MA for Research in Film and Television Studies (MA)

at University of Warwick

Our MA for Research in Film and Television Studies is not the same as Media Studies, Communications Studies or Journalism Studies. We offer modules which make more use of the kinds of methodologies employed in the study of English Literature, History and Art History rather than those practised in the sociological analysis of communications industries. This is a theoretical course and we do not offer any training in the skills of practical filmmaking.

This course is designed for students with an academic background in film and/or television studies. Applicants are likely to have achieved a first class result at undergraduate level, have firm PhD plans and feel that they need to develop their knowledge of fields that are not covered by our taught modules, in order to prepare for their proposed PhD project.

The Department of Film and Television Studies at Warwick is regarded as one of the finest in the world and offers an unparalleled training in audio-visual literacy, an increasingly valuable attribute in today’s world.

Through this MA programme, you will be able to draw upon the renowned expertise of our staff to develop a programme tailored to prepare for your doctoral research.

Core modules

Independent Study

The Independent Study Module (ISM) is a programme of independent study designed by you in consultation with a relevant tutor. It is conceived of a being like a taught module, with a plan of reading, viewing and writing around your chosen topic being designed in advance and progress monitored on a regular basis. You will choose the topic of your investigation and structure your time and focus yourself. The majority of your time will be spent in self-study. At the end of the module you will produce a 5,000 word piece of work that is the product of your independent research.

Dissertation

The core dissertation module provides training and supervision for independent study, leading to a 20,000 word written project.

Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

• Cities and Landscapes in Film
• Ecocinema
• Film Cultures
• Film and Social Change
• Film Criticism, Film Style
• History and Memory in Italian Cinema
• Horror and the Gothic
• Irony in Film
• Issues in Documentary
• Postcolonial Film
• Sound Cultures
• Swedish Cinema
• Global Visions
• Television History and Aesthetics
   

Minimum requirements

First Class Honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Film and/or Television Studies.

All applicants are asked to provide us with a sample piece of written work of around 1,500-3,000 words (preferably, though not necessarily, on a film/TV-related subject) and a short (c. 200-300 words) description of the kind of research topic(s) they would be interested in studying for the mandatory 20,000 word dissertation.

For a speedier decision on your application, we advise you to provide us with these supplementary documents when you apply and the documents can be uploaded to your application.

English language requirements

• Band B
• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
   

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.
 

Graduates have pursued roles such as: arts officers, producers and directors; authors, writers and translators and research and development managers.

Our graduates have gone on to work for employers including: StudioCanal, Fox Searchlight, All 4 and numerous academic appointments at UK and International universities.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• Working in Radio Film and TV
• Discovering Careers in the Creative Industries
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
• Planning your future
• Creating your Creative Career