Film, Media and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) BA (Hons)

Here’s how experiential learning works in the BA (Hons) Film, Media and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) at Birkbeck, and why it gives you a real edge:

From day one, you won’t just study theory—you’ll be actively making media, working with real equipment and collaborating with peers. Birkbeck supports this hands-on approach through dedicated facilities, media labs, and links to cultural / creative institutions. You’ll learn in real-world settings, balancing both the creative and intellectual dimensions of film, media and language.

Here are the concrete ways you will gain experience through the programme:

• You will produce film and media projects (individually and in groups), managing timelines and workflows just like in a professional environment.

• The Immersive Learning Centre gives you access to VR / AR technologies, 3D scanning, motion capture, binaural sound, and high-spec PC labs for media production and experimentation.

• You’ll get access to audiovisual equipment such as digital video cameras, lighting rigs, podcast kits, and 3D imaging tools through campus facilities.

• The Birkbeck Cinema (part of BIMI) has 16mm, twin 35mm and digital projection capabilities, where you can screen your own work and attend curated public events.

• The Derek Jarman Lab is available for documentary and creative film production, offering support for student projects, screenings, and research-led creative practice.

• You’ll be part of the Birkbeck Creative Practice Lab, which includes BIMI, Peltz Gallery, performance spaces, and the Vasari Research Centre for Art and Technology, linking you to cross-disciplinary digital and arts projects.

• Through BIMI (Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image), you can participate in screenings, public festivals, lecture series and networking events—like the Essay Film Festival run jointly with ICA.

• In your later years you’ll complete a final-year project, giving you a chance to integrate your language skills with film/media production or research.

• Teaching methods include collaborative seminars, workshops led by industry professionals, guest lectures, and group work—so you’ll regularly be interacting with professionals and peers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Birkbeck’s BA (Hons) Film, Media and Language degree are well-prepared for a wide range of creative and international careers. They typically move into roles across film production, media analysis, and global communication. Common career paths include film producer, media content creator, broadcast researcher, and digital media strategist.

Your degree gives you a real-world advantage through:

• Birkbeck’s Careers and Enterprise Service, offering tailored one-to-one guidance, CV workshops, employer networking events, and access to exclusive internships and job listings.

• Strong links with London’s film, television, and creative industries, enabling students to connect with professionals through guest lectures and work placements.

• Graduate employment success, with many alumni building dynamic careers in production, journalism, marketing, and communications across both the UK and Europe.

• Accredited academic credibility, ensuring long-term value for employers and postgraduate study.

• Exceptional flexibility, allowing you to combine creative, analytical, and language skills—ideal for roles in multinational media and cultural sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue advanced study in areas such as MA Film and Screen Media, MA Digital Media Culture, or MA Translation and Intercultural Communication. Graduates often go on to postgraduate research, teacher training, or professional qualifications in media management, journalism, and language studies.