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
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.
Course overview
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.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
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.
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
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.
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
- 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 a supervisor
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
Research proposals
To ascertain if a project can be supervised by one of our staff members in Film and Television Studies, we kindly ask prospective applicants to send the following:
- A research proposal of around 2,000 words containing title, research aims and questions, methodology, scope of the project, and an indicative bibliography.
- Your most updated CV.
- A sample of your best writing on film and/or television (a chapter from your Master’s dissertation, for example).
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.
Find your 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 research trips in the UK and overseas. In addition, you should consider the more general costs below:
- Access to research material that is not available via university resources
- Printing and binding a personal copy of your dissertation
- 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.
Applied Screen Studies: Practice as Research (MPhil/PhD) funding
International applicants (including EU students) are eligible for the Warwick Chancellor's International ScholarshipLink opens in a new window.
Applicants who hold a People’s Republic of China may also apply for the Warwick China Scholarship CouncilLink opens in a new window award.
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
How to apply checklist
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Application deadlines
Applications for courses starting in September and October 2026 are now open.
For research courses that start in September and October 2026, the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2026. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.
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