Postgraduate courses in Film Studies

Have you a love for cinema and films? Are you looking for a career in the media world or film production? 

Well, look no further. A postgraduate course in Film Studies might be exactly what you are looking for.

Trying to begin your research into a new course can sometimes be a bit tough and overwhelming. There’s no need to worry, we’ve all the basic information you need to make a start.

What is Film Studies?

Film Studies is an academic discipline that looks at various theoretical, historical and critical approaches to films. It involves exploring the narrative, artistic, cultural, economic and political implications of the cinema. 

Courses

There are many courses on offer across the UK and many similar to each other but differing in titles and some content they might cover. Some courses may also offer the opportunity to study either part time or full full time. Examples of courses are: 

Film Studies

A postgraduate course in film studies will provide the opportunity to study film theory, history and culture and applied practice. Students will acquire skills such as participatory video, sound design, film curation and programming as well as the basic knowledge of film and cinema. 

Film and television

Courses which combine film and television will explore the cultural, philosophical and historical factors of the film and television industry. These courses will give students the opportunity to be creative and to acquire the skills and knowledge they will need in the industry as well as studies on global film and television markets. 

Filmmaking 

There are quite a number of courses in filmmaking on offer across the UK. These courses have a hands-on approach to film making and look at directing, producing, editing, screenwriting, cinematography and sound. Filmmaking courses are based around more practical work rather than the study of different theories and history such as seen in general Film Studies degrees. 

There are many more course options in this field to choose from such as Moving Image and Sound, Film Practice and Film Production, to name a few. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements may differ from course to course and University to University. While specific requirements for each course can be found online on University websites and course overviews, the majority of courses will require a minimum of a 2.2 honours degree or some will require a 2.1 in film, humanities based courses or related fields. 

Career options 

Career options from a postgraduate degree in Film Studies include: 

• Film director
• Film/video editor
• Broadcast presenter
• Film/theatre/video production designer
• Programme researcher 
• Film/video producer
• Camera operation

Potential employers

Some typical employers of graduates of film studies are: 

• Large broadcasters (BBC, Sky etc)
• Independent production and film companies
• Film media
• Market research companies
• Cultural and Heritage industries
• Media organisations
• Freelance filmmaker

Salary expectation 

The salary of a film studies graduate depends massively on who they’re working with, what they’re working on or how often they’re working. For example, working with the BBC or large broadcasters may be a more financially beneficial job as opposed to working as a freelance filmmaker who might not have as many projects as frequently to work on. It is very dependent on these variables. 

Skills and requirements

• Communication skills
• Strong research skills
• A flexible approach to working
• Ability to articulate an opinion
• Skills in critical analysis
• Innovative and creative
• Self disciplined
• Ability to develop ideas