Course summary

The BA Film Studies and Languages and Cultures (Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia) programme at SOAS University of London offers an exciting interdisciplinary education, combining the study of global cinema with an exploration of languages and cultures from some of the world’s most dynamic regions. This degree allows students to critically engage with film from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while also gaining a deep understanding of the languages, histories, and cultural practices of these regions. Ideal for those interested in the intersections of media, language, and cultural studies, this programme equips students for diverse careers in film, media, international relations, cultural consultancy, and beyond. In the BA Film Studies component, students examine the histories, theories, and practices of cinema from a global perspective, with a particular focus on the film cultures of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. SOAS’s renowned expertise in these areas, supported by research initiatives like the Screen Worlds: Decolonising Film and Screen Studies project, provides a distinctive academic environment enriched by lecturers with strong industry connections. Practical training in film curation, editing, and programming complements academic study, giving students valuable hands-on experience. Located in Bloomsbury, near the British Film Institute and other major cultural institutions, students benefit from a vibrant film scene that includes screenings, director Q&As, and film festivals. The BA Languages and Cultures (Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia) component offers in-depth training in the language of a chosen region—such as Arabic, Persian, Swahili, Hindi, or Thai—along with a comprehensive study of the literature, history, and cultural practices of the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, or Southeast Asia. Through this, students gain a nuanced understanding of the societies and cultural dynamics within these regions. The Year Abroad, spent in a country where the chosen language is spoken, enhances linguistic proficiency and cultural immersion, providing invaluable real-world experience. This combination of film studies and regional expertise fosters a strong global outlook and critical skills that are highly valued across industries, from cultural institutions to international NGOs.