. I learned new core skills such as networking and I gained experience in a professional environment such as: working on photoshoots, becoming part of a team, and leading meetings across Europe! I would recommend this course to prospective students. It is such a fun, practical degree that provides so many useful insights and the constant support provided by the lecturers is so reassuring.
CARYS EVANS Media Communications and PR, BA (Hons) with a Year in Industry, McArthurGlen London Head Office
EMPLOYABILITY Our students benefit from having access to a dedicated Employability Team. Employability is actively promoted and an important focus throughout your studies. The team has a track-record of getting students into employment and offer support for 5 years after graduation. They help with:
Applications Insight days
Internships Interview techniques
Mentoring Networking
Part-time jobs Year in Industry
There are numerous opportunities to advance your employability throughout your student experience, such as: • SPIN (Swansea Paid Internship Network), which offers students paid internships within the University and with external employers on a range of different projects. • Bespoke Year in Industry & Graduate roles with local and nationwide companies. • Mock interviews with real employers who provide personalised feedback. • Bursaries that are available each year to provide students with paid work experience, such as Santander Funding.
FUTURE CAREERS IN FILM AND VISUAL CULTURE
Business Management Communications and PR Digital/Social Media Marketing Film Critic Film Festival Management
Media Production Public Sector /Not-for-Profit, Creative Industries Entrepreneurship Publishing Screenwriter
Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Teaching
I thoroughly enjoyed both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Swansea University. The skills and knowledge that I gained prepared me well for my future career. Many companies need employees to be multi- skilled. The video and design skills that I was taught helped me in securing early roles and also in my current role.
HARRISON ANDREWS School of Culture and Communication Graduate, PR and Communications Manager, Ospreys Rugby
FACILITIES You’ll have access to a range of amazing facilities at the School of Culture and Communication to support your studies including: MEDIA CREATIVITY SUITE AND STUDIOS Our Campuses house fully functional video and digital content creation suites and studios. Fully equipped with audio-visual production facilities with green screen and video editing suites. TALIESIN ARTS CENTRE The on-campus Taliesin Arts Centre, incorporating Taliesin Create, provides a dynamic theatre, cinema, and inclusive creative spaces. RICHARD BURTON ARCHIVES We are home to the archive of stage and screen star Richard Burton, which holds material of local, regional and national significance. Records of historical value are preserved in the archives and are accessible to all students.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Being both an undergraduate and postgraduate student within the English Department has enabled me to grow and be inspired. The variety of challenging and fascinating modules has helped me develop as a writer and researcher. My Year Abroad, studying in Hong Kong, gave me further purpose and direction for my future. A cliché can be true. You will find yourself here and will be given support to be able to follow your passions and interests.
AMBA TYRIE English Literature, BA (Hons) and English Literature, MA
As an international student, being part of such a great and supportive university environment only added to the experience and made my overall transition that much smoother. I fully immersed myself in the course, university and city and went on to complete both undergraduate and postgraduate study within the media department. I am now using my skills and experience and am working with the university’s Cultural Institute. Choosing Swansea University has provided me with some of the best opportunities of my life.
SIDARTH DAMODAR Media and Communication, BA (Hons)
I have many good memories of my time in Swansea, I can truly say that I built a strong community of friends during my time at Swansea University. Through my MA programme, I was able to quickly gain a lot of the hard and soft skills that I would need, for a career in communications and brand marketing. I feel that the course helped to prepare me for my first entry level position in PR which then led to my current role, Social Media and Digital Creator Economy Expert for Instagram.
CAMERON VEASEY Communications, Media Practice, and Public Relations, MA
I chose Swansea University after experiencing a wonderful MA with the department. They provided the support I required, and I knew they would continue to deliver the highest quality of teaching when I decided to pursue a PhD. Swansea has taught me to develop my critical skills, academic writing, and creative assets in a way I could not have imagined. I have since written two books, published poetry, and written award-winning screenplays.
PERRY WYATT Creative Writing, PhD
The Communication, Media Practice and Public Relations MA was perfect and has offered me a breadth of knowledge in various areas of the media industry, but ultimately gave me the option to specialise if I wanted to. Skills that I use in my day-to-day work life, I can say that I acquired during my studies at Swansea University. I’m using knowledge and skills that were a direct result of my degree. Parts of the course were also helpful for the job interview process.
