Film and Media Studies

As a BA (Hons) Film and Media Studies student, you'll explore everything from the early days of cinema to today’s digital, global, and connected media world. You'll learn to look at films and media as more than entertainment: they’re cultural objects shaped by the industries that create them. They influence both society and the world around us.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain skills that are not only important for film and media careers but also valued in many other fields. You'll be guided by academics who are top researchers in their areas, and you will have the opportunity to work on live projects with organisations from across Manchester’s creative and cultural industries. You’ll do this at the heart of one of the most multicultural cities and leading places for media and cultural production in the world.

We’ll help you build confidence and independence while developing creative, technical, and analytical skills that are highly valued in today’s job market—ranging from consumer research and film marketing to community engagement and curation. You'll be encouraged to think critically, express your creativity, and develop your knowledge in all aspects of the creative and cultural industries.

Features and Benefits

• Our modules cover the historical and critical analysis of cinema, television and other media from the early 20th Century to very contemporary releases.

• Explore both mainstream ‘Hollywood’ style cinema and less commercial screen cultures from around the globe.

• We are a world-class English department — 70% of our research impact is rated as world-leading (REF21).

• Manchester is an ideal location with links to the professional media bodies in the North West, including HOME, Grimmfest, Media City UK, the BBC and Granada TV. We use the media resources, business and industries of the city to make our content and assessment current, engaging and outward facing.

• Our Media Industry module allows you to work on professional live briefs with partners in industries such as cinema, game production, marketing, cinema, podcasting, radio and television.

• We’ll help you build your own network among our many partners within the creative and culturally rich city of Manchester, including the opportunity to connect with alumni.

• The Department of English is friendly, supportive, and passionate about the subject, providing a creative, inspiring and stimulating environment for our students. We have an excellent library and range of resources to allow you to develop a wide range of skills.

• Access to the many film and media focussed conferences, readings, research programmes, festivals and competitions run by the department.

• Manchester has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of its thriving live literature scene, with a year-round programme of author events, writers’ forums, networking opportunities and open mic nights.

• You can take the four-year route, spending a year studying abroad, or boost your career prospects with a placement in industry.