Program Overview

Overview

The Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs at Newcastle University offer students the opportunity to engage in original research and contribute to the field of film studies. The programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of film and its various aspects, including history, theory, and criticism.

How You'll Learn

The Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs are delivered by the School of Modern Languages, with the possibility of joint supervision with other schools. Students will work under the supervision of two members of research staff and will be expected to produce a thesis on a topic proposed by them. The programs are flexible, and attendance is agreed upon between the student and their supervisors, depending on the requirements of the research project.

Your Development

The Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs provide students with the opportunity to develop their research skills and contribute to the field of film studies. Students will have access to a range of resources, including professional-standard video and audio equipment, studio space, and AV-editing facilities. They will also be able to participate in film-related research seminars on campus, including the Research Group in Film and Media series and the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics visiting speaker series.

Research Areas

The Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs cover a range of research areas, including:

• Caribbean cinema
• Chinese-language cinema
• Contemporary Spanish and Latin American cinemas
• Film festivals
• Film Theory, History and Historiography: realism; documentary; Soviet, Russian and Eastern European film history and culture
• French cinema
• Japanese popular culture and anime
• Portuguese and Brazilian cinema

Your Future

The Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs prepare students for a range of careers, including academia, publishing, film-related organizations, and teaching in Higher or Further Education. Graduates of the program have gone on to academic positions in the UK and elsewhere, as well as careers in consultancy, publishing, and the creative industries.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked among the top universities globally, with 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading research. The university is also ranked among the top 140 universities globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Facilities

The Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs are based at the heart of Newcastle University's city-centre campus, providing students with access to a range of facilities, including:

• Professional-standard video and audio equipment
• Studio space and AV-editing facilities
• A mobile studio suite
• A dedicated postgraduate suite, including computers, workspaces, and a kitchen
• The Language Resource Centre and Philip Robinson Library, which hold extensive collections of international films and film magazines

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs vary depending on the student's status and the program they are enrolled in. The fees for the 2026 entry are as follows:

• MPhil (full-time): Not set
• MPhil (part-time): Not set
• PhD (full-time): Not set
• PhD (part-time): Not set
• International students: £24,400 per year

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs include:

• A 2:1 honors degree and preferably a merit master's degree, or an international equivalent, in a related subject
• A research proposal that links to the work of a supervisor or research group in the School
• English language requirements, which vary depending on the student's country of origin

Admissions Policy

The admissions policy for the Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs is designed to ensure that students have the necessary qualifications and experience to succeed in the program. The policy includes guidelines for the recognition of prior learning and credit transfer.

How to Apply

To apply for the Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs, students must submit a research proposal and meet the entry requirements. The application process includes:

• Submitting a research proposal that links to the work of a supervisor or research group in the School
• Meeting the entry requirements, including the English language requirements
• Paying a deposit of £1,500, or submitting an official letter of sponsorship, if required

Programme Codes

The programme codes for the Film Studies MPhil and PhD programs are as follows:

• MPhil (full-time): 7220F
• MPhil (part-time): 7220P
• PhD (full-time): 8220F
• PhD (part-time): 8220P

Using the Application Portal

The application portal provides instructions to guide students through the application process. Students can choose to start their application, save their details, and come back to complete it later. The portal will tell students what documents they need and how to upload them.