Film and Television PhD / MA by Research

Entry requirements

• MA by Research/MRes: you will need at least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area. Option to upgrade to a PhD
• PhD: a master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic

• We’re happy to receive applications for students wanting to do their PhD by portfolio or publication. You’ll need to submit materials from your practice (film, composition, exhibition etc) and books or chapters in anthologies, between 6-12 months after registering. You’ll also need to write a supporting commentary of 6,000-10,000 words, which clarifies your work’s coherence, significance and contribution to knowledge.

• We actively encourage applications from students who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement
• EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent

Months of entry

February, October

Course content

Research a topic of your choice or work on an extended creative project. Boost your professional practice and develop high-level skills and knowledge to progress your career.

You’ll benefit from an experienced team of research-active scholars and industry practitioners who can offer supervision across a range of topics. Staff specialisms include:

• cult film and TV
• documentary film
• screenwriting
• experimental cinema
• digital archives
• digital storytelling

Study style

You’ll have the opportunity to choose between a research-based or practice-based project. For example, write a thesis of 80,000 words for the research-based PhD or, for the practice-based option, create a piece of content or stage a multi-media event and accompany it with a much-shorter written component. As a practice-based student, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art studios and equipment.

Students who haven’t already completed a relevant Master’s degree are normally required to complete two research-methods modules: Philosophy and Approaches to Research, and Methodologies and Methods. These sessions and their related assignments will help you lay the critical foundations for your project.

This research contributes to the research priority area Being Human: Past, Present and Future and Creative Practice as Research.