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MPhil/PhD in Film and/or Television Studies (2022 Entry)

About this research graduate course

Course overview

A PhD in Film and/or Television Studies will help you to shape the field of moving image studies, as you develop original research which intervenes in the most exciting and relevant discipline in the Arts and Humanities.

In partnership with your dedicated supervisor or supervisory team, you will be supported on your journey to becoming a fully independent researcher in screen studies. You will be able to take advantage of the unparalleled resources our Department has to offer, from global experts in film and television history, theory and criticism, to 35mm film projection and a digital editing suite. You will join a vibrant and international community of scholars, with the opportunity to participate in an exciting programme of research seminars and professional development and training events.

Teaching and learning

Doctoral Studies in Film and Television Studies proceeds through regular meetings between the student and their PhD supervisor or supervisory team, with the additional resource of a designated mentor. Together, you will design and develop your topic and the structure of your thesis, refining your research and writing through a process of drafts and close commentary, constructive critique and discussion. In year one you will also be required to take Research Methods classes in order to deepen your knowledge of existing debates and methodologies in the field. The Department also offers teaching opportunities for PhD students from their second-year of study onwards, subject to availability and a formal application process in any given year.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

A good Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.


Additional requirements

Anyone interested in applying to our MPhil/PhD programme is advised to first visit the department PhD webpage for further information and contact our Postgraduate Admissions Secretaries at filmandtvadmissions at warwick dot ac dot uk to ascertain if their intended project can be supervised in this department.

Our research

  • Film and Television Aesthetics, History and Theory
  • Classical and Contemporary Hollywood Cinema
  • European Cinema (especially British, Italian, French and Spanish)
  • British and US Television
  • Documentary Film and Television
  • Silent Cinema
  • Feminist Film and Television Theory, History and Criticism
  • World Cinema
  • Queer Film Cultures
  • Film and Philosophy
  • Experimental Film and Video
  • Film and Television Genre
  • Film and Modernity
  • Film Technology and Innovation
  • Cities and Landscapes in Film and Television
  • Critical Studies of the Archive
  • Transnational Cinemas
  • Screen Ethics

The Department of Film and Television Studies is the home of The Centre for Television Histories. There are often opportunities for graduate students to be involved in associated activities.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

We currently have 14 full-time members of staff with many research strengths who could be your supervisors. We usually welcome up to 5 PhD students every year.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

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Department content block about department

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

Sign up for Live Chats

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Connect with us

Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.