Program Overview

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Overview

The Film Studies MLitt is an opportunity for students to pursue research that they are passionate about. It combines taught elements to develop subject knowledge and research-based elements to encourage skills as a researcher.

What You'll Learn

Taught modules aim to extend students' knowledge and skills beyond undergraduate-level and help to develop their research skills.

Modules

Students will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

• Compulsory Modules | Credits
  • Information Skills | 10
  • Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences | 20
  • The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge | 10
  • Modern Languages MLitt Research Assignments | 80
  • Modern Languages MLitt Dissertation | 80

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods This Film Studies MLitt course is delivered by the School of Modern Languages (SML), with the possibility of joint supervision with other schools. SML is located in the heart of Newcastle University’s city-centre campus. Attendance is flexible and agreed between students and their supervisors depending on the requirements of the research project.

Study consists mainly of tutorials and independent learning supported by research training. Supervisors will advise applicants on how to develop their research proposals, help them identify gaps in the subject knowledge and research skills, and work in dialogue with them to develop their project.

The MLitt includes a formal research training component where students develop research skills and methodologies (20 credits).

Full-time students are expected to undertake 40 hours of work per week with an annual holiday entitlement of 35 days (including statutory and bank holidays). Part-time study requires a commitment of at least 20 hours per week.

Assessment Methods

Depending on the modules, students will be assessed through a combination of:

• Dissertation
• Portfolio

Additional assessment information

• Dissertation – a longer piece of academic writing that allows students to explore a subject of their choosing in depth and over a longer period of time
• Research portfolio (essays or other research assignments)

As part of the Film Studies MLitt, students will submit a portfolio of essays or other research assignments chosen according to their interests and experience. They undertake a dissertation of 16,000 - 18,000 words consisting of a sustained piece of original research.

Their supervisor will be an expert in their chosen field. Students will also receive support from an experienced research supervisor.

Your Future

Further Study

This course is an ideal route into PhD level study. A number of graduates have gone on to funded PhD study at Newcastle University and elsewhere.

Careers

Specific career pathways will depend on the area of study. This programme will provide students with essential transferable skills: independence and initiative, resilience, planning and time management, as well as developing their research, presentation and communication skills to a high level.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the university's research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

During their studies, students will be based right at the heart of Newcastle University’s city-centre campus. This gives them access to the university's fantastic and unique local film facilities. These include the only archive of Chinese indie film in the world (CIFA), housed at the University, as well as Newcastle's historic Tyneside Cinema and the community volunteer-run Star and Shadow Cinema.

As students, they will have access to:

• Professional-standard video and audio equipment, studio space and AV-editing facilities
• Specialist computing facilities, including industry-standard software, such as Adobe Creative Suite
• A mobile studio suite
• A dedicated postgraduate suite including computers, workspaces and a kitchen

The Language Resource Centre and Philip Robinson Library hold extensive collections of international films and film magazines.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (per year)

• Qualification: MLitt Full time
  • Home students: Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set
  • International students: Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £24,400
• Qualification: MLitt Part time
  • Home students: Part time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set

Scholarships

The university supports its EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

A 2:1 honours degree (or higher), or international equivalent, in a related subject area. A 1,000-word research proposal and a full transcript are required. Students may also be called for an interview.

English Language Requirements

Students can check the English language requirements for their qualification.

Admissions Policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about the university's admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow students to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Students can find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.