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PhD/MA by Research Film Studies (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

The Film Studies (On-Campus or by Distance Learning) degree at University of Birmingham is supervised by faculty in the Department of Film and Creative Writing and in the Department of Modern Languages, which allows you to benefit from our interdisciplinary approach and breadth of expertise.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (MA by Research)
3 years (PhD)
Starting in: January, September
Tuition Fee: £20,820 per year full-time
£10,410 per year part-time (distance learning only)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom / Online

Film Studies can be studied full-time or part-time, as an MA by Research or as a PhD doctoral thesis, and by distance learning too. The Film Studies (On-Campus or by Distance Learning) degree at University of Birmingham includes Television Studies and many aspects of Media Studies are covered by our expert supervisors too. You may also be interested in comparing this programme to the Film Studies Audio-Visual PhD which allows students to produce a 30,000 word thesis and a 60 minute documentary film.

We offer two postgraduate research-only programmes, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or pursue your research at Masters level. Find out more about what to expect from a PhD and MA by Research.

Programme Structure:

  • Research into the history, theory, production and global contexts of film and television is complemented by our strong traditions in creative practice as research.
  • The department is home to award-winning writers and internationally-recognised experts in their fields.
  • Our academic work is regularly disseminated in short film, documentary and digital media formats.

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Why study this course?

  • Internationally-recognised research: We have internationally-recognised research expertise in the fields of European, American and World Cinema, film theory, ethics and aesthetics, queer theory, television studies, children’s media, film and television authorship, performance and audience studies, documentary, digital media, social action filmmaking, film festivals, film production and screenwriting.
  • Research initiatives: Staff contribute to joint initiatives in the presentation of research, notably through the B-Film research centre and via international and online projects. We work with staff in allied departments across the University so that you benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, supervision and research.
  • Community: We have a thriving community of research students.

Requirements

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

  • For MRes and MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
  • Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Learn more