BA Film Studies and Music / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2024

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

How your application is considered

Your application is considered via your UCAS personal statement, supporting reference and a short essay.

We do not expect you to have studied film before applying here, but we seek evidence in your statement that you have a sincere interest in film (even though you may not have already studied film formally, you might be involved in a local film society, write film reviews for your school magazine/websites or have worked on short films in your spare time) and, above all, that you have intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of socio-cultural openness.

We will introduce you to films and ways of thinking from different eras, countries and cultures, so we need evidence that you are keen to have those conversations with us (this might be through involvement in voluntary/community activities, work experience or visits to other parts of the world).

Please also include in your statement a brief overview of your musical background, particular musical interests and how this prepares you to get the best out of the opportunities offered by the Music part of the course.

In addition to the personal statement we require a 500-word essay  responding to the following question:

Provide a critical discussion of a scene or shot from a film you have seen recently (whether at the cinema or on DVD, online etc) which has contributed significantly to your decision to take Film Studies at Manchester.  Why has this particular film compelled you to study film further at University?

You don't have to write about a so-called classic or 'highbrow' film! We are just as interested in mainstream, popular, cult or 'trash' cinema - it could be a much-loved childhood favourite or a film that has troubled or perhaps even outraged you.  Mainly we are looking for your ability to think critically about film, whether that's a blockbusting franchise or experimental 'art' film.

Returning to education

We welcome applications from mature students and will consider them on an individual basis.

Deferrals

We welcome applications for deferred entry and feel a gap year benefits many students.

We do ask applicants to let us know as early as possible if they are intending to defer.  This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in order to achieve the required number of students in a given year.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat their final examinations but we may require further information in order to make an informed academic judgment on your application.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers

We will consider applications to transfer to Manchester from other universities and would normally ask for a letter explaining why a transfer was needed, relevant transcripts, a copy of the applicant's UCAS form and a confidential reference from one of the applicant's current university tutors.

We will consider applications to transfer from other degrees within the University of Manchester but applicants are required to have the A-level grades (or other qualifications) needed for entry to the degree programme for which they are applying.

Both of the above are subject to our having enough places to accommodate such applicants.   Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details).