Program Overview

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MA Film and Television

Overview

This distinctive and exciting programme integrates textual and historical approaches to the study of film and television with filmmaking practice. As a student on this innovative course, you will engage with critical and theoretical perspectives and develop analysis skills at a high level. You will also have the opportunity to learn the skills of filmmaking, working intensively in small groups to explore narrative and aesthetic possibilities and gain insights into the craft and industry of screen media. You will encounter a range of different research methods and be supported as you progress to independent learning and individual practice.

The University of Bristol has more than 40 years of experience in this field and the programme draws on the expertise of world-leading scholars, expert practitioners and industry professionals. The Department of Film and Television hosts a series of research seminars and industry talks designed to enrich your studies. Our facilities include two cinemas, production studios, animation and edit suites, seminar rooms and sound rooms.

Bristol is an excellent city in which to study film and television, with its varied cinema, television and digital media spaces, such as the Arnolfini, BBC Bristol, Cube Microplex and Watershed Media Centre. Bristol's harbourside is home to an array of film festivals, including the Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, the Slapstick Festival and the Afrika Eye Festival.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time; Two years part-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025; Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MA

Programme Structure

The programme has been designed to develop your skills and knowledge cumulatively, while allowing you the opportunity to tailor your learning to your own areas of interest.

In the first term, you will be taught skills and techniques of written formal analysis. You will have the option to learn the core skills of practical filmmaking. These units will provide the foundation for optional units, many of which will incorporate elements of intensive practice alongside more traditional critical and theoretical learning. In the second term, you will develop an understanding of research approaches, which will provide you with the necessary foundation to progress to the dissertation stage.

Optional units may vary but will draw on departmental expertise and specialisms such as aesthetics, animation, cinematography, directing, documentary, editing, national cinemas, screen histories, television drama, and writing for the screen. You will also be able to choose from a wider range of units available within the Faculty.

At the dissertation stage you will choose from three options: taking up an industrial placement, for which you will also produce a written element; writing an extended essay on a film and/or television topic of your choice; or producing a piece of practice either individually or in a team (usually a short film or a film essay) to be accompanied by individual written reflection. All dissertation options will be supervised by one or more academic advisers.

World-leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

• An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Film Studies (theory). Essay-based subjects are also considered, inclusive of: English Literature, History, Comparative Literature, Philosophy, Anthropology, Law, Politics, Theology, or Classical Studies discipline.
• Degrees outside this list must include a 2:1 or equivalent in at least four modules which demonstrate theoretical understanding and written analysis of either Literature, Film and Television, or Art at undergraduate level. We would also consider a balance of theoretical and practical modules to demonstrate this experience, however only a maximum of two practical modules will be considered.
• If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
• We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have at least one of the following:
  • Evidence of significant, relevant work experience (one year FT or two years PT, either paid or unpaid) in one of the following sectors: Film and Television, Journalism/Publishing/Teaching in relevant industry (eg: Film / Criticism / TV / Arts / Culture), or Theatre Practitioner.
  • A relevant postgraduate qualification.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time: £14,600 per year
• Home: part-time (two years): £7,300 per year
• Overseas: full-time: £30,800 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Funding and Scholarships

• MyWorld Scholarships: UK offer holders for this programme may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £5,000 towards their tuition fees.

Career Prospects

Graduates of film and television at Bristol have taken up a broad variety of careers, including filmmakers, programme researchers, senior academics, broadcasting executives, journalists, festival programmers, screenwriters, editors and developing commissioners.