Three schools of languages, linguistics and film preparing graduates for global success

In our increasingly interconnected world, a strong foundation in languages, linguistics, or film can be a passport to global success. Pursuing a master’s degree in one of these fields equips graduates with advanced skills and knowledge that are highly sought-after in today’s globalised job market.

Language programmes provide deep fluency and cultural understanding, making graduates ideal candidates for international communication roles in business, diplomacy, or education. Linguistics delves into the scientific study of language, offering expertise in translation, speech pathology, or language acquisition — all crucial for effective communication across borders. Film studies, meanwhile, cultivate critical thinking, storytelling abilities, and an understanding of visual communication — valuable assets in the international film industry and beyond.

By pursuing these specialised master’s programmes, graduates become not just competent professionals but also effective communicators, critical thinkers, and adaptable problem solvers. Interested? Here are three leading schools of languages, linguistics and film to earn your master’s, enrich your world view and elevate your career prospects:

Queen Mary University of London

Founded in 1785, Queen Mary University of London is a prestigious Russell Group university offering a unique blend of academic rigour, great diversity across the student body and a vibrant global atmosphere. It’s home to the School of Languages, Linguistics and Film, a top choice for anyone seeking a variety of interdisciplinary programmes that explore communication and culture on a global scale.

The school offers a range of specialist Master’s programmes, including Linguistics, Linguistics in Society, Translation and Adaptation, English Language Teaching (TESOL), and Film. All programmes are taught by subject-matter practitioners and experts, ensuring students receive the highest quality education.

The MA Linguistics, for example, is taught by researchers and educators in the UK’s top-ranked linguistics department (REF 2014, REF 2021). It offers four pathways: Conversion, General, Sociolinguistics and Formal Linguistics catering to diverse student interests. The MA Linguistics in Society programme blends academic theory and practical application. Students can contribute to research projects or participate in industry placements, gaining valuable real-world experience. The MA Translation and Adaptation focuses on both translation between languages and adaptation across different media. This innovative approach opens doors for those seeking careers in translation, media, and related fields.

For those passionate about teaching, the MA English Language Teaching (TESOL) is practice based, with students able to gain a professional qualification alongside their MA award. In addition, the programme offers the opportunity to specialise in areas such as multimedia materials development and English for specific purposes. Film students can choose a specific pathway in Film (Theory), Documentary Practice or Directing Fiction, while also incorporating elements of both theory and practical filmmaking. Notably the programme boasts a BAFTA-winning alumnus (2024). Working with practitioner film-makers ensures you’ll learn from the best.

Here’s another bonus: Queen Mary’s programmes are more affordable compared to their US counterparts. Explore Queen Mary’s School of Languages, Linguistics and Film programmes and see all the opportunities in store for you.

University of Stirling

According to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, the University of Stirling is ranked amongst the UK’s top 40 universities. All Stirling postgraduate programmes empower you to achieve your career objectives and realise your life ambitions. The MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is an advanced training and professional qualification for people who either work in, or plan to work in, any areas of TESOL. In this programme, you’ll master the theoretical, practical and research-based knowledge and skills to be a confident, critically reflective and enterprising teacher.

By bringing theory and practice together, the Film and Media Studies programme gives students a more experience-based approach to the film and media industry. Topics include Audio and Video Production, Digital Media, Scriptwriting, Understanding Audiences, Global Film and more. Some of the university’s graduates are currently working at prominent UK media channels like BBC Radio 1, Channel 4, MTV UK, and more.

Meanwhile, the MSc English Language and Linguistics is ideal for those seeking to explore the complex workings of language and its central role in society. You’ll study how language works, how people use it, what people use it for, where it came from and how it changes. As a graduate, you’re set to join the 96% of Stirling graduates who are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020/21, HESA).

University College Dublin

University College Dublin’s School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics invites students to discover the rich tapestry of Europe through the study of non-English modern languages and works of literature, linguistics, politics and histories, drama, film, and the fine arts.

“Our school modules will provide you with a comprehensive picture and insightful knowledge of the communities we know so well,” says Síofra Pierse, Head of School. “The whole globe opens up to you when you study modules we currently offer in our six School Subjects: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Linguistics. Come stretch your globe in SLCL, UCD.”

Its newest postgraduate offering is the MA in Language and Image Studies. By merging several disciplines, you’ll sharpen your language skills and simultaneously study a range of Image Studies modules to hone your critical thinking skills and expand your ability to engage and comprehend global cultures through study of images, whether film, art, illustration, photography or more.

The School of English, Drama and Film, on the other hand, is Ireland’s largest and most diverse film school devoted to interpreting literary, media, and performance cultures. It is ranked #49 in the world by QS World University Rankings in the subject area, English Language and Literature. Here, students engage critically with written, spoken, and performed media from early manuscripts of the old ages to contemporary blogs of today.

At the postgraduate level, UCD delivers both taught and research programmes in Gender, Culture & Sexuality; Creative Writing; Drama and Performance; and Film and Media Studies at MA, MLitt, and PhD levels. These take place just a few kilometres from the city centre, a UNESCO “City of Literature.” There’s no shortage of cultural attractions, from the National Library to the Irish Film Institute and renowned theatres like The Abbey, The Gate, and many more.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International