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The BA Film Studies and French at the University of Manchester offers a dynamic fusion of cinematic analysis and French language and culture. This 4-year program is ideal for students passionate about film history, theory, and production, while also seeking to achieve fluency in French and immerse themselves in Francophone societies.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundational courses lay the groundwork for both disciplines. In Film Studies, students engage with The Art of Film (DRAM10031), exploring the medium's distinctive properties and artistic debates. Introduction to Early Film Histories (DRAM13331) covers cinema's origins up to the 1950s, while Introduction to World Cinema (SALC11002) delves into global film cultures, emphasizing movements like the French and Japanese New Waves. French Studies courses such as Identity in Modern France (FREN10150) and French Cultural Studies (FREN10070) enhance cultural awareness and language skills.
Year 2: Students deepen their understanding of film and French culture. Screen, Culture and Society (DRAM20041) examines the interplay between media and society, while optional modules like Contemporary British Cinema (DRAM20032) and Introduction to Documentary Film Practice (DRAM21091) offer specialized insights. In French Studies, modules such as Temptations of the Tragic: Love and Death in French Literature (FREN20682) and Media, Performance, & Digital Culture in Contemporary France (FREN21212) provide a comprehensive view of French cultural narratives.
Year 3: A distinctive feature of this program is the opportunity to study or work abroad in a French-speaking country. This immersive experience allows students to refine their language proficiency and gain firsthand cultural insights, bridging academic learning with real-world application.
Year 4: The final year offers advanced modules such as Docufiction Filmmaking (DRAM30061) and Queer Bodies and the Cinema (DRAM30331), encouraging students to engage critically with contemporary cinematic practices. French language courses like French Language 6 (FREN51060) ensure continued linguistic development. Students also have the option to undertake a dissertation, allowing for in-depth research in a chosen area of interest.
Focus Areas: Film theory, French language and culture, global cinema, Francophone societies.
Learning Outcomes: Critical analysis of film and media, advanced French language proficiency, understanding of cultural contexts, research and communication skills.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is accredited by the University of Manchester, ensuring a high standard of education recognized internationally.
Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Manchester is ranked 1st in the UK for Film Studies by the Complete University Guide 2025, highlighting its strong academic reputation and the employability of its graduates.
This program is an excellent choice for students aiming to blend a passion for cinema with a deep engagement in French language and culture, offering both academic rigor and practical experience.
The BA Film Studies and French program at the University of Manchester offers an exciting combination of film analysis and French language and culture. This four-year joint honours degree allows students to explore film history, theory, and production while developing strong proficiency in French. The program balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, equipping graduates for a variety of careers in media, education, and international relations.
Experiential Learning
Students in this program benefit from hands-on experiences that bring their learning to life:
Film Screenings and Analysis: Regular screenings of both classic and contemporary films spark lively discussions and help students develop a deeper understanding of cinematic techniques and storytelling.
Language Immersion: In their third year, students have the opportunity to study or work abroad in a French-speaking country, providing real-world language practice and cultural insight.
Collaborative Projects: Group assignments encourage teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, giving students valuable experience in collaborative work environments.
Internship Opportunities: The university provides guidance and support to help students secure internships, allowing them to gain practical experience in media and related fields.
Access to Specialist Libraries and Centres: Students can explore extensive film collections and research resources, supporting both their academic studies and personal interests in film.
Language Societies and Cultural Events: The Francophone Society offers French classes, discussion groups, film screenings, and cultural events, helping students enhance their language skills and immerse themselves in French culture.
These experiential learning opportunities complement academic studies, giving students practical skills and experiences that are highly valuable in both professional and academic contexts.
Graduates of the BA Film Studies and French program at the University of Manchester are well-equipped to pursue diverse and rewarding careers. The combination of film analysis and proficiency in French opens doors to roles such as:
Film Critic or Journalist
Content Producer or Scriptwriter
Cultural Programme Coordinator
Translator or Interpreter
These career paths leverage your expertise in both cinematic arts and French language and culture.
University Support & Industry Connections:
The University of Manchester offers comprehensive support and resources to enhance employability:
Award-Winning Careers Service: Provides tailored advice, CV workshops, and interview preparation.
Dedicated Subject-Specific Support: Assistance throughout your studies and up to two years post-graduation.
Industry Links: Opportunities for internships and placements in film, media, and cultural sectors.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures:
While specific employment statistics and salary figures for this program are not detailed, the University's strong industry connections and comprehensive support services contribute to favorable graduate outcomes.
University–Industry Partnerships:
The program benefits from collaborations with:
Alliance Française de Manchester: Offers cultural events, language classes, and networking opportunities.
Institut de Touraine: Provides immersive French language courses, enhancing linguistic proficiency.
Long-Term Accreditation Value:
Graduating from a globally recognized institution like the University of Manchester adds significant value to your degree, enhancing its recognition and your employability worldwide.
Graduation Outcomes:
The program's interdisciplinary approach equips you with critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills, preparing you for a variety of professional roles in the global job market.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as Film Studies, French Studies, Translation, or Media and Cultural Studies. The University offers a range of specialist master's courses, and high-achieving graduates may benefit from fast-tracked enrolment options.
A-level: ABB including one essay based subject. We offer French language at complete beginners or Advanced Level. If you are taking A Level French we will require grade B and you will be placed in the advanced stream.IB: 34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjectsApplicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 or B in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Grade 4 or C in Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade B/6, or;IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each sub-test, or; TOEFL: IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each sub-test, or;For Indian Applicants: Students completing Higher Secondary School Certificates at the end of CBSE/ISC Standard XII will be considered provided they have achieved a minimum of 80-95% overall.For US Applicants: AP equivalency- 5,4,4/ College level class equivalency- A/A- / GPA of 3.0 / SAT I with a score of 1290 / ACT with a minimum score of 27 / Film criticScreenwriterFilm directorCinematographerFilm editorProduction assistantCultural liaisonTranslatorInterpreterMedia researcherContent creatorSubtitlerArts journalistLanguage tutorInternational marketing specialist
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