BA Film Studies and English Language

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The BA Film Studies and English Language at the University of Manchester offers an interdisciplinary approach, blending the art of cinema with the intricacies of the English language. This program is ideal for students passionate about exploring film history, theory, and production, while also delving into the structure, sounds, and evolution of the English language.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students embark on foundational courses such as The Art of Film, Introduction to Early Film Histories, and Introduction to World Cinema, which lay the groundwork for understanding cinematic techniques and global film movements. Concurrently, English Language modules like English Word and Sentence Structure, The Sounds of Language, and History and Varieties of English introduce students to linguistic analysis and the development of the English language.

Year 2: Building upon initial studies, students engage with more specialized film topics, including Film Aesthetics and Documentary Film Studies, while English Language modules delve deeper into areas like Sociolinguistics and Language Acquisition. This year emphasizes critical analysis and the application of theoretical knowledge to both film and language.

Year 3: The final year allows students to choose from advanced modules such as Film and Gender, British Cinema, and Language and Power, enabling them to tailor their studies to specific interests. Students also have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation, integrating their learning from both disciplines into a comprehensive research project.

Focus Areas: Film history, film theory, cinematic production, English grammar, phonetics, sociolinguistics, language evolution

Learning Outcomes: Critical analysis of films, understanding of linguistic structures, research proficiency, effective communication skills, interdisciplinary integration of film and language

Professional Alignment: The program is designed to align with careers in film education, distribution, exhibition, curation, journalism, and applied theatre.

Reputation: The University of Manchester is ranked 1st in the UK for Film Studies by the Complete University Guide 2025, underscoring its strong reputation and employability outcomes in this field.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

🎬 Experiential Learning at the University of Manchester

This program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills over practical filmmaking techniques. You'll engage with a diverse array of films—from global classics to contemporary works—through lectures, seminars, and compulsory screenings. These screenings are designed to deepen your understanding of film as a medium and its cultural contexts. In your English Language studies, you'll explore the evolution and variation of English, honing your ability to analyze language in various forms.

While the course focuses on theoretical and analytical approaches, it also encourages the development of transferable skills such as essay writing, presentation delivery, and group collaboration. These skills are cultivated through individual assignments, presentations, and, in some units, group projects.

The program is designed to foster independent critical thinking, enabling you to work effectively in diverse assessment scenarios.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

  • Compulsory Film Screenings: Attend screenings of both classical and contemporary films to understand the distinctive qualities of film as a medium. 

  • Lectures and Seminars: Participate in discussions that deepen your understanding of film history, theory, and language analysis.

  • Group Projects: Engage in collaborative projects that allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.

  • Presentations: Develop and deliver presentations, enhancing your communication and public speaking skills.

  • Essay Writing: Refine your ability to construct well-argued essays, a crucial skill for academic and professional success.

By integrating these experiences, the program ensures that you not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career in film studies and English language analysis.

If you're interested in exploring this dynamic intersection of film and language, the BA Film Studies and English Language program at the University of Manchester offers a comprehensive and engaging academic experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Future Progression & Opportunities

Graduates of the BA Film Studies and English Language program at The University of Manchester leave with a versatile skill set, ready to thrive in a range of creative and analytical roles. By combining film analysis with a deep understanding of the English language, you’ll be well-prepared for careers such as:

  • Film Critic or Journalist – Share your insights and reviews with the world.

  • Scriptwriter or Screenwriter – Bring stories to life for film, television, or digital media.

  • Film Programmer or Curator – Help shape audiences’ cinematic experiences.

  • Media Educator or Content Developer – Create engaging educational or digital content.

Career Support & Opportunities

  • Placement Year Option: Gain hands-on experience by applying your knowledge in a real-world setting during your third year, giving you a valuable advantage in the job market.

  • Study Abroad Opportunities: Broaden your horizons by spending a semester abroad in countries like Sweden, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or Singapore.

  • Industry Partnerships: Tap into the university’s strong connections with media and creative industries, providing excellent networking and career growth opportunities.

  • Accreditation: The program is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS), ensuring a high-quality education and support throughout your studies.

  • Graduate Outcomes: Manchester is committed to your success, offering resources and guidance to help you achieve your career ambitions.

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, you can continue your studies with postgraduate programs to deepen your expertise and expand your career options:

  • MA Film Studies – Explore film theory, history, and criticism in greater depth.

  • MA English Language or Linguistics – Study advanced topics in language, from structure to sociolinguistics.

  • MA Creative Writing – Hone your writing skills for screen, stage, or digital media.

  • MA Media Studies – Investigate the role of media in society and its cultural impact.

These programs open doors to specialized careers in academia, research, and the creative industries, helping you take your passion and skills to the next level.

Program Key Stats

£27,800
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


42 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

AAB
N/A
34
80 - 95

N/A
N/A
7.0
100

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Film/Media Critic
  • Film Programmer
  • Film Curator
  • Screenwriter
  • Editor
  • Producer
  • Assistant Producer
  • Director
  • Script Consultant
  • Arts and Culture Journalist
  • Communications Specialist
  • Marketing Executive
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Cultural Liaison
  • Teacher/Lecturer

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts