Film, Media and Language (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish),BA (Hons)

Building on Birkbeck’s radical reputation in film and screen media, this BA Film, Media and Language is ideal if you are keen to combine studying a modern language and its associated culture with film and media studies. You will gain knowledge of film and media from different periods and parts of the world while developing your creative practice skills in film/media content creation.

Why choose this course?

• Classes are run by world-leading academics and industry professionals with links to organisations such as the BFI, BBC and Disney.
• This course takes a unique, interdisciplinary approach to equip you with multiple skillsets essential for employment in global, multilingual media environments.
• It is ideal if you consider yourself a film/media practitioner seeking to enhance your career opportunities and deepen your understanding of the wide variety of forms, styles and histories of film and media through both academic study and creative practice.
• The study of languages allows you to better understand other people, cultures and the world in which we live.

What you will learn

On this course, you will combine film, TV and media history and theory with the study of contemporary trends and developments in the screen media industries. You will then be able to choose from specialist option modules offering an exciting range of perspectives on film, media and visual culture from across the globe, such as Japanese and East Asian culture, Italian, Spanish and Latin American film.

You can also choose from a number of modules in related disciplines, such as digital media and web design, journalism, comparative literature and languages to develop knowledge and skills that will equip you for work in global, converging media industries and cultural organisations.

For the languages component, you will gain a high level of proficiency in your language of choice and study the literature, history, film and visual culture associated with your language. You will also master transferable skills such as essay writing, oral presentations and written reports, critical thinking and translating.

You can choose French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish, starting at the level of language learning that suits you, whether you are a complete beginner or a native speaker. Korean is offered starting from beginner level. If you decide to take this language, your final degree award will be a ‘with’ degree, so for example BA Film and Media with Korean, because we currently offer this language up to intermediate level only.

How will you learn

Learning on this course is especially collaborative and is based on a combination of lectures, seminars and practice-based work independently and in groups. To help prepare you for a professional, media working environment, you will also manage timeframes and engage in teamwork to deliver film and media projects. Your learning will be complemented by annual guest lectures and workshops by media professionals offering you career orientation and advice.

Language teaching is delivered in the target language, allowing you full immersion in your chosen linguistic area. It takes place in small-group seminars, so you can actively participate and interact with your peers and our experienced tutors.

This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Find out everything you need to know about Foundation Years.