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Modern Languages with Film Studies: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
BA
Address
Modern Languages with Film Studies: University of Birmingham, Centre for European Languages and Cultures, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Languages and linguistics
Duration 
4 years
Telephone 
+44 (0)121 414 5965
Website 
http://www.celc.bham.ac.uk



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This programme allows you to study one or two modern languages and to develop a detailed knowledge of European and North American film. The languages available are French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian.

The programme is housed within the Centre for European Languages and Cultures, which brings together the main language departments at Birmingham. The Film Studies element of the programme is delivered by specialists teaching within the language departments and by other specialists on film in the Department of American and Canadian Studies and the Department of Music.

First year

You will study one or two modern languages alongside Film Studies. Film Studies modules in the first year offer an introduction to the subject and the chance to study some landmark films. The precise structure of your programme will depend on whether you are studying one or two languages.

  • Pathway 1: two languages and Film Studies
    In this pathway, you will divide your time equally between three subjects: two languages and Film Studies. In the language(s) you have studied to A level you will take one practical language module and one optional module in the politics, literature, culture or history of that country. If you are taking a language ab initio, you will take two modules of concentrated language work in the first year.
  • Pathway 2: one language combined equally with Film Studies
    If you have studied your chosen language to A level standard, you will take one practical language module and two optional modules in the politics, literature, culture or history of that country. If you are taking German, Spanish, Italian or Russian ab initio, you will take two modules of concentrated language in the first year plus an additional module in the politics, literature, culture or history of that country.
  • Pathway 3: Major in one language plus a Minor in Film Studies
    This pathway allows you to spend two-thirds of your time focusing on a language, and the remaining third on Film Studies. If you have studied the language to A level standard, you will take one practical language module and three optional modules in the politics, literature, culture or history of that country. If you are taking Spanish, Italian or Russian ab initio, you will take two modules of concentrated language in the first year plus an additional two modules in the politics, literature, culture or history of that country. Please note that those wishing to study French or German within this pathway will need an A level or equivalent in the language.

Second year

You will continue your study of one or two languages at advanced level. If you took two languages in the first year, you can continue to study two modern languages equally or, if you want to specialise, there is the option of specialising in one language. You will also study European national cinemas, and you will be able to choose from a range of modules focusing on North American film, and other topics within European film.

Year abroad

The third year is spent abroad. You attend centres of learning in the country or countries of your language(s) of study. You may also spend the year as a teaching assistant. Work placements are available for some language combinations.

Fourth year

In the fourth year you can continue to study two languages or elect to specialise in one. You will continue to study at least one language module in your chosen language(s) and select specialist options in Film Studies and the politics, literature, culture and history of the language(s) studied.

Teaching and assessment

They will use a variety of methods to help you improve your practical language skills, including small group conversation classes with native speakers, language labs, grammar workshops, language lectures and computer-based assessments. Non-language modules (including Film Studies) will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Regular film screenings will also be offered. Assessment will generally be via a mixture of essays submitted throughout the year, continuous language assessment and end-of-year examinations.

Career opportunities

During the course you will have the opportunity to acquire linguistic expertise and inter-cultural skills. The course aims to help you develop a range of highly prized transferable skills, including the ability to analyse complex and demanding material, to work independently and to communicate your findings effectively in spoken and written form. The enhanced sensitivity to linguistic and visual communication that the programme aims to develop is highly valued within the media and communications industries.

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offer: AAB
  • Required subjects: those studying French will need an A level or equivalent. Those studying German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or Russian will need an A level in the chosen language for the post-A level course. Applicants planning to take ab initio German, Italian, Spanish or Russian will need at least a grade B GCSE in a language.
  • General Studies: accepted
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32–34 points including a modern language at HL

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Additional information

Please note that where two languages are studied it is not possible to combine Spanish with Russian, or Italian with Portuguese. Where two languages are studied, you must have an A level or equivalent in one of these languages. Any of the languages apart from French can be studied ab initio, but German can only be studied ab initio as part of Pathways 1 and 2.

Contact details

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal address: The University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    United Kingdom
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

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