Film Studies and World Philosophies
SOAS University of London
UCAS Code: P3V5 | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
SOAS University of London
UCAS Code: P3V5 | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
Contextual: BBB-BBC
Access to HE Diploma
60 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 27 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 18 Level 3 credits at either Distinction or Merit.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 overall with 6,5,5 in HL subjects
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Departments will consider the relevance of the BTEC and its relation to the proposed programme of study.
Scottish Higher
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About this course
The BA Film Studies and World Philosophies combined degree at SOAS University of London offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary education that merges the exploration of global cinema with a comprehensive study of philosophical traditions from around the world. This unique programme enables students to critically engage with the historical, cultural, and artistic dimensions of film while examining the philosophical ideas and frameworks that have shaped human thought across different cultures.
In the BA Film Studies component, students explore the diverse histories, theories, and practices of cinema, focusing on how film serves as a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural expression. The curriculum encourages critical analysis of cinematic works, examining how they reflect and influence social values, identity, and political discourse. Students engage with a wide range of films from various global contexts, gaining insights into the ways in which film intersects with broader philosophical themes. With the support of SOAS’s distinguished faculty and industry connections, students have opportunities to attend guest lectures from filmmakers and film scholars and participate in practical training in film analysis and curation. The programme's central location in Bloomsbury, near key film institutions like the British Film Institute, provides a vibrant cultural environment enriched by regular screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
The BA World Philosophies component offers students a deep dive into the rich and varied philosophical traditions from across the globe, including Asian, African, European, and Indigenous philosophies. The curriculum examines fundamental questions related to ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and social philosophy, encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives and ideas. This exploration fosters critical thinking and encourages students to reflect on the philosophical underpinnings of human experience and cultural practices. By connecting philosophical concepts to contemporary issues, students develop a nuanced understanding of how these ideas resonate within the context of film and broader cultural narratives.
Together, the BA Film Studies and World Philosophies programme equips graduates with critical analytical skills, cultural literacy, and a strong philosophical foundation. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for diverse career opportunities in film, media, education, cultural consultancy, and philosophy, empowering them to engage meaningfully with both the cinematic arts and the profound questions of human existence.
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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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Philosophy
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After graduation
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Philosophy
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Top job areas of graduates
Although there aren't a lot of jobs around for professional philosophers, philosophy degrees are a relatively popular option, with more than 2,000 students graduating in a philosophy-related subject in 2015 - a little down on previous years, but still healthy. Nearly a quarter of philosophy graduates take a postgraduate qualification, and it's a relatively common subject at both Masters and doctorate level — so if you think academic life might be for you, think ahead about how you might fund further study. For those who go into work, philosophy grads tend to go into teaching, accountancy, consulting, journalism, PR, housing, marketing, human resources and the arts while a few go into the computer industry every year, where their logical training is highly rated.
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Philosophy
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£18k
£33k
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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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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