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BA (Hons) · University of Essex Film Studies

Don’t just examine cinema — create it, via IACT’s UK Transfer Degree (Media and Communication).

Study Cinema. Create Cinema.
Combine the history and theory of cinema with hands-on film production, then finish your final year in the UK.

Apply Now → Download Brochure ↓

Programme Details

  • 3 Years

    Duration

  • University of Essex

    Award

  • UK Transfer Degree — 2 years at IACT + 1 year in the UK

    Pathway

  • Full Time

    Study Mode

  • N/0323/6/0029(PA9236)02/25

    Accreditation

1

Future Careers

Turn a love of cinema into a career on screen. Demand for film talent spans production, documentary, television and digital content.

Core Roles

  • Film Director

  • Cinematographer

  • Film & Video Editor

  • Production Manager

  • Scriptwriter

  • Film Critic / Programmer

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Why This Programme Matters

The Reality

  • Screen media is growing fast and in demand.
  • Essex ranked #1 in the UK for film studies (Times, 2019).
  • University of the Year at the THE Awards 2018; top 30 UK university.
  • A globally recognised UK degree with a real year in the UK.

The Education

Theory and hands-on practice under a global creative faculty.

  • Computer graphics, photography and new media.
  • Writing for the media, journalism and PR practices.
  • Media and cultural studies, history and ethics.
  • Advertising, marketing communications and online marketing.

Specialise

Elective tracks in PR, journalism, video, advertising and digital marketing.

Why It Stands Out

  • Two years at IACT, final year at Essex in the UK.
  • Ranked #1 in the UK for film studies.
  • Theory and production together.

Graduate Ready

A UK Honours degree from Essex, a film portfolio and global confidence.

Student at a desk with a laptop, camera and headphones in front of the London skyline, with film, podcast and chat icons
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The Creative Learning Experience

Film is learned by doing. The programme combines critical study with hands-on production — you analyse cinema and create it across group and personal projects.

How You Learn

  • Theory and Practice

    Link analysis and creative work.

  • Hands-On Production

    Camera, sound, editing and scriptwriting.

  • Group and Personal Projects

    Collaborative and solo films.

  • Global Creative Faculty

    International teaching team.

  • International Experience

    A final year at Essex.

4

Industry Projects & Certifications

Real practice. A global faculty. A world-class UK degree. Work on real briefs through IACT’s creative network, a communication specialist since 1970.

Industry-Standard Tools

Professional film tools, with a final year at Essex (UK #1 for film studies).

A Globally Recognised Degree

  • A UK Honours degree from the University of Essex.
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IACT course image placeholder 400 by 250 pixels
5

Career Outcomes

Graduate ready for the film and television industry, in Malaysia and worldwide.

Opportunities span film and TV production, documentary, post-production and criticism.

Career Pathways: Production houses, broadcasters, streaming platforms and festivals.

Progression Pathways: Final year at Essex; progress to postgraduate study or straight into industry.

  • Film DirectorLead the creative vision.
  • CinematographerShape the visual language.
  • Film & Video EditorCraft the story in post.
  • ScriptwriterDevelop original screenplays.
  • Film Critic / ProgrammerCurate film for audiences.
6

Student Experience

Begin in a creative community at IACT, then experience UK student life.

  • IACT Facilities

    State-of-the-art studios and edit suites.

  • Global Creative Faculty

    International teaching team.

  • Lakeside Theatre

    A major venue for film and drama at Essex.

  • A Global Approach

    A distinctive, vibrant film community.

  • Campus Life

    A culture built for storytellers.

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Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following:

  • IACT Foundation in Media Studies — CGPA 2.0.
  • An IACT Diploma — CGPA 2.0.
  • A-Level — Grade D in 2 subjects.
  • STPM — Grade C in 2 subjects, CGPA 2.0.
  • UEC — Grade B in 5 subjects.
  • SAM, AUSMAT or CPU — 5 subjects, minimum 50%.
  • Matriculation or Foundation — CGPA 2.0.
  • Any other qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education Malaysia.

English: SPM 1119 C6, IGCSE English Grade C, or IELTS 6.0 (5.5 each component).

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Fees & Financing

Programme Fees

  • Year 1RM22,000
  • Year 2RM22,000
  • Year 3As per the University of Essex
  • Resource FeeRM1,000 / year

Final-year fees are set by the University of Essex (studied in the UK).

International fees are subject to 6% SST from 1 September 2025.

Scholarships, PTPTN, EPF and instalment plans are available.

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Speak to a Future Advisor

Love cinema? Study it and create it, then earn a UK degree at Essex.

Speak to a future advisor at IACT.

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