The course blends film studies with theatre and places a strong emphasis on practice. You will study film production, history, language and theory, and will develop key skills and techniques for the production and critique of audio-visual material. Studying Theatre and Performance will include community theatre, acting skills, and solo and group performance. This course will equip you with a solid grounding in the theoretical, technical and practical skills making you a sought-after professional.

Film Studies with Theatre and Performance at Bangor will offer you the opportunity to combine different theoretical aspects of the discipline with the chance to create original productions and performance pieces both as an individual and as a member of a group or ensemble. Our seasoned professionals will encourage you to express yourself to the full as well as giving you a solid grounding in the practical and theoretical aspects of the discipline, including performing, directing, producing, writing and devising.

This course will also equip you with a solid grounding in the technical and practical skills required to make you a sought-after professional in these fields.

Lecturers who teach on the film studies and theatre degree have a range of interests including theatre practice, acting and performing, American Cinema, British and European film, gender, the body and film, film and history, digital technology and film, screenwriting, film-making, media and film in Wales, language and film, blogging and podcasting, computer games and film, film stars and film on television. Many members of staff in the School are practising professionals and consultants.

The school is also home to a dynamic and vibrant community of professionals and students who want to make and study films. Nestled in a breath-taking location between the Snowdonia National Park and the Irish Sea, Bangor’s location has brought HBO, Netflix, the BBC, S4C and a host of a major film companies to shoot here. Recent productions include Watchmen at Penrhyn Castle or The Crown in Caernarfon Castle.

Bangor is the site for a range of Creative Industries conferences, video conferences and events. It is a regular site for visiting creative writers, film-makers, journalists, designers, dramatists, new media makers and more.

Why choose Bangor for this course?

• Our excellent facilities, including a fully equipped centre with editing suites, the latest 4K digital filmmaking equipment, and rehearsal and performance.
• We specialise in several key areas: professional writing and journalism, media and digital communication, creative and media practice, and film studies.
• A wide range of options - shape your studies to reflect your interests and strengths.
• Our close links with theatres, professional companies and practitioners (local, national and international.

Film and theatre studies at Bangor is unique in its close integration of academic and theoretical approaches with hands-on creative practice, giving students in the School the opportunity at all levels to combine a study of their chosen field with practice-based outcomes in film, theatre and media/digital media production. Film and theatre studies at Bangor offers a balance of practical and analytical tasks, so as well as lectures, seminars, and essays, practical modules will give you a chance to get out of the classroom and onto the stage or into the field.

The aim of this course is to give you the confidence, critical skills, strategic acumen, adaptability and potential to thrive in a range of media work environments, as well as the opportunity to perform a wide variety of creative tasks and build a broad production portfolio.

Film practice modules concentrate on three key areas: studio production, single camera filming and editing, and radio production. Modules on film theory, film and culture, visual culture, analysing film and documentary are assessed by exam and assignment and frequently also offer the opportunity to submit practical work as an element of assessment. Subjects covered within Theatre include the history of performance, national and international dramatic traditions, theatre and society, performance and identity, live performance, acting and performance skills, as well as site-specific performance.

As you progress through the degree, much of your study will be done in small teaching groups with an emphasis on learning both group work skills and the ability to carry a piece of work through yourself from initial concept to completion.

The skills you will learn on these module will give you the confidence and self-reliance to succeed in a competitive field.

Studying media subjects at Bangor can be your launchpad to a great career. We have excellent links with theatre companies, newspapers and the television industry.

Our graduates have gone on to work in a range of roles, including: creative writing; professional writing and publishing; performance and the theatre (both on and behind the stage); print and/or broadcast journalism; as actors, presenters and in television programme production; advertising and marketing; radio (as presenters as well as in programme production); digital, web and new media production; multi-media industries; teaching; lecturing; and public relations.

All of our media programmes combine academic study with practical experience, meaning that you acquire the skills you need while developing your creativity.