Film and Television Studies / French

Why study Film and Television Studies and French at Aberystwyth?

• As a student in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies you will be joining our vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide. The Film and Television Studies component of this degree is a challenging and creative one where you will be exposed to a unique combination of creative and critical approaches. We also offer various modules through the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for further information.
• In the Department of Modern Languages, you will have the opportunity to study French from beginners or advanced.
• During your first year, you will have timetabled intensive linguistic classes where you will concentrate on the following principles: listening, reading/writing, oral and translation. After the first year, you will join students who have started the course at an advanced level.
• If you're commencing the French component of this course at an advanced level, this will be a continuation of your grammatical and linguistic development from A level (or equivalent) also in the following principles: listening, reading/writing, oral and translation.
• All students in the Department of Modern Languages will receive four hours of linguistic and grammar classes per week. As a department, we a relatively small and close-knit which means that you will benefit from the unique approach to language development. All of the language tutors are native speakers or expert in the relevant target language. We know our students by name and not by number.
• The Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies (TFTS) is the creative hub, where students benefit from the close connections with key industry partners include  National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. We are also in close proximity and are neighbors to the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest Arts Centre in mid-Wales which regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.  We are situated in the heart of Penglais campus and our exceptional facilities and resources for practical work includes: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
• For all students, the highlight of being a student at University is the social element. Both departments have lively societies that regularly meet and convene. Come and visit us during an Open Day or an Applicant Visiting Day to see for yourself.
• The highlight of this degree for all of our students is the year abroad. You will be required to spend your year abroad (your third year) in France or a French-speaking country. Some students opt to spend their time equally studying with our partnered Universities France or a French-speaking country. Others have spent their time undertaking a paid or unpaid work experience placement in the two countries. Find out what your options are by visiting our Studying Abroad page.

Our Staff

All academic staff at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies are research active and/or involved in Knowledge Transfer projects and have either relevant academic qualifications at doctoral level or equivalent professional experience and expertise.

All of the lecturers in the Department of Modern Languages are qualified to PhD level and are research active specialists in their chosen field. We also employ highly qualified and experienced language tutors, and native-speakers, who will ensure that your learning is of the highest possible quality and who will provide you with constant support through your years of study.

Employability is embedded across our teaching within the Department of Modern Languages and the Department Theatre, Film and Television. The Year Abroad is where our graduates are more distinguished than others. Upon successful completion of the Year Abroad, students return with an increased skill set, stronger language competencies and the ability to adapt in any situations. 

What can I do with a French/ Drama and Theatre Studies degree?

Many of our students have been successful in obtaining employment in these fields;

• Acting and Performing;
• Directing;
• Translation and Interpretation;
• Education;
• Designing;
• Script writing;
• Teaching and education;
• Arts administration;
• Marketing;
• International Banking;
• Management;
• Public Relations.

Transferable Skills

In addition to subject specific skills and knowledge, studying for a degree in French and Drama and Theatre Studies will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

• Communication skills;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Intercultural competence;
• The ability to learn other languages with relative ease;
• The awareness of the function of language;
• Improved language skills in your mother tongue;
• The ability to work independently;
• Time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines;
• The ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form;
• Self-motivation and self-reliance;
• Team-work, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement;
• The ability to apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations;
• The ability to research, evaluate and organise information;
• The ability to structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations and using a variety of means;
• The ability to listen to and make use of critical advice.

What I love most about Film and Television Studies is the teaching staff. They are experienced professionals who are dynamic, enthusiastic and most importantly, approachable; it makes learning fun and my confidence has improved as a result. I also enjoy the various modules on offer. The practicals are great as they allow me to experiment with my own ideas but at the same time they teach me valuable skills. My favourite modules so far are Scriptwriting; Imagining the Short; and Writing for Film and Television. I love to write creatively and these modules enable me to develop my imagination. Angela Wendy Rumble

Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University is brilliant. The course has a great atmosphere which you can tell from how well-connected the students and lecturers are. The academic side of the course is illuminating, touching on a wide variety of topics and dealing with each of these in detail, which works well even for those students who want to focus more on the more practical modules. In addition the department provides plenty of opportunities for work experience as well as chances for students to hone their skills out of the classroom with departmental equipment. There is also a well-supported film society. Joe Williams

What I love about Film and Television Studies is the variety of different areas I've had the opportunity to be a part of. Last year I would never have had the confidence or know-how to organise a production team, to make and market short films and to work in a 3 camera studio. What I wanted from Aberystwyth University were the skills to become a film-maker; what I got were practical skills, knowledge of academic debates, and contacts that have given me an insight into the film and television industry. Peter Gosiewski