Film, Photography and Media MA
Year of entry 2026
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 months full time
- 24 months part time
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons)
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- UK fees
- £12,500 (Total)
- International fees
- £29,500 (Total)
- Contact
- mediapg@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This course allows you to think about the critical and creative relationships between film, photography and the media, while developing your skills to produce projects of your own.
You'll complete a major independent project, supported by modules that put your practice into the context of contemporary debates. You’ll explore the different critical approaches to the making and consumption of photography and film, to inform the short film and photography projects you’ll work on.
The flexibility of this course allows you to choose from optional modules that suit your personal and career aspirations. You could study cultural policy, international film industries, film and TV writing, feminism in the media and more.
The content of the course modules is informed by the research interests and practice of academic staff who teach them. This represents the School’s unique approach to combining theory and practice. Please note that this is not a vocational training course.
Please refer to the application deadlines.
Facilities
Our School has a range of fantastic facilities to support your studies. Our 58-seat cinema is equipped with Dolby Digital sound, high-definition projection facilities and projectors for 16mm and 35mm film.
You can work on your own projects in our 44 editing suites, equipped with Avid Media Composer editing software and Adobe Creative Cloud. Our fully equipped TV studio has a large green screen area, lighting and photo-flash facilities. We have a track and dolly, sliders, Glidecam, cranes and a photographic darkroom.
We run a loans service where you can borrow HD digital camcorders and Canon stills cameras to help with your project work.
The School of Media and Communication is host to world-leading expertise. Current staff interests include (but are not limited to) experimental documentary and essay film, practice-as-research, feminist media practice, visual sociology and ethnography, and the poetics of space. Students have access to state-of-the-art film and photography facilities under the guidance of a highly skilled technical team.
You'll also have access to Helix, the University's learning innovation hub for students, staff, and the local community. Located in the heart of campus, Helix offers cutting-edge digital provision, including immersive technologies, multimedia production studios, as well as a physical makerspace. You'll be able to bring your own initiatives and ideas to life through collaboration, creation and innovation.
Course details and modules
The whole course is based around a major independent project, in which you can create a short film, or photography project. Alternatively, you can choose to complete a written dissertation, whilst taking classes to develop your knowledge of research methods to support your work.
Both the core and optional modules you study throughout the course provide you with the theoretical, critical and contextual knowledge you need to inform your project, as well as further developing your creative and technical skills in filmmaking and photography.
You'll study two core modules on the course. One will explore the creative and critical links between photography and cinema, allowing you to work on a short film project. The other will explore the historical development of photographic creative practice, within contemporary issues and debates.
Alongside these modules, you'll also be able to choose from a range of options, enabling you to engage in topics that interest you, from screenwriting, film industries around the world, to new media, cultural policy, communication and development, television narrative and more.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll complete the course over two years, instead of one, taking fewer modules each year.
Have a look at some student work produced on this course.
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cultures of Contemporary Photography | 30 |
| Film Theory and Practice | 30 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Debates in Media and Communication | 30 |
| Feminism, Identity and Media | 30 |
| Understanding the Audience | 30 |
| The Reporting of Politics | 30 |
| Identity and Culture | 30 |
| Urban Narratives | 30 |
Learning and teaching
We use learning methods that reflect the diversity of the course, including workshops, lectures, seminars, group learning, tutorials and film screenings. Independent study is a vital element of the course as this allows you to develop your skills and explore your creativity in practical work.
You'll be taught by active researchers in the field of film, photography and media. The research interests and practice of your tutors inform the content of the course.
Throughout the MA in Film, Photography and Media, inclusive learning approaches are used to engage you in critical thinking, debate, and collaboration. Various types of group work may be involved, including interactive lectures and forums for online discussion. This allows students to develop a deeper understanding of relevant topics and enables them to exercise their agency.
The course provides a student-centred, inclusive learning experience that accommodates different learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities. By creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and co-creation, we promote positive graduate ambitions. The course encourages the use of digital resources to provide you with access to a wide range of learning materials, including video tutorials, online resources and assignments.
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
We use different methods of assessment, some of which will depend on the modules you choose. This is to ensure that you can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in a wide variety of ways. Assessment methods may include e-portfolios of practical work, group and individual projects and reports, reflective and critical essays, exams, literature reviews, case studies, presentations, scripts and commentaries. Creative-critical assessments encourage innovation and experimentation with new techniques and different ideas.
Assessments are designed to enable students to practice transferable skills, including the ability to manage ongoing projects, communicate effectively, think critically, and collaborate. You'll be provided with feedback throughout each module to help you improve.
Applying
Entry requirements
You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a film, photography and media degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Film, Photography and Media related subjects'.
We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in film, photography and media, or coming from an area of expertise to which film, photography and media 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.
Please note that this course is not specifically ‘vocational’ (a technical skills-based experience), though it will provide you with regular technical support to help you to realise your creative aims within each module.
This course includes a substantial amount of theoretical study, so may not be suitable for those with largely practice-based backgrounds. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.
You may also be required to submit a portfolio of recent practical work. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application.
Film, Photography and Media related subjects
- Creative photography
- Film practice (fiction, documentary, experimental)
- Film studies/filmology
- Fine art (with photographic/time-based work)
- Media studies (with evidence of creative practice)
- Other creative subjects
Other Areas
- English literature (with creative practice)
- Animation
- Graphic design
- Architecture
- Communication design
- Marketing
- Theatre
- Performing arts
- Media production
- Journalism
- Creative writing
- Digital arts
- New media
- Computer science (multimedia)
- Advertising
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 Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (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 refer to specific examples related to your previous experiences, where possible.
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:
- Why does film and/or photography and/or lens-based media interest you?Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
- What are your specific areas of interest regarding film, photography and lens-based media?
- Why is the relationship between producing creative lens-based work and critical thinking/essay writing important?
- 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: digital content creation; web design; user experience design; digital marketing; social media management; multimedia production; graphic design; data visualisation; interaction design; digital analytics; app development; e-commerce; research assistance.
Next Steps
You may also be required to submit a portfolio of recent practical work. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application.
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.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
This course is taught by
School of Media and Communication
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Team
Email: mediapg@leeds.ac.uk
Fees
UK: £12,500 (Total)
International: £29,500 (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.
Head of School Masters Scholarships
We offer scholarships to applicants holding an offer to study a Masters at the School of Media and Communication in the form of tuition fee waivers.
To find out how to apply and to see all funding opportunities, visit our scholarship and funding opportunities page.
Career opportunities
This course will provide you with a broad knowledge base and creative skills across two important forms of media communication. You'll develop a critical awareness of the broader visual/ media culture to help you have a successful career in the media industries, including the creative and film industries, as well as roles in visual communication.
Additionally, the course’s emphasis on advanced skills in research, critical analysis, interpretation, presentation, and oral/ written communication will give you the skills you need to pursue a career in academia.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.