Richmond American University London
Film BA (Hons)
London, United Kingdom
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 17,500 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU, international & United States | UK full time: £9,250
Key Summary
If you’re passionate about film and want to embark on a career in the cinematic arts, our BA (Hons) Film programme at Richmond American University London offers the perfect platform to transform your passion into a profession. This degree will challenge and inspire you, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a vibrant career in the creative and cultural industries.
You’ll dive into the world of film and film studies. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced studies and practical work as you progress through the programme.
In the American liberal arts tradition, you’ll choose courses from across various subject disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach ensures you develop a well-rounded perspective, sharpening your critical thinking and analytical abilities, which are essential in the modern job market. It also enriches your personal and intellectual development, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Film.
As you move forward, the emphasis shifts toward practical filmmaking techniques. Core courses like Video Production, Advanced Digital Video, and From Script to Screen provide you with the skills needed to bring your creative visions to life. You’ll learn the art of storytelling, the intricacies of genre, and the craft of documentary production while honing your technical abilities in a hands-on environment.
One of the unique advantages of studying film at Richmond is our location in London—a global hub for the film industry. London offers unparalleled opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, with access to world-leading production companies and studios. You’ll also have the chance to gain real-world experience through an optional internship with a London-based film or creative arts company, further enhancing your career prospects.
You’ll benefit from small class sizes throughout your studies, ensuring personalised attention and an intimate learning environment. You’ll also engage with industry-leading guest lecturers who bring their professional insights and experiences directly into the classroom, sparking discussion and critical thought.
In addition to the rich academic and practical experience, Richmond offers the unique opportunity to graduate with two degrees—one from the UK and one from the US—providing a distinct advantage as you enter the global film industry.
Tuition fee reduction
- Liberal Arts Academic Excellence Award: £2,500 per year equivalent to ABB/GPA 3.5+ (explore list of grade equivalents)
- English Language Award: £2,500 per year equivalent to 6.0 IELTS 6.0 in all elements
(Students can only be awarded one scholarship)
Bursaries: UK and US students only
Cyril Taylor cash bursary
- £4,000 of cash bursaries throughout your degree
- £1,000 cash bursary per year
Number of awards: 15 UK and 12 US
For more information on the terms and conditions visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
Year 1 (Level 3)
Modules
- English for Academic Purposes
- Tools for Change
- Research and Writing
Based on your major, choose one or two from:
- Pre-Calculus
- Fundamentals of Computing
- Fundamentals of Business
- Foundations of Sociology
Choose one or two from:
- Endangered Species and Conservation
- History of London
- Foundations of Media and the Arts
Year 2 (Level 4)
Core Modules
- Introduction to Film Studies
- Introduction to Film Making
- Introduction to Content Creation
Choose one course from Arts and Humanities:
- Intercultural Communication
- Introduction to Advertising, PR, and Media
- History of Visual Culture
- World Cultural History
Choose one course from Social and Behavioral Sciences:
- Rich World Poor World
- Innovation and Enterprise
- Business Management and Marketing
- The Business of Fashion
- Introduction to Psychology
Choose one course from Data/Numeracy:
- Probability & Statistics
- Data Analysis (for non-MTH majors)
Choose one course from Science:
- Biological Basis of Human Behaviour
- Introduction to Programming
- Environmental Science and Society
- Ecology and Conservation
- Earth Systems Science
Year 3 (Level 5)
Core Modules
- Video Production
- Genre Studies
- Documentary Theory and Production
- World Visual Cultures
Choose one course from Service Learning:
- Digital Collaboration
- Leadership in a Changing World
- Environment and Society
- Global Citizenship and Migration
Plus
- Choose two level 5 electives from across the curriculum, outside of your subject discipline
Year 4 (Level 6)
Core Modules
- International Cinema
- Advanced Digital Video
- From Script to Screen
- Senior Project
Choose a level 6 Internship or Choose two level 6 courses from:
- List choice from L6 Elective
Plus
- Choose one level 6 elective from across the curriculum, outside of your subject discipline
- Gain in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of the film industry
- Develop strong practical skills such as screenwriting, film production, editing, which are highly attractive to employers
- Opportunity to study a multi-disciplinary program that combines areas of study in the Humanities
- London location provides great opportunity to explore the world of film at first hand, with visits to cinemas, studios, and production companies
- Gain vital work experience that is desirable to employers in the film industry by doing an integrated international internship
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.
- Barons Court Theatre
- Boston Ballet
- Christies
- Vogue Magazine Graduate School
- V&A Museum
Teaching
The course load at level 3 or first year is 24 US credits, equivalent to 96 UK credits. Students will then complete 32 US credits, equivalent to 128 UK credits per academic year.
Approximately 12 hours per week are in class attendance, and 4 hours are guided learning. The guided learning component could include discussion boards, guest lectures, field trips, asynchronous learning, or similar activities.
Teaching mainly takes place in small classes. Our seminar-style teaching, characterised by interactive discussions and active participation, gives the students an opportunity to engage deeply with the material and their peers. The intimate setting allows for personalised attention from professors, enhancing comprehension and retention. Guest lectures enrich the experience by providing diverse perspectives and reinforcing knowledge through practical applications such as quizzes, discussions and debates. This approach supports academic success and cultivates critical thinking and communication skills, preparing students for future challenges.
Assessment
The balance of assessment by examination, practical assessment and assessment by coursework will vary for each programme and will also depend on the optional electives you choose each year and may be subject to change. The assessment methods can involve term papers, portfolios of work, quizzes, mid-semester and final exams, student presentations and general class discussion. Not every component applies to every course, but most do relate to many of the classes that are offered. Many of our courses involve a site visit or require attendance at a public lecture as well.