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MA for Research in Film and Television Studies (MA) (2024 Entry)

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Explore our MA for Research in Film and Television Studies Master's degree.

The MA for Research in Film and Television Studies offers those with a background in Film and Television Studies more flexibility to choose which of Warwick's world-leading scholars they wish to work with. Film and Television Studies has a worldwide reputation for the quality of its teaching and research within the fields of film and television aesthetics, history and theory.


Course overview

This course is designed for students with an academic background in film and/or television studies. Applicants will 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.

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.


General entry requirements

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. This supplementary material can be uploaded in one document to your application.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • 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.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

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:

  • Film Cultures
  • Queer + Trans Theories of Film and Television
  • Film and Social Change
  • Bio-pics
  • Almodovar
  • US TV Comedy
  • Issues in Documentary
  • Postcolonial Film
  • Sound Cultures
  • Global Visions
  • Television History and Aesthetics

Read more about the core and optional modules for this course on the Film and Television Studies website.Link opens in a new window

Teaching

Three taught modules, plus one independent study module designed in consultation with a supervisor and a 20,000 word dissertation.

The core elements of the Film and Television Studies curricula are supported by a programme of research seminars (departmental staff, PhD students and visiting speakers) and a wide range of screenings. As postgraduate students, you are an important part of the research culture of the department.

The programme includes dedicated Skills Training and Research Workshops that will equip you with the necessary academic skills to excel in Master’s assignments, develop your scholarly practice, and prepare you for PhD applications.


Class sizes

We have a superb staff-student ratio: for example, our taught MA is normally restricted to twenty students whilst there are thirteen full-time members of staff, and all MA students are allocated a personal tutor.


Typical contact hours

There is an average of 16 contact hours per week.


Assessment

Combination of assessed essays and a 20,000 word dissertation.


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Your career

Graduates have pursued roles such as: arts officers, educators, 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, Sky Studios 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

Film and Television Studies at Warwick

See the world through the lens of film.

The moving image is the most significant art form of the twentieth century. By studying it, you will develop a unique way of understanding the world you live in. You will be exposed to a diverse film and television culture at the forefront of change as our means of viewing evolve. Whether it's a pure passion for the moving image, its stars, genres and history, or academic curiosity that excites you, follow a curriculum that’s as ambitious and innovative as Film and Television Studies are.

From day one, you will be taught by the country’s leading scholars through state-of-the-art lectures, seminars and individual tutorial supervisions. Think, live and breathe the moving image through discussion, reading, writing, blogging, video-essays and screenwriting.

Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window


Our courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your taught course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

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Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.