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Applied Screen Studies: Practice as Research (MPhil/PhD)

Find out more about our PhD in Applied Screen Studies (by partial Practice as Research) degree at Warwick

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P-P30A

MPhil/PhD

3-4 years full-time;
7 years part-time

5 October 2026

Film and Television Studies

University of Warwick

This PhD enables students to incorporate practice into their doctoral study, taking an approach which understands practice as a mode of research, or as the application of research.

The project must be led by clear research questions, with the practice element working as a means to investigate, challenge or respond to those questions. The practice element can take a variety of forms and proportions (with a minimum of 30% and a maximum of 50%), but in all cases represents the exploration of critical, theoretical or historical issues in Film and Television/Screen Studies, through a practice-based output.

The various forms of this applied screen practice include, but are not limited to:

• A critical video essay
• A moving image and/or audio documentary or experimental film
• Curated screenings
• An exhibition of creative works or artefacts
• A digital installation
• An innovative collaboration with a partner institution
• An engagement and impact project at regional, national and/or international level

The balance between written and practical elements in this PhD will depend on the form that the applied practice takes. Those making a documentary, for example, might produce a 40,000 word written piece that would represent 50% of their PhD.

Those pursuing a more traditional research-driven written doctoral project would produce a 55,000 word thesis and an 'applied research' portfolio, which translates the research into a set of screen-based impact and public engagement activities. This element would then represent 30% of the PhD.

At the mid-year review in year one, the student will present a case for the percentage split of their particular project between the written thesis and practice work. This is also the point at which the format of the practice element will be decided.

Teaching and learning

Doctoral Study in Applied Screen 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, and timetable for, your practice-based thesis. You will refine your research, writing and practice through a process of drafts and close commentary, constructive critique and discussion. 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. 

• 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
• Ecocinema

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

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

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

We currently have 17 full-time members of staffLink opens in a new window with many research strengths who could be your supervisors.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.Link opens in a new window

A good Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Experience and/or training in the field or form related to the practice element of the proposed research is welcome.

• 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.

Anyone interested in applying to our MPhil/PhD programme is advised to first visit the department PhD webpageLink opens in a new window for further information and contact our PhD Admissions Tutor, Prof Michele Aaron, at m.aaron@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window, to ascertain if their intended project can be supervised in this department.