Film Studies MA

Course overview

Explore film from every angle and build skills that open doors across the creative industries.

A dynamic, practical look at film – from its history and global impact to the creative and industrial processes behind what we see on screen. You’ll study how cinema works, why it matters, and get the chance to try out practical skills like video‑essay making and festival curating.

Film shapes the way we see the world, and this course helps you understand that influence from a global, inclusive perspective. It aligns with the University’s commitment to decolonisation and global citizenship, giving students the tools to think critically, creatively, and internationally about the stories that shape society.

You can tailor your final project to what you love – deep‑dive research, creative work, or a mix of both. Whether you dream of film criticism, curation, production, or a broader creative career, the course equips you with versatile skills, confidence, and a strong portfolio to take into the next step.

“As one of world’s top universities, Leeds offers a range of academic modules that align with my passion and interest for film development, particularly in the realm of contemporary cinema.”

Novasari Widyaningsih, MA Film Studies

Why study at Leeds:

• Exceptional research resources: The University’s Special Collections hold rare documents, manuscripts and early printed materials—ideal for original, in‑depth research projects.
• High‑quality digital access: Students can use streaming platforms such as BFI Player and Kanopy through the University libraries, providing a broad catalogue of films for study.
• A vibrant regional film culture: Leeds and nearby Bradford both have deep, long‑standing histories in cinema and media.
• World‑class media institutions nearby: Bradford is home to the National Media Museum and the National New Media Collection, giving students direct access to significant film and digital culture archives.
• A hub for digital and creative innovation: Leeds and Bradford continue to lead in promoting digital culture, providing a dynamic environment for students interested in film, media and technology.
• A major international film festival on your doorstep: Leeds hosts a renowned international film festival every autumn, offering access to screenings, industry events and global filmmakers.
• Access to a wide world cinema collection: The Language Centre’s extensive lending library offers a rich range of foreign‑language films to support global film study.
• Purpose‑built screening spaces: Large‑screen lecture theatres allow students to experience films collectively, mirroring cinema settings for module screenings and discussion.
• A unique historic cinema experience: The Hyde Park Picture House—one of the UK’s oldest art‑house cinemas—is right in the city.

Course details and modules

You’ll benefit from the expertise of staff from across our large and diverse Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, approaching the study of film and cinema from a wide range of perspectives.

You’ll be equipped with the tools of film theory and history and will develop a critical awareness of technical aspects of the making, curation and distribution of films on this distinctive course. Your critical and creative thinking abilities and intellectual agility will be developed, as this course will cultivate skills and expertise in the design and implementation of independent projects.

A core module and an independent project draw on the unique range of expertise in the nine schools of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures.

You’ll further focus or diversify your interests, as this course is enriched by an evolving catalogue of optional modules taught by experts. All of your teaching will be informed by cutting-edge research, as Leeds has some of the world’s top scholars in film and cinema.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Film Studies MA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from a variety of learning and teaching styles. Your tutors are experts in their fields, so you’ll be able to benefit from their knowledge in lectures, small-group seminars, practical workshops and supervision meetings.

Independent learning is an important element of your studies, allowing you to build your research skills and think critically about the range of different sources you can access. We offer plenty of support on everything from choosing your modules to making the most of our excellent library resources. We also support in the form of bespoke academic literacies seminars, which run alongside your compulsory module Film Arts and Industries.

You’ll have regular opportunities to provide feedback on teaching, course content and what can be improved. You’ll be introduced to a range of literature, films and approaches. You’ll participate in inclusive safe spaces for critically engaged discussions on sensitive topics, such as gender, race, sexuality, politics - and their representation in film.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a varied range of assessment forms, including standard academic essays, video essays, literature reviews and independent projects. You may be assessed on the production of real-world resources, such as podcasts and film exhibitions, if appropriate to your skills and interests.

Certain optional modules also give you the opportunity to complete reflective logs and creative writing exercises as well as oral presentations.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a Film Studies related degree, specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Film Studies related subjects’.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in film studies, or coming from an area of expertise to which film studies is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

Film Studies related subjects

• Film
• Television
• Media
• Art and design
• Craft and design
• Cultural studies
• Digital design/arts
• Drama and theatre
• Fine arts
• Interactive media design
• Literature studies
• Media and communications
• Photography

Other areas

• Game design
• Graphic design
• History
• Languages
• Multimedia design
• Psychology
• Sociology

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

• What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
• Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
• What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
• How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
• Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
• What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: film, TV, radio, photography, performing and visual arts, design (graphic).

Next Steps

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

Support for part-time and mature learners

The Lifelong Learning Centre provides support for mature and part-time learners across the University, including advice on how to apply to university and support throughout your studies.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: lcspg@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £12,500 (Total)

International: £28,000 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

When you finish the course, you’ll have the skills to step into roles across film, media and the wider creative industries—or even start your own creative work. If you’re interested in studying further, you’ll be well prepared for a Master’s or PhD. And if teaching appeals, there’s growing demand for people who really understand film and media.

“As one of world’s top universities, Leeds offers a range of academic modules that align with my passion and interest for film development, particularly in the realm of contemporary cinema.”

Novasari Widyaningsih, MA Film Studies

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one — that’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. The University's Careers Service is one of the largest in the country, providing a wide range of resources to ensure you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Dedicated Employability Officer — gain quality advice, guidance and information to help you choose a career path. From CV and cover letter writing to supporting you with job applications, our School’s dedicated Employability Officer is on hand to help maximise your capabilities through a process of personal development and career planning.
• Employability and networking events — we run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry sponsors. 
• Employability skills training – to support your transition to the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers such as research and data analysis in all our programmes.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Guaranteed industry experience 

The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects. You’ll connect with leading companies across the globe to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical business challenges. 

Skills for your future

In a competitive job market, the combination of hard and soft skills provided by this course sets candidates apart. Employers value graduates who can not only run an analysis but also explain what it means for the business, influence decisions and deliver results. This programme ensures you leave ready to contribute as soon as you start your first job.

You’ll graduate with a range of professional skills that are highly valued by employers in this sector, including:

• Digital and data literacy - hands-on experience enabling you to work effectively in data-driven environments.
• Analysis and problem-solving – the ability to confidently interpret complex data, identify trends, and make evidence-based decisions
• Commercial awareness – an in-depth understanding of how analytical insights translate into strategic marketing actions and business growth. 
• Critical thinking and research– the ability to evaluate sources, challenge assumptions and apply rigorous research methods to marketing challenges
• Communication and collaboration – how to present insights persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences and work effectively in teams. 
• Time management and adaptability – be able to deliver results under pressure and adapt quickly to changing market or project demands. 
• Cultural and diversity awareness – how to apply consumer insights with sensitivity to different markets, cultures, and customer segments. 

Links with industry

This programme benefits from strong industry and professional links, supported by guest speakers, case studies, applied projects and our affiliation with the Consumer Data Research Centre. There’s a wealth of opportunity to gain valuable exposure to current industry practice and direct insights from practitioners, and you’ll develop your practical skills by working on a live data project from one of our partner businesses.

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.