Are you a university student studying media or film studies? 

When we started out, going to the cinema was the only way that people could see films. There was no DVD, video, internet, or streaming. We still classify film for cinema release today and most people are used to seeing our symbols that show what age a film is suitable for. Just as we keep in touch with how attitudes change so that we’re relevant to people, today we do more than just classify film for cinema so that we’re relevant to whatever people watch and easily accessible wherever they watch it.

Here’s everything you need to know about the BBFC’s history, as well as film case studies that you can use in your exams and activities to help you think critically. You can also find out more about our statutory work and the laws that we apply when rating content.