Film Studies and Linguistics

Film studies and linguistics is a combination that approaches two of the most significant systems of human meaning-making, the moving image and language itself, with the analytical rigour each demands. Film studies examines how cinema creates meaning through visual composition, editing, sound, narrative structure, performance and the conventions of genre and national tradition. Linguistics asks how language works as a system, how it is acquired, how it varies across communities and contexts, and how it relates to meaning, identity and power.

Together they give you a sophisticated understanding of communication in its most powerful and pervasive contemporary forms.

At SOAS University of London, both disciplines are taught with the institution's distinctive global perspective, and the programme brings particular attention to the cinemas and languages of Africa, Asia and the Middle East rather than limiting itself to the Hollywood-dominated traditions that define many film studies curricula. You will study how film functions as a cultural practice in diverse global contexts, and how different language communities have produced and continue to produce distinctive cinematic traditions. The linguistics component introduces you to the science of language, covering phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and sociolinguistics.

The programme includes a foundation year, providing a supported route into university study before you begin the main degree. Typical entry is around 120 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates from film studies and linguistics go on to careers in film and television production, criticism and journalism, content creation, broadcasting, academic research, language and communication consultancy, publishing and education. The SOAS focus on global cinema and languages is particularly valued by international broadcasters, cultural organisations, documentary makers and NGOs working across multiple language communities. Further study in film studies, linguistics, media studies or area studies is a common route for those who wish to develop specialist expertise.