This degree in English and Film blends the study of literature and cinema, so you’ll develop the skills to analyze stories across the page and the screen. It’s a perfect choice if you enjoy reading, storytelling, and exploring how culture, history, and film interact — whether critically or creatively.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year lays the groundwork in both English and Film.
English modules might include Poetry, Literatures in Time: Epic and Romance in the Middle Ages, or London Global — where you’ll learn to read texts within their wider historical and cultural contexts.
Film modules could include US Cinema: Key Concepts and Decolonising Approaches to Film Analysis, giving you the tools to start thinking critically about film theory and representation.
Year 2
As you move into second year, you’ll broaden and deepen your studies.
In English, optional modules such as Chaucer: Gender, Faith, Identity, Victorian Fictions, Postcolonial and Global Literatures, or Modernism let you explore themes, periods, and voices in greater detail.
In Film, you’ll take the core module What Is Cinema? alongside choices like Directing Fiction, Contemporary World Cinemas, From Page to Screen, or Cinema and Disability. These give you the chance to study different genres, international traditions, and how stories shift between text and film.
Year 3
Your final year is where you bring everything together. You’ll take on a major independent research project — either an English Research Dissertation or a Film Research Project — and select advanced modules to suit your interests. These might include Creative Producing, Film Philosophy, Feminism(s), Forms of Film Practice, Guillotines, Ghosts and Laughing Gas: Literature in the 1790s, or Reading the Middle East. It’s your opportunity to shape the degree around the topics you’re most passionate about.
Focus Areas
Literature across historical periods
Film theory and practice
Adaptation studies and global/postcolonial perspectives
Creative and production practices
Learning Outcomes
By the end of your degree, you’ll be able to:
Interpret texts and films with depth and originality
Carry out independent, high-level research
Produce both critical and creative work in English and Film
Communicate confidently across multiple media forms
Professional Alignment
While this isn’t a professionally accredited course, it’s strongly connected to industries such as publishing, media, film production, journalism, and cultural institutions. Queen Mary’s dedicated careers team offers tailored support to help you take the next step toward these paths.
Reputation
Queen Mary University of London has an excellent global reputation — its Arts & Humanities subjects are ranked in the top 100 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Here’s how experiential learning is built into the BA (Hons) English and Film programme at Queen Mary University of London — you won’t just study theory, you’ll do work, explore, experiment, and build portfolios using top facilities:
From day one, you’ll be developing practical skills in film production, editing, screenwriting, and critical analysis. You’ll also work with digital tools and take part in workshops, screenings, and group projects. The programme gives you access to on-campus studios, post-production suites, rehearsal spaces, and a dedicated cinema — all integrated into your learning, not separate extras.
Here’s more detail on how the hands-on side is structured:
You’ll work on group projects and individual practical assignments (e.g. short films, editing, production work) as part of film modules.
The BLOC (Film & Drama Practice research facility) gives you a state-of-the-art cinema (with Dolby Atmos), film studios, post-production suites, and live streaming equipment.
There is access to motion capture equipment in the Film & Drama Studio, allowing you to experiment with new media and technology.
You’ll use professional and broadcast-standard production and post-production gear, including two film studios with lighting grids and edit suites.
Regular film screenings are timetabled, giving you opportunities to see cinema in an academic context.
Some modules include field trips, tutorials, workshops, and seminars (beyond lectures) to enhance your exposure to real-world media environments.
Assessment formats go beyond essays: expect presentations, portfolios, log books, extended projects, in addition to exams.
You’ll have the chance to connect with publishers, film-makers, archivists, curators through events and networks supported by the School.
The programme is located in London, giving you proximity to specialist archives and collections: e.g. the National Theatre Archive, Women’s Library, Black Cultural Archives, and more.
You’ll benefit from the resources of Senate House Library and the British Library for your research and reading needs.
In your third year, you’ll undertake a Film Research Project or English Research Dissertation, allowing you to design and carry out a deeper independent piece of work.
If you choose the with Year Abroad option, you’ll get cultural exposure and possibly opportunities to work on film or literature modules in another country.
With all of this, you’ll graduate not just with knowledge, but with a portfolio of real work, technical experience, networks in the industry, and confidence navigating both academic and creative media environments.
Future Progression & Opportunities for English and Film BA (Hons) Graduates at Queen Mary University of London
After completing this degree, graduates often find exciting opportunities across the creative and media sectors. You could become a film producer, editor, screenwriter, film critic, or even a publisher or commissioning editor. These roles make the most of your strong critical thinking, storytelling abilities, and media literacy. Beyond the creative industries, you’ll also be well-prepared for roles in communications, cultural institutions, or further academic research.
How Queen Mary Supports Your Career
University Career & Employability Services
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to Queen Mary’s dedicated Careers Team. They offer tailored guidance for creative pathways, helping with internships, CVs, cover letters, interview coaching, and job search support.
In your third year, there’s even a module designed to prepare you for life after university. You’ll explore careers, entrepreneurship, and postgraduate options, giving you a head start in planning your next steps.
Employment & Graduate Destinations
Graduates from this programme go on to work in media, broadcasting, publishing, education, and more. Some recent employers include Curzon PR, Equinox Film & TV Production, Hedgehog Films, Historic Royal Palaces, Penguin Random House, and The Independent.
Industry Connections & Partnerships
Studying in London places you close to major studios, post-production houses, and cultural institutions like the British Film Institute. On campus, you’ll benefit from BLOC — a Film & Drama practice facility with a cinema, studios, post-production suites, motion capture, and live streaming capabilities.
You’ll also gain access to archives, special collections, and creative networks through nearby resources like the British Library, National Theatre Archive, and Black Cultural Archives. These connections can be invaluable as you build your professional network.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value
This degree is grounded in UK higher education standards and is part of a research-active university. Queen Mary is ranked among the top 100 worldwide for Arts & Humanities.
Because your studies combine solid theory with hands-on practice, your skills in critical thinking, media production, and storytelling remain valuable and adaptable over time.
Graduation Outcomes
You’ll leave university not just with knowledge of English and Film, but with strong analytical, research, media, writing, and communication skills — all highly sought after across industries. Many graduates step directly into creative roles, while others move into fields like public relations, marketing, education, cultural management, or policy.
Further Academic Progression
After your BA in English and Film, you can continue your studies through:
A Master’s in Film Studies, Critical Theory, Media & Communications, or Cultural Studies
A Master’s in Creative Writing, Screenwriting, or Film Production
A PhD or MPhil in English Literature, Film Studies, or interdisciplinary media research
Postgraduate diplomas in Archives & Library Studies, Digital Humanities, or Curatorial Studies
These paths can open doors to academia, higher-level research, or leadership roles in cultural institutions, media organisations, or teaching.



Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
