Program Overview

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Film and Cultural Management (MA)

About this course

Combine the study of film with a knowledge of cultural management on this MA Film and Cultural Management degree at the University of Southampton. You'll gain in-depth understanding of the film industry, film theory, and the modern cultural sector, focusing on how cultural management affects visual media. Prepare for a career in film, media or the arts.

On this UK master's course in film and cultural management you'll examine the importance that film has on society.

Depending on your choice of modules, you could study film-related topics such as:

• Festivals and specialist programming
• Policy
• Exhibition
• Marketing and audience development
• The role of film agencies

You'll gain real-world insight through case studies that draw on local, national and international examples, and study the subject in both national and global contexts.

The cultural sector plays an increasingly significant role in political, social and economic policy because of its potential to enhance cultural life while generating wealth.

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

• A part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Ruby Cheung, Associate Professor in Film Studies. Dr Cheung is an internationally recognised specialist in contemporary Hong Kong cinema, Chinese-language film industries and film festivals, and has published her research widely in these areas. Visit her staff profile to find out more about this work.

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in film or another arts subject.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

• Overall score: 6.5
• Reading: 6.0
• Writing: 6.0
• Speaking: 6.0
• Listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Course structure

On the full-time master’s course you’ll study for 12 months.

In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.

During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Learning and assessment

Learning

You’ll learn by a variety of methods. These include:

• Seminar discussion
• Oral presentations
• Tutorial consultations
• Essays
• Independent learning

Assessment

You’ll write a 4,000 to 4,500-word essay for each module.

We'll also assess you on oral presentations delivered as part of the cultural management and research skills modules.

Dissertation

You'll research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. This will demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during the course.

Your course tutor will provide advice and feedback on your progress.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Self-employed,
• Arts Organisations,
• museums,
• Galleries,
• Heritage Services,
• Digital and Print Media,
• Broadcasting,
• Journalism,
• Events Organisation,
• Theatres,
• Television Stations,
• Film Production Companies,
• Radio Stations,
• universities,
• Social Media Platforms,
• Advertising Agencies,
• PR Companies.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Film director
• Film and video editor
• Location manager
• Production designer
• Programme researcher
• Runner
• Camera operator
• Producer
• Production coordinator
• Screenwriter

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £27,800.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

40 scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.

How to apply

• Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
• Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
• Search for the course you want to apply for.
• Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
• Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
• Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• Your knowledge of the subject area
• Why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• How you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)