Film Studies
Film Studies at Manchester represents an array of specialisms within a fascinating cultural medium.
Our specialist areas include documentary, fantasy and science fiction films, as well as American, British, French, German, Japanese, Spanish language and transnational Chinese cinemas.
Over 100 screenings and live performances take place each year at the University's Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama, and our student-run Filmmaking and Drama societies provide many opportunities to network and collaborate on film-related projects.
Opportunities:
Links with cultural partners including HOME, Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology and North West Film Archive.
1st in the UK for Drama and Cinematics
(Complete University Guide 2025)
Access the Lenegan Library for the University's film collection, available to students to borrow
Gain a solid foundation in theoretical and critical film studies
Explore theory, history and culture, along with aspects of socially engaged practice
Graduate Destinations
Areas of employment for students who have studied film include:
- film production, distribution and heritage;
- television and radio;
- journalism;
- teaching;
- community arts and arts administration;
- law and business management.
Learn from and engage with alumni:
We organise events throughout the year where our alumni come in to talk to current students about their work and getting started in the industry.
Speakers in recent years have included the director Vicky Featherstone, actor Toby Jones and director Euros Lyn.
Marianne Knowles
Film Studies MA (2019)
"The practical options on the fantasy adaptation and directed practice modules gave me the chance to take my scriptwriting and film production skills to the next level.
The inspirational lectures and expert tutorials opened my eyes to ground breaking film works, theoretical knowledge and approaches to creative work which has transformed my practice.’’
Faculty of Humanities
The University of Manchester