Why study here?

Film at Manchester enables you to develop your understanding of this powerful creative medium from a wide range of different historical and theoretical perspectives.

You'll study how film engages with socio-cultural and political concerns, and as you enhance your skills of close analysis, you'll learn to place films in their historical context and consider current debates and future challenges for cinema as a medium.

Learn from experts

Working with award-winning teachers and drawing on our facilities, you'll study classical and contemporary films, both mainstream and non-mainstream, from Europe, North America and beyond. You'll explore questions of identity and representation, film style and aesthetic practices.

Our specialist areas include documentary, fantasy and science fiction films as well as American, British, French, German, Japanese, Spanish language and transnational Chinese cinemas.

Get hands-on

Several of our course units incorporate innovative forms of assessment that will enable you to explore the theoretical and historical aspects of film through practice-based creative assignments, such as writing a screenplay or storyboarding a film.

You can join the University's Filmmaking Society, a platform for aspiring filmmakers to exchange ideas and create their own cinematic productions.

The University's Drama Society also brings together students with an interest in acting, directing, writing, filmmaking, costume, set building and stage management.

Develop your employability

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. Learn more about careers and employability for Film Studies students.

A city of opportunity

Additionally, you'll be able to take advantage of the thriving film culture and resources that Manchester offers, from mainstream cinemas and the independent film complex, HOME, to film festivals, community projects and international initiatives.

Our staff have links with organisations and events such as the Chinese Film Forum UK, educational charity Delia Derbyshire Day and the Kinofilm Festival.