The BA (Hons) English and Film at the University of Salford is a dynamic three-year degree that blends the study of literature with an in-depth exploration of cinema. You’ll investigate how novels, plays, and poetry connect with global film traditions — developing both your critical thinking and your creative expression along the way.
Curriculum Structure
Year One
Your first year focuses on building a strong foundation in both English and Film. In Critical Approaches to Film, you’ll explore key theoretical perspectives — from film as an art form to film as a social and cultural product. Film Form, Film Meaning helps you understand how narrative, cinematography, editing, and sound all work together to shape meaning on screen.
On the English side, Popular Fictions introduces genres like crime and fantasy, exploring how they’re written, read, and marketed, while Discovering Literature expands your appreciation of storytelling across different periods and media. You’ll also study Classical Hollywood Cinema, analysing the golden age of Hollywood — its studio systems, stars, and visual style.
Year Two
As you move into your second year, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests. In British Cinema, you’ll look at national identity, major filmmakers, and evolving genres in UK film history. You can then select from a wide range of modules — such as Film Journalism, Cinema Asia, Contemporary American Cinema, Introduction to Screenwriting, The Female Gothic, Victorian Literature: Progress and Panic, 21st Century Women’s Writing, Literature, Adaptation and the Screen, and World Literature and the Environment.
These options allow you to explore themes like screenwriting structure, adaptation theory, media discourse, and cross-cultural perspectives in both film and literature.
Year Three
In your final year, you’ll refine your expertise through advanced and specialised modules. Postmodernism — a core module — explores post-war and contemporary texts through ideas of identity, authorship, and narrative. You’ll then choose three film modules (for example, Sequential Art: Comics and Graphic Novels, Hollywood Masculinities, Film Programming and Curating, or Alternative, Independent and Marginal Film) and two English modules (like Biography: Tradition and Innovation, Post/Colonial African Literature, or British Theatre Post-1950).
You’ll also complete either a Dissertation that unites your interests in film and literature through independent research, or a Teaching Masterclass — ideal if you’re interested in an education career.
Focus Areas
Literary analysis
Film theory and criticism
Screenwriting
Adaptation and media discourse
Cultural and historical contexts
Creative and critical writing
Learning Outcomes
By the end of your degree, you’ll be able to critically evaluate both texts and films, understand their historical and cultural impact, and create original analytical and creative work. You’ll also build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills across both disciplines — ideal preparation for creative, media, or academic careers.
Professional Alignment
While the degree doesn’t carry specific accreditation, it is closely aligned with careers in the media, arts, and cultural sectors. Graduates often go on to roles in journalism, teaching, cinema programming, film festivals, arts administration, and film distribution.
Reputation and Employability
Recent data shows that around 40–50% of graduates enter highly skilled roles in media, teaching, and creative industries. The median salary 15 months after graduation is approximately £23,000.
Salford also ranks among the UK’s top 50 universities for graduate prospects in Drama, Dance & Cinematics and English. You’ll benefit from the Salford Careers Hub, which provides access to internships, mentoring, and networking opportunities that support your transition into the professional world.
Why This Program Is a Great Choice for You
If you’re passionate about stories — whether written or filmed — this degree helps you explore both worlds in depth. It’s ideal for students who want to think critically, write creatively, and engage with culture on multiple levels.
You’ll graduate with a distinctive blend of analytical and creative expertise, supported by Salford’s strong industry connections and dedicated employability services. Whether your future lies in media, education, or the arts, this program gives you the skills and confidence to succeed.
If you’re thinking about studying BA (Hons) English and Film at the University of Salford, you’ll be glad to know that this degree is designed to help you do as much as you learn. It’s not just about lectures or theory — it’s about developing real, creative, and industry-ready skills, guided by passionate tutors and surrounded by a vibrant community of storytellers, filmmakers, and writers. You’ll explore literature from different eras and cultures, dive into global cinema, and even get hands-on experience producing your own creative work using professional equipment and facilities.
Where You’ll Learn and Create
You’ll study across two inspiring campuses — Peel Park and MediaCity. This gives you the perfect balance between a strong humanities environment and direct access to the heart of the UK’s creative media industry.
On the English side, you’ll have access to the Clifford Whitworth Library, packed with books, journals, online databases, and study spaces.
On the film and media side, you’ll work at MediaCity, home to cutting-edge TV and radio studios, high-spec cameras, editing suites with software like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Creative Cloud, and DaVinci Resolve, plus green-screen and live-streaming labs.
You’ll also benefit from small-group seminars and tutorials that encourage collaboration, debate, and creative exploration — not just large lecture sessions.
How You’ll Learn by Doing
Here are some of the key experiential learning features built into the course:
Group projects: You’ll take part in seminars, screenings, and creative workshops where you collaborate with fellow students to analyse, write, and produce work together.
Industry-standard tools: You’ll gain hands-on experience with professional-grade cameras like the ARRI Alexa XT and Sony PXW-FX6, and edit your projects using the same software and workflows used in film and TV production.
Screenings and expert talks: Regular film screenings and talks by visiting professionals help you connect your academic learning to the realities of today’s media landscape.
Portfolio development: In your second and third years, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your modules towards your interests — whether that’s screenwriting, adaptation, or literature-focused research — and build a professional portfolio that showcases your creative and analytical skills.
Professional links and placements: The course maintains close ties with local and national film festivals, cultural organisations, and media partners, giving you opportunities to network, collaborate, and gain real-world experience.
Practice-focused facilities: From libraries and digital resources to professional studios and equipment stores, everything is designed to support both the academic and creative sides of your learning.
In Short
This isn’t a course where you’ll just read about stories — you’ll create, critique, and collaborate. Whether you’re writing essays, producing short films, or crafting screenplays, you’ll graduate with practical experience, confidence in your craft, and a portfolio that reflects your skills in both English and Film.
Future Progression & Opportunities
If you study BA (Hons) English and Film at the University of Salford, you’ll graduate ready to step into exciting roles across the creative and cultural industries—whether that’s journalism, cinema programming, film-festival direction, or arts administration. Many graduates also move into areas like film distribution, teaching, and arts management, drawing on the strong transferable skills developed throughout the course.
University Services
Salford’s Careers & Employability Service is there to help you make the transition from study to work. You’ll get guidance on writing CVs, preparing for interviews, and finding placements or graduate roles that fit your interests.
Employment Stats & Salary Insights
Around 95% of UK-resident English studies graduates from Salford are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. On average, English graduates earn about £25,000 after 15 months, while media studies graduates earn around £24,500 after five years—showing strong long-term employability across both fields.
University–Industry Partnerships
The course has close ties with key cultural organisations such as HOME Manchester, Greater Manchester Arts Centre, The Salford Film Festival, and Viva: Spanish & Latin American Film Festival. These partnerships give you the chance to gain real-world insight into film distribution and exhibition, including opportunities for hands-on work experience through dedicated course modules.
Long-Term Career Value
Studying literature and film side by side helps you build a versatile portfolio—blending critical, analytical, and creative skills. This combination is valued across a range of sectors, from media and education to arts, culture, and public service.
Graduate Outcomes
Recent graduates have gone on to work as film-festival coordinators, cinema programmers, arts administrators, teachers, and distribution assistants. Because the degree combines English and film, you’ll have the flexibility to adapt to new and evolving roles within the creative industries.
Further Academic Progression
After completing your degree, you might choose to continue your studies with a master’s in Film Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, or English Literature, leading to research or specialist career paths. Alternatively, you could pursue postgraduate diplomas in areas like film production, museum studies, or arts management to further enhance your professional profile.



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