BA French and Film Studies
About this course
BA in French and Film Studies, a School of European Languages, Culture and Society degree focusing on the critical study of French language, culture, and cinematic arts. Core topics include Research Methods. This four-year course includes a compulsory year abroad spent immersed in a French-speaking environment, and culminates in a final-year dissertation. The first year covers foundational language and media analysis through Use of French 1, The Making of Modern France, Theories and Methods in Film and Media Studies, and Film and Media History and Analysis. The second year develops linguistic proficiency and film studies via Use of French 2, Introduction to Film Genre, Topics in Popular Film and Media, and Directions in Contemporary Cinema, alongside optional modules covering historical periods, literary theory, and francophone literatures. The third year consists of a SELCS Year Abroad across two terms. The final year consolidates advanced proficiency and independent research through Use of French 3, French Oral 3, and a Dissertation in Film and Media, with further specialisation available through optional choices such as Comparative Syntax, Language and Ideology, and Organized Crime: Gangsters in Life and Art.
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Entry requirements
A level: ABB (Previous study of a foreign language is preferred (not necessarily one of the named languages) but not required. Applicants may study two languages at beginner level and may seek advice from the departments concerned if needed.) IB: 34 points (A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.)
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What students say
Based on about 61 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 77%
- Learning opportunities: 81%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 69%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 25%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 100 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 72%
- Baccalaureate: 16%
- A degree: 7%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Manufacturing Consent: Media and the Making of the Modern World
- Theories and Methods in Film and Media Studies
- Film and Media History and Analysis
- Use of French 1
- The Making of Modern France
- Reading French Texts
- French Oral 1
- Introduction to Film Genre
- Topics in Popular Film and Media
- Mediatising Dissent
- Directions in Contemporary Cinema
- Use of French 2
- French Oral 2
- An Introduction to Literary Theory
- The Medieval Period
- The Renaissance Period
- Enlightenment and the Revolution: the 18th Century
- Romanticism and Modernity: the 19th Century
- Exploration of Self and Form: The Contemporary Period
- Citizenship and Nationhood in France Today
- French Film History
- Contesting Frenchness: Francophone Literatures
- A Century of Conflict and Crisis: France, 1870-1970
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Dissertation in Film and Media
- French Oral 3
- Use of French 3
- Metamorphosis: The Limits of the Human
- Organized Crime: Gangsters in Life and Art
- Comparative Syntax
- Ink: Material Encounters with Medieval Texts
- STUFF: Materiality and Media in European Culture
- Sequential Art as a Form of Engagement
- Language and Ideology
- Dangerous Bodies and Lady Killers: Criminality and Gender in 19th Century European Culture and Histo
- Writing Shame
- Men on the Moon: Cosmic Voyages in the Early Modern Period
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA French and Film Studies at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £8,500 more than the UK median for French studies.
What do graduates of BA French and Film Studies at University College London do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA French and Film Studies at University College London?
77% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA French and Film Studies at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 147 UCAS points.
Does BA French and Film Studies at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA French and Film Studies at University College London?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.