English and Film

English and Film is a combination that examines two of the most significant forms of cultural expression in the modern world: the written text and the moving image. Both are concerned with storytelling, representation, and the shaping of how we understand ourselves and our societies, but they use different languages and work through different traditions. Studying them together allows you to move between close reading of literary texts and close analysis of film, developing critical and analytical skills that apply to cultural production across many forms.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, this four-year full-time programme explores a wide range of content from the Renaissance to contemporary global, digital, and multimedia landscapes. You will analyse both literature and film in all their forms, asking how they reflect and shape society and how they connect to other cultural expressions such as art, music, and popular culture. The programme takes a decolonised approach to the curriculum, encouraging you to question shared assumptions about whose stories are told and how, and to understand why representation matters in both literary and cinematic culture.

The degree includes a sandwich placement year and work placements, giving you direct professional experience in media, publishing, education, or a related field.

Graduates go on to careers in journalism, publishing, broadcasting, screenwriting, film criticism, content creation, public relations, education, and the wider creative industries. The combination of literary and film analysis develops the close reading and critical communication skills that are valued in any role requiring sophisticated engagement with texts and media. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in English literature, film studies, creative writing, or media and cultural studies to develop their expertise or move into academic or specialist professional roles.