STAVROS APOSTOLOPOULOS Communication, Media Practice & Public Relations, MA
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Community : There’s always plenty going on within our community. During Welcome Week, you’ll have opportunities to make connections and socialise with people on your course. At our social events, students have enjoyed interacting with exotic animals, learning about Welsh culture, dancing the night away at our School Balls, and getting involved in craft sessions, games nights, sports, and more!
Student Voice: Partnership summarises our vision for how to work with all students to improve their experience and help them to get the most out of their time at University; the Student Representative System is a key part of this. As a Student Rep, you stand in elections to represent your cohort and work with staff across the School to provide constructive feedback and make change happen. Learning Community: As a Swansea University student, you’re joining a rich and diverse learning community. We aim to provide opportunities that will not only enhance understanding of your own subject area, but also make connections with and explore other subjects. As part of this, we’ve hosted integrated research seminar series, student-led research evenings and subject taster sessions. We also promote the various ways that students can take part in and conduct their own research. Taking Care of Yourself : Taking care of yourself is of paramount importance and we’re always looking to develop initiatives to target student wellbeing holistically. Throughout the year, we send themed communications that direct students to support and resources at the time they most need it. We run a range of events to help students take time out and relax, such as ‘Grab and Go’ Breakfasts during exam periods and regular coffee mornings. We also run proactive sessions like Self-Resilience and Exam Success Workshops to help students be as prepared as possible leading into more intense and busy periods of the year. SOCIETIES RELATING TO FILM AND VISUAL CULTURE
MEDIA STUDIES
CREATIVE WRITING
SWANSEA STUDENT MEDIA
FILM
For more information about societies visit: swansea-union.co.uk/get_involved/societies
STUDENT SUPPORT
The Faculty has a dedicated Student Experience and Information team on hand, situated across both Singleton and Bay Campuses to provide professional, student-centred guidance and support across several key areas including:
Supporting students through Welcome Week and Induction
Organising student engagement activities and social events
Supporting with timetable queries
Guiding and processing change of circumstances requests, which include: suspensions of studies, programme transfers, and withdrawals Linking in with central support services to ensure students are effectively supported
Working closely with students and personal tutors
Supporting students through the University’s engagement monitoring process and following up to ensure that where students are facing challenges, the team can provide professional and bespoke support 1:1 meetings with students in person or online regarding personal or academic issues Supporting students who have extenuating circumstances via the formal process, for coursework, in class tests, online tests, exams, etc. Supporting students with disabilities, and connecting them with the University Disability Office
For more information about the support available to you visit: swansea.ac.uk/student-services
MONEY AND ADVICE
As an undergraduate student at Swansea University, it is important to prioritise financial planning and management early on in your academic journey. Fortunately, the university’s award-winning Money@CampusLife team is here to help. Whilst financial support is not always guaranteed, here are some areas our team can assist you in: Budgeting Bursaries and special awards Degree withdrawals / suspensions / transfers / repeats Financial hardship Pre-arrivals and new student information Student funding Student+, which is financial assistance for students who have additional considerations, such as being a carer, care leaver or being estranged from their family Overall, managing money as an undergraduate student requires discipline, organisation, and a willingness to seek support when necessary. With the help of Swansea University’s Money@CampusLife team, you can take control of your finances and focus on your academic and personal goals.
For more information, please visit our website: swansea.ac.uk/money-campuslife
RESEARCH
Our Faculty and School aims are to produce collaborative, innovative and multidisciplinary research by working with some of the brightest and best researchers from around the world. The Film and Visual Culture department has a vibrant research culture with areas of research investigation focused around film, digital media, social media platforms, video gaming, creative media and more.
HOW WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE Conducting research that helps shape policy Improving Digital Accessibility Research regarding the Influence of Media on Politics Understanding the Effect of New and Emerging Technologies
RESEARCH EXPERTISE Research is key to our teaching, and we have expertise in various areas to help inform the latest and most innovative practices and curriculum to deliver. Our expertise covers:
Feminist Film Historiography Film Archives Media Coverage of Politics and Elections Visual Culture and Lighting Design Digital Media
Ageing on Screen - Age, Gender and Celebrity Broadcasting in Wales Digital Accessibility European, Eastern European and British Cinema
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: DR. LISA SMITHSTEAD, SENIOR LECTURER IN FILM STUDIES
Dr. Lisa Smithstead researches the past, present and future of women in Film and TV. Her research looks at women’s work in these industries behind the scenes as filmmakers, and on the screen as stars and celebrities. Her most recent book, Reframing Vivien Leigh (Oxford University Press, 2021), explored the archives of the stage and screen star Vivien Leigh, looking for material traces of her creative labour. Her current research project is titled ‘Ageing on Screen after #MeToo’. It investigates the way the #MeToo movement has affected the way ageing and older women are represented in mainstream cinema. She is also interested in areas such as adaptation studies, film and TV fandom, and LGBTQI+ cinema and television.
HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT
STRUCTURE IS EVERYTHING Before you begin, jot down the structure for the personal statement. We’d always suggest: • An opening paragraph outlining your passion for the subject and your drive to succeed • Your academic studies and work experience • Interests / hobbies 1 STRONG OPENING PARAGRAPHS Opening paragraphs and sentences are really important but please be aware that we see thousands and many opening lines are just overused, including: • ‘From a young age I have always been interested in/fascinated by…’ • ‘I am applying for this course because…’ 2 ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS Your personal statement is about highlighting why you are the perfect candidate for a place at our School. So be confident when you talk about your academic achievements and ambitions. 3 4 LET’S TALK ABOUT YOU As well as outlining your academic achievement and your aspirations, we want to get to know you as a person. What are your interests and hobbies outside of the classroom? They do not need to be award- winning; they will help build a well-rounded image of you as a person. 5 DON’T PLAGIARISE Plagiarising is a big no-go; at university and within your personal statement. 6 THERE’S A LIMIT There’s a 4,000 character limit or 47 lines – keep tabs on how much you’ve written. 7 NO JOKES Humour is often a great way to stand out from the crowd but not in this instance. We want to take you seriously and the assessor may have a very different sense of humour to you. 8 NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT Don’t leave it to the last minute to write your personal statement. You’ll find that it takes longer than you think to get it exactly as you want it. Now isn’t the time to rush.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
SEPT UCAS OPENS Make a start on your application.
OCT - NOV OPEN DAYS Meet staff and students on campus.
NOV - DEC ON TRACK Finalise your application.
APR STUDENT FINANCE Start applying for financial support. £
FEB - MAR OFFER-HOLDER EVENTS Keep an eye on your emails!
JAN UCAS DEADLINE Submit your application on time.
MAY ACCOMMODATION Apply before the June deadline.
JUNE FIRM & INSURANCE Deadline for making your choices.
AUG RESULTS DAY! Confirmation and Clearing.
For more information about what Swansea has to offer visit: swansea.ac.uk
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
SPORT AT SWANSEA
We pride ourselves on our dedication and commitment to sport and active living for everyone from beginner to the elite athlete. Make the most of the following facilities: •50m Wales National Pool Swansea •Outdoor Athletics Track •Multi-Use Games Area •Cardio and Weights Rooms •Cycle Hire and Jogging Routes WELSH LANGUAGE PROVISION Certain modules and seminars may be available in Welsh. You also have access to Welsh speaking personal tutors and can submit your coursework or sit exams in Welsh. swansea.ac.uk/welsh-language-standards STUDENT SOCIETIES Our Students’ Union has an extensive list of societies available to participate in. As well as being fun, joining a society offers communities of support for students and transferable skills for future employment if you take on a leading role on the committee. swansea-union.co.uk/get_involved/societies
Swansea University offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries which may be available to help finance your studies. Scholarships can be awarded to Welsh medium or international students, or for students excelling in exams, music or sport. Our income-related bursaries help students from lower income backgrounds. swansea.ac.uk/scholarships CULTURE Swansea University hosts and supports a wide range of cultural, artistic and creative activities, with a significant number of thriving music and performing arts student societies. The Taliesin Arts Centre sits at the heart of the Singleton Park Campus and hosts regular productions, mainstream and alternative cinema screenings, and the award-winning Egypt Centre is home to a collection of over 6,000 Egyptian antiquities. The Great Hall on the Bay Campus, with its 700- seat Sir Stanley Clarke Auditorium offering world class acoustics, provides an incredible venue to enjoy cultural performances, events, exhibitions and more.
FOLLOW @SWANSEAUNI ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE MORE IMAGES FROM OUR STUDENTS
To find out more about our programmes, tour the University and meet our staff and students, come and visit us on one of our Open Days!
Book a place via: swansea.ac.uk/open-days
CONTACT US
School of Culture and Communication Singleton Campus
Swansea SA2 8PP Wales, UK
Email: StudyFHSS@swansea.ac.uk
www.swansea.ac.uk/culture- communication
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