Film Studies and Media Studies MPhil, PhD
24 monthsProgramme duration
16,700 GBPTuition Fee/year
02 Jul, 2026Application Deadline
Jan, Apr, SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Our PhD research programmes will allow you to join one of our research projects or explore your own interests in Film Studies and Media Studies, supported by the expertise of our staff.
You will be allocated two supervisors with additional staff members available if necessary. Our supervisors are experienced in most areas of film, media and popular culture, with a strong focus on digital media theory and practice, network culture and media research, cinema and sexuality, violence and spectatorship, contemporary European cinema, television genres, and popular music.
You will conduct your research in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment with strong links to research networks in our University and the wider community, including the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse, Kettle's Yard, and the University of Cambridge's Centre for Research into Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CRASSH).
We host and take part in many research-oriented events for staff and postgraduate students, including regular Faculty and departmental research seminars, book launches, gallery events, film screenings and international conferences. Our seminars will give you the chance to present papers in a supportive setting.
We are also key contributors to the Faculty’s Anglia Research Centre in Media & Culture (ARCMedia) and the StoryLab Research Group, who organise many events that you are welcome to attend, or even contribute to.
These networks, along with our online environment, will help you connect with other research students from a range of disciplines.
You could also benefit from financial support – we allocate a substantial sum every year towards postgraduate travel and conference expenses, as well as some bursaries.
All your subject-specific studies will be enhanced and supported by our University-wide training sessions, where you will gain important research expertise in areas like ethics, presentations, intellectual property and digital scholarship.
You will be allocated two supervisors with additional staff members available if necessary. Our supervisors are experienced in most areas of film, media and popular culture, with a strong focus on digital media theory and practice, network culture and media research, cinema and sexuality, violence and spectatorship, contemporary European cinema, television genres, and popular music.
You will conduct your research in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment with strong links to research networks in our University and the wider community, including the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse, Kettle's Yard, and the University of Cambridge's Centre for Research into Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CRASSH).
We host and take part in many research-oriented events for staff and postgraduate students, including regular Faculty and departmental research seminars, book launches, gallery events, film screenings and international conferences. Our seminars will give you the chance to present papers in a supportive setting.
We are also key contributors to the Faculty’s Anglia Research Centre in Media & Culture (ARCMedia) and the StoryLab Research Group, who organise many events that you are welcome to attend, or even contribute to.
These networks, along with our online environment, will help you connect with other research students from a range of disciplines.
You could also benefit from financial support – we allocate a substantial sum every year towards postgraduate travel and conference expenses, as well as some bursaries.
All your subject-specific studies will be enhanced and supported by our University-wide training sessions, where you will gain important research expertise in areas like ethics, presentations, intellectual property and digital scholarship.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Our PhD research programmes will allow you to join one of our research projects or explore your own interests in Film Studies and Media Studies, supported by the expertise of our staff.
You will be allocated two supervisors with additional staff members available if necessary. Our supervisors are experienced in most areas of film, media and popular culture, with a strong focus on digital media theory and practice, network culture and media research, cinema and sexuality, violence and spectatorship, contemporary European cinema, television genres, and popular music.
You will conduct your research in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment with strong links to research networks in our University and the wider community, including the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse, Kettle's Yard, and the University of Cambridge's Centre for Research into Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CRASSH).
We host and take part in many research-oriented events for staff and postgraduate students, including regular Faculty and departmental research seminars, book launches, gallery events, film screenings and international conferences. Our seminars will give you the chance to present papers in a supportive setting.
We are also key contributors to the Faculty’s Anglia Research Centre in Media & Culture (ARCMedia) and the StoryLab Research Group, who organise many events that you are welcome to attend, or even contribute to.
These networks, along with our online environment, will help you connect with other research students from a range of disciplines.
You could also benefit from financial support – we allocate a substantial sum every year towards postgraduate travel and conference expenses, as well as some bursaries.
All your subject-specific studies will be enhanced and supported by our University-wide training sessions, where you will gain important research expertise in areas like ethics, presentations, intellectual property and digital scholarship.
You will be allocated two supervisors with additional staff members available if necessary. Our supervisors are experienced in most areas of film, media and popular culture, with a strong focus on digital media theory and practice, network culture and media research, cinema and sexuality, violence and spectatorship, contemporary European cinema, television genres, and popular music.
You will conduct your research in a collaborative interdisciplinary environment with strong links to research networks in our University and the wider community, including the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse, Kettle's Yard, and the University of Cambridge's Centre for Research into Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CRASSH).
We host and take part in many research-oriented events for staff and postgraduate students, including regular Faculty and departmental research seminars, book launches, gallery events, film screenings and international conferences. Our seminars will give you the chance to present papers in a supportive setting.
We are also key contributors to the Faculty’s Anglia Research Centre in Media & Culture (ARCMedia) and the StoryLab Research Group, who organise many events that you are welcome to attend, or even contribute to.
These networks, along with our online environment, will help you connect with other research students from a range of disciplines.
You could also benefit from financial support – we allocate a substantial sum every year towards postgraduate travel and conference expenses, as well as some bursaries.
All your subject-specific studies will be enhanced and supported by our University-wide training sessions, where you will gain important research expertise in areas like ethics, presentations, intellectual property and digital scholarship.
Admission Requirements
176+
6.5+
120+
61+
88+
MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.
Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.
If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.
Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.
If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
02 Jul 2026
2 Years
Jan
Apr
Tuition fees
Domestic
5,005 GBP
International
16,700 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
By Sabrina Collier
Updated Aug 29, 2024
986.3K
2237
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
By Staff Writer
Updated Aug 21, 2024
500.1K
788
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
By Laura Tucker
Updated Aug 14, 2021
226.1K
335
More programmes from the university
PHD Programmes
1648
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme