Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD in Film and Screen Media (Creative Practice)

The PhD in Film and Screen Media (Creative Practice) is a research-based program that combines practical and critical components. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must normally have obtained a standard of at least Second Class Honours, Grade I, in a relevant Master's degree.

Admission Criteria

• A relevant Master's degree such as Film Studies, Communications/Media, Art History, Creative Writing, English Literature, Modern Languages/Cultures, or History, with a standard of at least Second Class Honours, Grade I.
  • Alternatively, candidates with a Second Class Honours, Grade 1 in a relevant primary degree and evidence of advanced creative experience may also be considered.
• Evidence of advanced creative experience should constitute a substantial portfolio of relevant creative film or video work, of at least five years duration.

Program Structure

The PhD in Film and Screen Media (Creative Practice) has two main components: practical and critical.

• The practical component will be a body of practice-based work designed for exhibition, which may consist of a substantial, original, high-quality film or a coherent portfolio of practical film and screen media work.
• The critical component will consist of a critical discussion, based on a body of critical reading and reflection, exploring ideas, themes, and concepts that have a relationship with the creative work being undertaken.
  • This critical discussion should be written in tandem with the creative practice and will normally account for 40,000 words.
  • The choice of form for this part of the thesis will be at the discretion of the candidate, in consultation with the supervisor, and possibilities include explicit reflection on the creative process or the academic thesis.

Research Areas

The program allows for individual research choices, and the relationship between the practical and critical components will depend on these choices. The critical discussion should explore ideas, themes, and concepts related to the creative work, and the overall dissertation should address the relationship between the practical and critical components.