Modern Languages and Film Studies BA

Course overview

At Leeds, you can study film with one of 10 languages.

Modern Languages and Film Studies gives you a unique insight into global film culture alongside the study of a language and its cultural context.

You’ll explore the richness of world cinemas – meaning that your studies will be based on the phenomenon of film creation in different places and periods, not just Hollywood. You’ll also reach a professional standard in your chosen language.

Through a combination of compulsory and optional modules you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of theoretical, critical and intercultural approaches used in film studies, while developing and consolidating your spoken and written language skills. You’ll also choose from modules that explore the culture, history and politics of the area(s) where your language is spoken.

During your year abroad you’ll gain international experience whilst furthering your linguistic ability. In your final year you’ll developed an extended research project in which you can draw on what you have learned during your degree. This allows you to showcase your knowledge and skills.

This joint honours degree offers you teaching of the highest standard, in a research-intensive environment where enthusiastic experts and students come together to explore film and literary culture. You’ll be encouraged to get involved in a range of activities organised by the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies and the Centre for World Cinemas and Digital Cultures.

Choose one of the following languages

We offer the following languages at two entry levels: beginners or with prior experience (eg A-level or equivalent). If you have prior experience in Arabic or Thai, please contact us before applying:

• Arabic (from beginners' level only)
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Thai

You must include your chosen language in the ‘Further Details’ section of your UCAS application.

Areas of staff expertise in film studies include:

• emerging cinemas from South Asia and the Middle East
• decolonisation
• LGBTQ cinema and issues
• film theory
• exhibition and curation
• migration and cinema
• Hollywood
• European Cinemas

Specialist facilities

With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work, and research.

The Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practice with other learners and native speakers. You can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.

The world-class Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. These include rare copies of magazines and unpublished letters with materials across the range of languages that we teach, from medieval Latin to the Leeds Russian Archive. Our main library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.

We also have links with several institutions that support language-learning on campus, such as Instituto Cervantes (Spanish), Instituto Camoes (Portuguese) and Institut Ramon Llull (Catalan).

Our campus libraries hold a collection of films. They also provide access to film streaming services including BFI Player and Kanopy. You can also enjoy a collective cinema experience in our large-screen lecture theatres, which we use for module film screenings.

This degree allows you to study two different yet related disciplines in an exciting cultural hub. Leeds is home to the Leeds International Film Festival and great independent cinemas including the famous Hyde Park Picture House. We’re also close to Bradford – home of the National Science and Media Museum and a variety of film festivals. It’s the perfect part of the world in which to explore these exciting subjects.

Course details

Year 1 will introduce you to the standard concepts and research skills in Film Studies through an original and democratic approach. Rather than adopting the common division between Hollywood and the rest of the world, your modules will look at these concepts from the perspective of world cinema.

At the same time, whether you’re starting your language from beginners’ level, or with prior knowledge, you’ll receive intensive learning practice. You’ll also complement your language studies by exploring cultures and societies from around the world.

You’ll build on this in Year 2 by engaging with key critical concepts, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies in Film Studies. You’ll also choose from optional modules that explore different aspects of film studies and the culture, history, and politics of the area(s) where your chosen language is spoken.

Your third year will be spent in a country where your chosen language is spoken. See below for more details of the different options.

In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your professional language skills through modules including translation or interpreting. Your final year will also involve working on a research project which could be a dissertation, translation or podcast. You’ll encounter some of the latest approaches and thinking in Film Studies, and you’ll have the flexibility to choose from a range of language and cultural modules to deepen your knowledge.

Course Structure

Every student takes compulsory weekly classes in their chosen language and a selection of compulsory and optional modules in film studies. They also take further modules in culture and society.

Find out more information on typical modules for the different language combinations of this course. You can study the following languages as part of your Modern Languages degree:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Thai

The film studies modules follow the structure below. This list represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

• Introduction to Film Studies I (20 credits) - Introduction to Film Studies 1 introduces students to the key concepts in film studies through an original and democratic approach. Rather than adopting the usual division between Hollywood and the rest of the world, the module looks at these concepts from the perspective of World Cinema; that is, a polycentric phenomenon with peaks of creation in different places and periods. Through the exploration of 3 thematic blocks comprising 'shot', 'sound' and 'colour', students will be introduced to key histories (from the silent period to the present day), ideas and concepts in films studies, and they will learn how to read a film and use film-specific vocabulary.

• Introduction to Film Studies II (20 credits) - Introduction to Film Studies II develops the ideas introduced in Introduction to Film Studies I through the exploration of a further 3 thematic blocks; 'auteur', 'popular cinema & genre' and 'industry'. The module also continutes to explore the concepts introduced in the first part of the course. You will gain an insight into a variety of national cinemas and be given the opportunity to further develop their critical skills.

