Film Studies and Social Anthropology
SOAS University of London
UCAS Code: P3L6 | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
SOAS University of London
UCAS Code: P3L6 | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
Contextual: BBB-BBC A level General Studies is not acceptable.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to Higher Education Diploma with 60 credits overall including at least 45 credits at level 3. A minimum of 27 Level 3 credits must be at Distinction plus a minimum of 18 level 3 credits at either Merit or Distinction.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 overall with 6,5,5 in HL subject
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Higher
UCAS Tariff
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About this course
The BA Film Studies and Social Anthropology combined degree at SOAS University of London offers an engaging and interdisciplinary education that integrates the exploration of global cinema with the study of human societies and cultural practices. This unique programme allows students to critically engage with the historical, cultural, and artistic dimensions of film while examining the complexities of social life, cultural diversity, and human behaviour across different contexts.
In the BA Film Studies component, students explore the diverse histories, theories, and practices of cinema, focusing on how film acts as a medium for storytelling and cultural representation. The curriculum encourages critical analysis of films from various genres and cultures, examining how they reflect and shape social values, identities, and political issues. Students engage with a wide range of cinematic works, from classic films to contemporary productions, gaining insights into the role of film in both representing and influencing cultural narratives. With support from SOAS’s distinguished faculty and industry connections, students benefit from guest lectures by filmmakers and scholars, as well as practical training in film analysis and curation. The programme’s central location in Bloomsbury, close to key cultural institutions such as the British Film Institute, enriches the student experience with regular screenings, discussions, and networking opportunities.
The BA Social Anthropology component provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and methods of anthropological inquiry, focusing on the study of cultures, social structures, and human behaviours. The curriculum covers essential topics such as kinship, migration, religion, and globalization, enabling students to engage with the complexities of social life and cultural diversity. Through ethnographic studies and fieldwork experiences, students develop critical thinking and analytical skills that allow them to appreciate the richness of human experience and the significance of cultural context. This focus on social anthropology enhances students' ability to interpret and engage with cinematic narratives, fostering a nuanced understanding of how culture shapes both the production and reception of film.
By combining these two disciplines, the BA Film Studies and Social Anthropology programme equips graduates with critical analytical skills, cultural sensitivity, and a deep understanding of social dynamics. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for diverse career opportunities in film, media, cultural research, education, community development, and international relations, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to discussions about the interplay between cinema and cultural practices in a globalised world.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
SOAS University of London
Interdepartmental
What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Anthropology
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Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Social anthropology
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
This is a pretty flexible degree and a good one if you want to keep your options open. Just over 1,250 graduates completed anthropology degrees last year, and they were well spread out across a whole range of jobs — many industries have jobs that can be done by anthropology graduates and unlike a lot of degrees, there aren't many jobs we can point to and say ‘graduates from this degree do that job’. Management, marketing, housing and recruitment jobs are the most popular, though, and many graduates go into the education or social care sectors. Graduates are also rather more likely than average to work in London, or to go overseas to work. This is quite a popular subject at postgraduate level, and if you want to go into research, you'll need to think about postgrad study - and it's one of the few where numbers are on the up at the moment.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Anthropology
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£20k
£25k
£30k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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