Modern Languages with Film Studies BA

From your very first year, this program is designed so that you’re not just reading about languages or films — you’re actively using them and exploring them in real-world contexts. You’ll participate in small language conversation groups, watch films together in dedicated viewing spaces, and try your hand at live translation or subtitling exercises using authentic media. The Attenborough Building even houses the University Film Theatre, giving you opportunities to attend screenings, use the space for class viewings, or even organize student-led events.

Because a third of your degree focuses on film studies, you’ll go beyond simply critiquing films — you’ll learn practical tools for analysing them, and sometimes even experiment with creating media yourself. At the same time, you’ll develop fluency in one or two foreign languages (French, Italian, Spanish, or Mandarin). Even if you’re starting from scratch, intensive beginner courses will quickly bring you up to speed.

Your degree also offers the chance to spend a year abroad — either studying at a partner university or working as a teaching assistant — or to undertake an approved work placement instead.

All of this is supported by the School of Modern Languages and the Department of History of Art & Film, ensuring that your projects, essays, and research are directly connected to the departments leading language and film research at Leicester.

What this means for you in practice:

• You’ll apply specialist film theory and criticism tools to real films and visual media, guided by faculty experts in History of Art & Film.

• You may have access to screening rooms or film theatres, such as the University Film Theatre in the Attenborough Building.

• In language modules, you’ll work with authentic materials — including news media, broadcasts, and press — not just textbooks.

• Intensive beginner language courses will bring you to a post-GCSE standard if you’re starting from scratch.

• You can choose to do a year abroad in countries like France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, or Latin America, or take a university-approved work placement instead.

• During your year abroad, you might be placed as a teaching assistant in a partner institution.

• Assessment is varied — including essays, language tasks, film analyses, and sometimes group projects — helping you develop both individual and collaborative skills.

• You’ll benefit from Leicester’s library and online film/media resources, supporting your independent research.

• You’ll study in a research-active environment, with your work connecting to current debates and research in film and cultural studies.

Many graduates from this programme move into creative industries or cultural sectors, combining language skills with media know-how and analytical thinking. Potential roles include film or media analyst, cultural manager, translator or localisation specialist, and communications officer.

University Services to Support You

• Careers and Employability Service: Offers one-to-one appointments (20–50 minutes) to help with CVs, interview coaching, applications, business coaching, and more.

• MyCareers Platform: Lifetime access to graduate job listings, event bookings, and career resources—even after you finish your degree.

• Embedded Careers Programme: Careers support is built into your studies, especially in Film Studies, helping you develop employability skills alongside your degree.

• Departmental Support: Personal tutors guide your project choices, work placements, and connections with the industry.

Employment Stats & Salary Figures

• Around 15 months after graduating, “Languages & Area Studies” graduates typically earn about £30,000 (ranging £25,000–£30,000).

• After 3 years, average earnings sit around £25,000 (range ~ £20,000–£30,500).

• After 5 years, median earnings rise to £29,000 (range ~ £23,000–£36,000).

• About 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after finishing.

• Leicester graduates generally earn £3,600 more than the sector average 5 years post-graduation, highlighting the value of a Leicester degree.

University–Industry Partnerships

• Film graduates have gone on to work at Sky Cinema, MUBI, the British Board of Film Classification, Phoenix Cinema, and other industry hubs.

• The department maintains links with overseas universities in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and Latin America, supporting study-abroad or cultural exchange opportunities.

• The University collaborates with businesses through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), consultancy, and research projects—students often get a chance to get involved.

Long-Term Accreditation Value

• A BA from Leicester is well regarded in the UK and internationally, blending language and media expertise.

• The interdisciplinary approach gives you flexibility—you can pivot from film or linguistics into communications, translation, cultural policy, or related fields.

• Studying at a research-active university means your degree sits alongside respected research credentials, adding further value.

Graduation Outcomes

• Alumni often pursue careers in film criticism, journalism, curation, festival programming, exhibitions, translation, cultural policy, education, or media production.

• Some work in public sector or international organisations, such as cultural diplomacy or NGOs, where language and analytical skills are in demand.

• Others combine film and language skills with publishing, marketing, content creation, or localisation.

Further Academic Progression
After your BA, you can continue your studies in various directions:

• Film & Media Focus: MA in Film Studies, Media & Cultural Studies, or Visual Culture, focusing on theory, curation, or archiving.

• Language Focus: MA in Translation Studies, Comparative Literature, or multilingual communications.

• Research Careers: MPhil or PhD in film, languages, cultural studies, or related social sciences.

• Policy & Management: MA in Cultural Policy, Media Management, or Global Communication for leadership roles.