Film and Television Studies (MA)
Find out more about our Film and Television Studies taught Master's degree at Warwick
The MA in Film and Television Studies at the University of Warwick has led graduates into diverse and creative roles within a wide range of industries. Warwick's Film and Television Studies has a worldwide reputation for the quality of its teaching and research within the fields of film and television aesthetics, history and theory.
Course overview
Film and Television Studies at Warwick is internationally recognised as one of the leading programmes in the field, offering an unparalleled training in the study of audiovisual media as cultural, historical, and aesthetic forms.
You will learn from leading scholars in the field through exciting modules that explore film theory, history, style, genre, representation, and global film cultures. Rooted in the critical traditions of the humanities, the curriculum draws on a wide range of methodologies, offering an alternative to media industry- and communications-based approaches.
The programme provides a rigorous training in textual analysis alongside the historical and methodological study of film and television. Through research-led teaching and specialised skills training, students develop competencies including critical thinking, interpretation and audiovisual literacy. In the final phase, students hone these skills through an independent dissertation under supervision, allowing for in-depth exploration of a specialised area of interest.
The course equips students with a solid foundation in film and television studies. It fosters advanced research and analytical skills essential for careers in media and cultural sectors, or for those preparing for further academic study.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in an adjacent subject.
All applicants are asked to provide us with a sample piece of written work of around 1,500-3,000 words (preferably, though not necessarily, on a film/TV-related subject) and a short (c. 200-300 words) description of the kind of research topic(s) they would be interested in studying for the mandatory 15,000 word dissertation undertaken by our students on the MA in Film and Television Studies.
For a speedier decision on your application, we advise you to provide us with these supplementary documents when you apply. This supplementary materials can be uploaded in one document to your application.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. 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 pageLink opens in a new window.
Academic References
We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
View our guide to academic references.Link opens in a new window
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
Teaching
During the Autumn term you will take a core module, Advanced Methods in Screen Studies: Analysis, History, Theory , where a number of staff will introduce key methodological and conceptual approaches, often drawing on elements of their own research . You then choose three further optional modules taken over the first two terms (one in the Autumn term and two in the Spring term).
The core elements of the Film and Television Studies curricula are supported by a programme of research seminars (departmental staff, PhD students and visiting speakers) and the wide range of screenings for other courses and more generally on campus. As postgraduate students, you are an important part of the research culture in the department.
The programme also includes dedicated sessions in Skills Training and Research Workshops that will equip you with the necessary academic skills to excel in Master’s assignments, develop your scholarly aptitude and prepare you for PhD applications
Class sizes
We have a superb staff-student ratio: for example, our taught MA is normally restricted to twenty students whilst there are seventeen full-time members of staff, and all MA students are allocated a personal tutor.
Typical contact hours
There is an average of 16 contact hours per week.
Assessment
A combination of assessed essays and a 15,000 word dissertation.
Reading lists
If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platformLink opens in a new window.
You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue.
Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career
Our degrees equip you with the skills and experiences needed to excel in your career. With access to exceptional career services, industry connections, and global opportunities, we’ll inspire and help you to aim high and achieve your goals. Our guidance ensures you graduate as a well-rounded professional ready for lifelong success.
The median salary for University of Warwick 2021/22 postgraduates whose main employment was full-time work in the UK was £38,000 (based on 971 respondents - 17% of the total postgraduate population)*.
Previous graduates from the Department of Film and Television Studies have gone on to work for employers such as*:
- StudioCanal
- Fox Searchlight
- All 4
- Sky Studios
- Numerous academic appointments at UK and International universities
They have pursued occupations such as the following*:
- Archivists and curators
- Arts officers, producers and directors
- Human resources and industrial relations officers
*Derived from the Graduate Outcomes survey, 2021/22, carried out approximately 15 months after completion of studies.
Conducted annually, Graduate Outcomes Link opens in a new window collects information on the activities and perspectives of graduates. Contains HESA data: Copyright Jisc 2024. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
Helping you find the right career
Your career path is unique to you. Our university careers team offer personalised support to help you develop your skills, plan your career path, and get experience at any point during your time at Warwick, and after graduation.
Our department also has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant. They offer impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Working in Radio Film and TV
- Discovering Careers in the Creative Industries
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Planning your future
- Creating your Creative Career
Discover more about postgraduate careers support at Warwick.
Film and Television Studies at Warwick
See the world through the lens of film.
The moving image is the most significant art form of the twentieth century. By studying it, you will develop a unique way of understanding the world you live in. You will be exposed to a diverse film and television culture at the forefront of change as our means of viewing evolve. Whether it's a pure passion for the moving image, its stars, genres and history, or academic curiosity that excites you, follow a curriculum that’s as ambitious and innovative as Film and Television Studies are.
From day one, you will be taught by the country’s leading scholars through state-of-the-art lectures, seminars and individual tutorial supervisions. Think, live and breathe the moving image through discussion, reading, writing, blogging, video-essays and screenwriting.
Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window
Our courses
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.
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 2025/26 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 funding
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.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply checklist
Our how to apply checklist helps you prepare for your application.
I'm ready to apply
Learn more about the Applicant Portal.
Application deadlines
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2026 opens in Autumn 2025.
Applications close on 2 August 2026 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
Explore ways to connect with us
We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:
- Warwick hosted events
- Postgraduate Fairs
- Live chats
- Talk and Tours
- Department events