Learn the language of film and discover its rich history at Kent, one of the three major universities for film in the UK. Study film from its silent beginnings through to 3D CGI blockbusters, taking in avant-garde and international cinemas on your way, and find your own voice as a critic and a filmmaker.

For over 30 years, Kent has been at the forefront of developing film as an academic subject. Our expertise means that you have a wide choice of areas to explore.

As a student, you become part of the community based within the School of Arts building – a creative hub for students of film, drama, media studies and art history.

Our degree programme

Our degree is flexible: you study film theory but you also have the option to explore film practice – for example, through developing the skills of a film critic or getting involved in creative film production.

In the first year, you cover the language of film (framing, sound, editing, performance, lighting), learn about the theory and the history of film, and can take a practical filmmaking module.

In your second and final years, you have a huge range of modules to choose from, covering everything from avant-garde to animation, with a variety of practice modules too, including screenwriting and documentary film.

Year abroad

Your year abroad takes place between your second and final year of study. In previous years, students have studied at our partner institutions in the following countries:

• Canada
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• USA.

Placement year

It is possible to take Film with a placement year and gain valuable work experience. For details, see Film with a Placement Year.

Alternatively, you can take our three-year Film degree, without a year abroad or a placement year. For details, see Film.

Study resources

Facilities to support film theory include:

• our own cinema, which screens ten to 15 films a week
• 8,000 DVDs and videos in the library
• individual and group viewing facilities in the library
• an extensive collection of books and journals, including online resources.

Our film production facilities are industry-standard and include the following:

• soundproofed production studio with projection, chroma-key green screen and black serge cycloramas
• extensive lighting grid
• sound-dubbing studio
• individual edit suites equipped with Final Cut Pro
• digital studio with post-production software.

Extra activities

The School of Arts puts on many special events, which you are welcome to attend. In previous years, these have included symposia, seminars, conferences and exhibitions, as well as visits by filmmakers and critics.

You also have the chance to take part in film-related student societies.

• The Film Society at Kent is run by students and gives you a chance to get involved in film production, film journalism, educational activities and a film festival.
• Kent Media Centre, run by student volunteers, produces KTV (Kent Television) – a TV station dedicated to student news and events across campus.

For trips to the cinema, we have the Gulbenkian Cinema on campus, which screens arthouse, independent, foreign language and blockbuster films. In Canterbury city centre, there is also the Curzon arts cinema and an Odeon.

Professional network

Film students become part of a wide professional network, thanks to our excellent links with other film bodies. These include:

• Arts Council England
• British Film Institute (BFI)
• Independent Cinema Office
• Screen Archive South East
• Kent Film.