Overview

In an increasingly connected world, the ability to understand different languages and cultures alongside the visual media that shape how we see them has become a genuinely valuable skill. The BA Film and Modern Languages at the University of Bristol pairs the study of film and television with a language of your choice, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish, and its associated culture. Based jointly in the Department of Film and Television and the School of Modern Languages, the course combines critical and practical approaches to visual media with structured language learning and cultural study, including a year spent working or studying abroad. It suits students who want to build strong linguistic, intercultural and analytical skills through a genuinely international course of study, whether starting a language from scratch or continuing from a more advanced level.

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What You'll Learn

• Critical, historical, theoretical and practical approaches to film and television

• Analysis of visual material within its social, political and historical context

• A chosen modern language, developed through structured study in reading, writing, listening and speaking

• Culture, literature, history, politics and linguistics relating to your chosen language

• Significant historical movements and contemporary practices in film and television

• The option to begin an additional non-degree language in Year 2

• Practical creative work in filmmaking alongside academic study

• A year spent working or studying abroad, developing language skills and international experience

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse film and television using historical, theoretical and contextual frameworks, and interpret visual material within its wider social and political setting. They will achieve strong practical competence in their chosen language across speaking, writing, reading and listening, alongside a developed understanding of its associated culture, literature and history. Through a year abroad and hands-on filmmaking projects, students will build genuine intercultural fluency and creative production skills, gaining first-hand experience of working or studying in another linguistic environment. Graduates will leave with strong cross-cultural communication, critical analysis and creative skills, well suited to international careers or further study across a wide range of sectors.