Course summary

The BA Film Studies and Linguistics programme at SOAS University of London offers a rich, interdisciplinary education, combining the exploration of global cinema cultures with an in-depth study of how language functions. This combined honours degree allows students to critically analyse cinema’s historical, cultural, and socio-political contexts, with a focus on film from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while also gaining a thorough grounding in linguistics. Ideal for those interested in both media and the scientific study of language, this degree prepares students for diverse careers in film, media, language research, education, and beyond. In the BA Film Studies component, students engage with the histories, theories, and practices of global cinema, exploring how film reflects and shapes social and political issues. SOAS’s renowned expertise in film from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, supported by research projects such as Screen Worlds: Decolonising Film and Screen Studies, provides a distinctive academic foundation. Lecturers with strong connections to the film industry bring in guest speakers, including filmmakers and curators, while practical training in film curation, editing, and programming enables students to develop valuable industry-ready skills. Situated in Bloomsbury, with close access to prominent film institutions such as the British Film Institute, students benefit from a vibrant cinema environment that includes regular screenings, director Q&As, and industry events. The BA Linguistics component provides students with a systematic understanding of language structure, use, and diversity. Students examine core areas of linguistics, including phonetics, syntax, and semantics, gaining insight into how language works across different societies and cultural contexts. This linguistic foundation is enriched by SOAS’s unique focus on languages from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, allowing students to engage with languages less commonly covered in Western academia. This dual focus on film and linguistics equips graduates with critical analytical skills and a strong global perspective, making them well-suited for roles in media, research, language education, and cultural consultancy.