Learn both film theory and film-making practice by studying a full-time BA (Hons) Film degree at ARU.

As a student at ARU, you’ll discover the history of global cinema from the avant-garde to Hollywood blockbusters. As well as learning the fundamental theories of film and how it reflects and affects society, you’ll explore the language of film from the perspective of a filmmaker and start to think critically about your creative work.

This will be key in the practical side of the course: making your own explorative short films in video, animation or 16mm format. You’ll be trained in all aspects of the craft, including camera operation, sound recording and editing.

As the course progresses, our optional modules allow you to further explore your interests or specialise for a particular career, with subjects such as screenwriting and film journalism.

Throughout your BA (Hons) Film degree, you’ll be supported by our team of expert lecturers and a close-knit community of students and graduates who stay in touch through our dedicated Facebook page.

In your final year, you’ll put your well-practised skills to the test in a project that, once complete, will be screened at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse. The best will also be selected for showing at the annual Cambridge Film Festival.

What’s more, you can choose to study abroad as part of your course and get funding to cover the cost.

Our links with local and national organisations will help you make contacts and find work placements in the industry. Our recent students have found internships and placements with companies such as the BBC, Cambridge Festival of Ideas, Film & Video Umbrella, Cannes Film Festival, Cambridge Film Festival, Take One magazine, Watersprite Film Festival, CBBC, ITN Productions, London Studios, MTV, New York Film Academy, Pinewood Studios, StudioCanal UK (formerly Optimum Releasing) and Sight & Sound magazine. You can also take an optional placement year.

At ARU we work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.

Our BA (Hons) Film degree will help you prepare for a career in many film and cinema-related roles, including film and television production or post-production, journalism, screenwriting, programming and curation, festival management and public relations.