[BMLR]

In terms of course, University of Southampton has the best theory side I've seen but, after the open day, I'm a little concerned it will be too academic and not creative enough.

I'm also looking at Reading and Kent who both offer practical filmmaking alongside the theory, but Southampton offer a lot more writing which I'm primarily interested in.

Is there anyone doing film who can vouch for Southampton's course? I just don't want to start and get burnt out without a creative input into it.

Also, whilst at the UoS open day I met two film lecturers who both seemed rather old. The staff at Reading and Kent both seemed much younger and more exciting, they really brought the subject to life which the older lecturers at UoS didn't.

Are all of the film staff at UoS like this?

[jonnyramsay]

Hi,

Im currently studying for my masters at Southampton but I completed my BA last year so I know all about the course, staff etc.

From what you've said so far you've gauged the course pretty well. It is not a film production course where you spend time writing scripts, making short films, learning about lighting, sound etc. It is more to do with the theoretical side film and is based around writing essays and performing group presentations for assessment.

Looking through the past modules that I studied at undergraduate level there is quite a diverse mixture. Some of the module titles are listed below:

Introduction to Film: Hollywood
Developments in Documentary
Film Noir and 1940s Hollywood
Introduction to German Cinema
American Cinema Since 1965
World Cinema
Early Film
British Contemporary Filmmakers

These are all theory based with the essays revolving around analysis of films next to a particular theory which is stright forward enough with pretty much everyone on the course coming out with either a 2:1 or a 1st at the end of their degree. Im trying to think what tutors you saw that were "old", but then again what you think is old might differ from me. No matter what their age, they are all influential within film academia and are great teachers. The student suport within the department is one of the best aspects of the course without a doubt and any problems you have with essays they are always helpful with.

As for creativity, there are a number of modules available that I studied but didnt list above that are very creative. In second year there is a fantastic creative writing module which has a great atmosphere in which is a great foundation for future creative writing. In third year there is also a very interesting but difficult script writing module in which you have a year to effectively pen your own screenplay. You need to get a half decent final grade in the Creative Writing module to get onto the Script Writing class but its well worth it and saying that you have written your own script is always valuable to put on a CV.

In terms of hands-on filmmaking, there is a documentary making module in second year where you are given cameras and use final-cut software to make a documentary on anything your group chooses. Really good for getting to grips with editing software and cameras!

Lastly, the Southampton as a university has a much better academic reputation than Reading and Kent for example which will peobably stand you in better stead for getting a job once you leave. The facilities and student life are great and, like I said, the film department is viewed as one of the very best in the country.

Hope this helps. If there are more questions, feel free to ask.

[BMLR]

Thank you so much! Southampton is definitely my favourite for a firm choice now.