Optional modules (a selection of typical options, 20 credits each)

• Directing World Cinemas
• Film Music

Year 2 compulsory modules

• Critical Approaches to Screen Studies (20 credits) - The aim of this module is to increase students’ critical awareness of, and engagement with, film and other screen-based media. Building on the foundations laid in Introduction to Film Studies I & II, the module aims to further students’ knowledge of a range of conceptual frameworks for understanding film’s relationship to reality, other arts, viewers, and society at large.

Optional modules (a selection of typical options, 20 credits each)

• Questioning Genre in World Cinemas
• Introduction to German Cinema
• Film Programming and Exhibition
• Chinese Cinema

Year 3 compulsory modules

• Final Year Project (in either Film Studies or a topic to do with language, culture and society) (40 credits)

• Current Enquiries into Film Studies (20 credits) - This introduces you to the latest critical approaches and thought in the discipline. Drawing on a variety of local and national cinemas, the module looks at, and aims to develop your understanding of, current debates that are being developed by researchers at Leeds and elsewhere. A team-taught module, you will benefit from the expertise of a range of staff from the Centre for World Cinemas.

Optional modules (a selection of typical options, 20 credits each)

• Hollywood and its Others
• Japanese Cinema in the World
• Queer Films on Global Screens

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields whose teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research. We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year research project on a topic of your own choice.

As well as being taught by our expert academics, you may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus. We are committed to an innovative and inclusive approach to teaching, which draws on a variety of activities, including flipped learning, group presentations, and bespoke digital resources to prepare you for your seminar discussions.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We ensure inclusive assessment by making sure all our students are assessed in a range of ways. Our assessments include: written and video essays, literature reviews, a mixture of live and pre-recorded presentations, sequence analysis, and exams.

You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress. Our University library also runs extra classes on skills such as, structuring essays and exam techniques that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.

We make sure that reading lists are diverse and that the teaching of literature and film is carried out in a culturally sensitive way. Central to our approach is the inclusion of films and scholarly texts by female authors, queer authors, and authors of colour.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

• Where a post-A level language route is taken, a B grade in the relevant language is required.

• Where Chinese or Japanese is taken, a GCSE in any modern language is required.

• Where any other beginner language route is taken, previous experience in language is not required.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds

Extended project and Access to Leeds offer: BCC at A Level and A in a relevant EPQ and pass Access to Leeds.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £26,000 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

You need to tell us your language combination when you apply. Input your chosen language in the Further Details section on your UCAS application.

Read our guidance about applying.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Contact us

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions

Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

A degree in Modern Languages and Film Studies will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills.

You’ll graduate with proficiency in your chosen language and have a real appreciation of the culture(s) that speak your chosen language. You'll also be a critical thinker who can research different sources and form conclusions from the information you find.

Your communication skills will enable you to explain and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. Because you’ve also gained organisational skills from managing two different subjects, you’ll be attractive to employers in all kinds of industries.

Graduates have gone on to succeed in careers in publishing, law, advertising and marketing, journalism, education, charity work, business and finance and the civil service. Many others have pursued postgraduate studies.

You can read more about the range of careers our Modern Languages and Film Studies graduates progress into, as well as the support we offer you throughout your degree.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Our unique approach helps you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website

Careers support

Leeds is the 6th most targeted university in the UK by graduate recruiters (The Graduate Market in 2023).

At Leeds, we are fully committed to developing your employability and career prospects. You’ll have a wealth of opportunities to develop your skills and make the most out of your time at Leeds and during the time you’ll spend abroad.

Experience of living abroad, combined with detailed study of languages and cultures, is valuable preparation for employment in a multicultural, multinational environment.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Our experts in the University’s Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions, and meetings with our alumni.   

The Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year. Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership. For example, you could be a key player in an award-winning sports team, or become a committee member and chair society meetings, or you could even project manage a volunteering trip overseas. The Union is home to School Reps who are appointed by students to represent the views and be the voice of students in your School.  

At Leeds, you can access support to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we offer award-winning specialist support. 

As a student with us, you’ll be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events are organised for you by the School throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences, and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.

We’ll also keep you informed of work/voluntary placements for your time abroad and of any other part-time and volunteering opportunities that you can fit around your studies.

Study abroad and work placements

Your residence abroad is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their degree.

Your year abroad opportunities will depend on your language combination and level. Depending on your host country, you may be able to complete a work placement, work as a Foreign Language Assistant (FLA) for the British Council, or study at a partner university. You may also be able to combine a work placement and a study placement.

If you are studying French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish, you may be able to spend up to one year in your third year in a country where these languages are spoken, depending on your language combination.

If you are studying Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or Thai, you’ll spend the second year of the programme abroad, studying an intensive language course.

Find out more about the options available for each of your chosen languages:

• Read more about Arabic Residence Abroad
• Read more about Chinese Residence Abroad
• Read more about French Residence Abroad
• Read more about German Residence Abroad
• Read more about Italian Residence Abroad
• Read more about Japanese Residence Abroad
• Read more about Spanish and Portuguese Residence Abroad
• Read more about Portuguese Residence Abroad
• Read more about Russian Residence Abroad
• Read more about Thai Residence Abroad

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.