Subject guide to Film Studies

Film Studies at Manchester

Immerse yourself in the world of film, culture and language by combining Film Studies with French or Spanish. Delve deep into the film libraries of the countries where your chosen language is spoken, and appreciate the dialogue, historical, political and cultural references directly without any sub-titles, dubbing or interpretation. 

Through lectures and seminars, students study dramatic form and content, narrative, genre, authorship, photography, mise-en-scene, editing, music, and performance. They also debate issues about under- and misrepresentation in in both British and world cinema, considering issues of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and marginalisation. Optional course units enable students to develop their skills in documentary film making or screen writing. 

The University of Manchester Filmmaking Society provides a platform for aspiring filmmakers to meet, exchange ideas, and create their own reels. Away from campus, students are encouraged to engage with cultural events at HOME Manchester, and film screenings, French soirée, theatre workshops, and online talks hosted by The Alliance Française de Manchester. Students can also access the film and music collection at the Jorge Edwards Library at the Instituto Cervantes. 

My course has helped me improve my professional working level of Spanish, so that I can apply to a postgraduate study in the field of Film Studies at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, the city I spent my third year studying abroad in.

Anita Leech / Film and Spanish BA, 2026.

Video: Discover more about studying here 

Courses - 2027 entry

BA Film Studies and Modern Languages is a 4-year degree course, with an integrated Residence Abroad year. Students can study French or Spanish and the degree title will state the language that has been studied. For example: BA Film Studies and Modern Languages (Spanish).  

For information about entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships and bursaries, please visit the online prospectus.

There are also 3-year course options for Film Studies, which can be combined with Drama, East Asian Studies, English Language, English Literature, History, or History of Art.  

Course structure

BA Film Studies and Modern Languages provides students with a range of choices. When considering the choices you’d like to make, please note: 

  • Each year, all students study 120 credits of course units. Each course unit is 20 credits unless indicated.  
  • The course unit titles for each year of study have been listed.
  • Joint honours. The number of credits taken from Film Studies varies each year. Year 1 is 60 credits. Years 2 and 4 can be 40, 60 or 80 credits. The remaining credits are taken from your chosen language – French or Spanish. 
  • Essential course information for students studying a 4-year degree.

Course content

Our courses

See our Film Studies courses for 2027 entry.

Course listings

Film Studies

Find out more about the Department, teaching staff and our research.

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