The English with Film Studies BA at King’s College London brings together world-class teaching in literature and film, offering students the chance to explore everything from medieval drama to contemporary cinema. It is ideal for those who want to combine a love of storytelling with critical analysis, while studying in the cultural heart of London.
Curriculum Structure
In Year 1, students build a strong foundation in both disciplines with core modules such as Reading Poetry, Literature of the 17th and 18th Centuries, and Introduction to Film Studies, where they begin to explore key texts and cinematic traditions.
In Year 2, you broaden your understanding of global and historical perspectives. Modules like Shakespeare, World Literature, and Film Authorship allow you to develop deeper analytical skills while engaging with major literary voices and influential filmmakers.
In Year 3, the focus shifts toward independence and specialization. Students can pursue a dissertation in either English or Film Studies, alongside advanced options such as Contemporary British Fiction or Cinema and National Identity, preparing them for academic, creative, or professional pathways.
Focus areas: Literature, Film Theory, Creative Writing, Media Analysis, Cultural History
Learning outcomes: Critical analysis, interdisciplinary thinking, advanced communication, creative interpretation, cultural awareness
Professional alignment (accreditation): While not a professionally accredited degree, the program is shaped by industry partnerships with the British Film Institute and Shakespeare’s Globe, offering valuable cultural and professional exposure.
Reputation (employability rankings): King’s is ranked among the top 10 UK universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025, with its English department internationally renowned and Film Studies consistently ranked among the best in the country.
One of the real strengths of this degree is that it doesn’t just live in textbooks — you’ll actually see, hear, screen, and discuss cinema and literature using King’s excellent facilities. The Film Studies side of the program has its own dedicated screening and seminar rooms, plus a fully equipped auditorium with both 35 mm and digital projection.
You’ll also get to experience the Cinematheque, where films are shown once or twice a week. These screenings often connect directly with your modules and are open to students, staff, and even alumni — so you’re part of a real film community.
In the library, you’ll have access to far more than just books and journals. The Maughan Library holds an extensive collection of DVDs, Blu-rays, and streaming services, alongside rare and special collections that will support your studies.
Because this program bridges English and Film Studies, your learning will stretch across lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent study. From day one, you’ll also have the support of a personal tutor to help you make the most of your academic journey.
In practice, this means you won’t just be reading about theory. You’ll be watching films together, analyzing them, researching around them, and discussing them — much like professional film critics, curators, and researchers do in the real world.
Key Experiential Components & Facilities
Cinematheque screenings: Weekly film showings in the Arthur & Paula Lucas Lecture Theatre, projected digitally or on 35 mm, often linked to what you’re studying.
Specialist facilities: Screening rooms, seminar spaces, and a professional auditorium with full projection equipment for classes, events, and viewings.
Library film collections: The Maughan Library’s rich stock of DVDs, Blu-rays, and streaming platforms, plus curated media archives.
Collaborative spaces: Group study rooms across King’s libraries, equipped with AV technology for screenings, presentations, and joint projects.
Cultural partnerships: Opportunities to engage with major institutions like the BFI, Tate Modern, and ICA through festivals, workshops, and guest talks.
International exposure: Links with partner universities and film/media networks in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Flexible pathways: As you progress, you can shape your degree with modules in film, media, genre, global cinema, or specific literatures.
Blended learning: A mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, balanced with independent study where you’ll design and explore your own research questions.
Graduates from this degree often find themselves in creative and cultural industries, media and publishing, education, or any role where strong communication and analytical skills are essential. Many go into careers such as film production, editing, journalism, cultural management, communications, or research and academia in film, media, or literature.
How King’s supports your career journey
At King’s, you won’t just study – you’ll be guided in shaping your future. The Careers & Employability Service works closely with students and graduates through one-to-one advice, workshops, employer networking events, and tailored support for exploring career paths.
You’ll also benefit from Employer Engagement initiatives and work-based learning opportunities that are built into degree programmes. On top of this, King’s Skills for the Future — a digital learning platform — helps you evidence and grow skills like negotiation, digital literacy, creativity, and resilience, which employers look for across industries.
Graduate outcomes and salaries
The results speak for themselves. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey (2020–21):
Over 90% of King’s graduates are in highly skilled work 15 months after finishing their degree.
87% say their work or further study feels meaningful to their career.
For students on film and media-related programmes:
Around 85% are in work or further study within 15 months.
Average early earnings are about £25,000.
Longer-term data shows salaries growing from roughly £21,000 one year after graduation to around £31,000 after five years.
Industry connections and networks
One of the biggest advantages of studying English with Film Studies at King’s is location. In London, you’ll have direct access to institutions like the British Film Institute Library and BFI Southbank, Shakespeare’s Globe, film festivals, and archives.
The Department of Film Studies is also a member of the Screen Studies Group, a consortium that connects you with other major London universities and resources. Alumni connections are another strength — King’s graduates can be found across film production, distribution, exhibition, journalism, education, and arts administration.
Reputation and long-term value
King’s is part of the prestigious Russell Group, giving your degree strong recognition in the UK and internationally. The combined focus on English and Film Studies means you’ll graduate with broad credentials — equally valuable for careers in literature, cultural industries, or film and media. Employers and postgraduate programmes alike recognise the depth and flexibility of this training.
Career paths after graduation
Typical roles for graduates include:
Film or media producer / assistant
Editor, content curator, or programmer in media and broadcasting
Cultural or arts manager, or festival curator
Journalist, media writer, or communications officer
Lecturer or researcher (for those who continue into academia)
Some graduates also move into government, civil service, advertising, or public relations — particularly in arts, heritage, and culture-focused roles.
Further study and academic progression
If you want to continue your studies, there are plenty of exciting options. You could:
Stay at King’s for a Master’s in Film Studies (with specialist pathways, such as film and philosophy).
Explore related programmes like Digital Humanities, Cultural & Creative Industries, Media Studies, Creative Writing, or Cinema & Media Theory.
Pursue professional postgraduate diplomas or certifications in areas such as film production, archival studies, or curatorship for more practical, industry-focused skills.
Progress to a PhD or MPhil in film, literature, media, or cultural studies if you’re considering an academic or research career.
✨ In short: this degree doesn’t just teach you about film and literature — it gives you the networks, transferable skills, and credibility of a King’s degree, opening doors across creative, cultural, and professional sectors.
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