BA Film & Television Studies and Modern Languages

The BA Film and Television Studies and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter combines the study of global screen cultures with the opportunity to develop advanced language skills and cultural understanding. This programme is ideal for students interested in film, television, international cultures, and languages, helping them build critical thinking, communication, creativity, and intercultural skills for careers in global media, creative industries, and international organisations.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in film and television studies while beginning or strengthening their chosen modern language. Modules such as Major Debates in Film Theory and Interrogating Screens introduce students to key approaches for analysing film and television, while language modules such as French Language, German Language, Italian Language, Spanish Language, or other available language options help students develop practical communication skills and cultural awareness. Students may also explore broader cultural modules such as Comparative Literatures and Cultures: Theories and Approaches to understand connections between language, media, and global cultures.

Year 2

The second year allows students to expand their knowledge of film, television, and language through more specialised study. Students continue developing their language abilities through modules such as French Language, Written and Oral, Intermediate German, Intermediate Chinese, Italian Language, or other language pathways, while exploring film and television topics related to screen cultures, creative industries, genres, and contemporary media. Students may also choose international opportunities such as Work and Study Abroad, Study Abroad at a Partner University, or an Internship Abroad Combined with Study at a Partner University Abroad to gain valuable global experience.

Year 3

In the final year, students develop advanced knowledge of film, television, and their chosen modern language. Advanced language modules such as Advanced French Language Skills, Advanced German Language Skills, Advanced Chinese Language Skills, or Advanced Spanish Language Skills help students achieve greater confidence and fluency, while specialist film modules such as Dissertation, Queering British Screens, American Independent Film, British Screens, Cinema in the Anthropocene, and Film, Philosophy, and the Internet allow students to explore their individual interests in depth.

Year 4 (Optional International Placement Year)

Students can extend their degree with an optional fourth year focused on gaining international academic or professional experience. During this year, students may take part in Work and Study Abroad, study at a partner university, or complete an Internship Abroad Combined with Study at a Partner University Abroad, allowing them to apply their language, cultural, and media knowledge in real-world settings while developing independence and employability.

Focus areas

Film theory, television studies, screen cultures, film history, modern languages, translation and communication, global cinema, cultural studies, international relations, media industries, visual storytelling, language and identity, intercultural communication.

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to critically analyse films and television while understanding their cultural, historical, and industrial contexts. The programme strengthens language skills, intercultural awareness, research abilities, communication, creative thinking, and independent learning, preparing students to work confidently in international and multicultural environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA Film and Television Studies and Modern Languages develops a unique combination of creative, analytical, linguistic, and intercultural skills valued by employers across international industries. Although the programme does not have a specific professional accreditation, its focus on media analysis, language proficiency, global cultures, and international experience provides strong preparation for careers in media, publishing, translation, marketing, cultural organisations, international business, and creative industries.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter supports students in developing career-ready skills through opportunities that enhance communication, problem-solving, teamwork, digital confidence, and global awareness. The combination of film studies and modern languages gives graduates a distinctive international profile, helping them stand out in careers that require creativity, cultural understanding, and effective communication.