PhD Film Studies
University of Essex
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
4 options available
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

Colchester Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

APR-25

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Duration

4 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

APR-25

Duration

4 years

SELECTED

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

4 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

7 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

APR-25

Duration

7 years

SELECT

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Drama, Dance & Cinematics
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EU
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Course info

Our Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies offers supervision for PhD Film Studies in all areas of our wide-ranging staff research expertise, including an exceptional variety of approaches to global film and media. You can explore different world cinemas and research the history of film, film theory, comparative and new media, festivals, and media platforms, as well as contexts of film and media production and reception. The breadth of our staff expertise will enable you to ...Read more

Our Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies offers supervision for PhD Film Studies in all areas of our wide-ranging staff research expertise, including an exceptional variety of approaches to global film and media. You can explore different world cinemas and research the history of film, film theory, comparative and new media, festivals, and media platforms, as well as contexts of film and media production and reception. The breadth of our staff expertise will enable you to undertake research which is interdisciplinary and innovative in nature, and you will be supported throughout your studies by regular contact with your supervisor and advisory board.

Assessment

From the first day of your research within our department, we encourage you to plan your work so that you can expect to submit your thesis for examination by the end of three years. A typical first year of undertaking research within our department would involve developing a statement in which you will define the aims, theories and methods proposed for the thesis, an indicative bibliography and a timetable for the thesis completion. During this year, you will start collecting your primary and secondary research material according to your chosen topic and timeline.

Your typical second year should involve continuing to investigate and write. In this second year (or the end of your third year, if studying part-time), your first supervisory board of the year will be your Confirmation Board. This will review the evidence to confirm whether you should progress and whether your work is at PhD level. After confirmation of your status, you should undertake further substantial research and writing over the next 12 months.

In a typical third year, you should complete the writing of your chapters and revise your work into a final version ready for submission.

Your future

Our graduates have gone on to undertake successful careers in production and academia, as well as other careers. Other past students in the Department are now established as university lecturers, teachers, publishers, publishers’ editors, journalists, arts administrators, theatre artistic directors, and translators.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
35/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
27th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
30th
What students say
M
Mandy-Jean
13 Dec 24

I’ve not had any bad experiences but my best was firework..Read more

R
Rebecah
29 Feb 24

The student life and campus are amazing, it’s a safe space full of fun things to do...Read more

Modules

Module Options
Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

You will need a good Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject. Some applicants may be accepted on the basis of an outstanding honours degree. A well-developed research proposal is also essential.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£18,750 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£18,750 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Film Studies reviews

Film Studies
Film Studies
M
Mandy-Jean
13 Dec 24
Film Studies BA (Hons)
I’ve not had any bad experiences but my best was firework...
Read more
R
Rebecah
29 Feb 24
Film Studies (Including Foundation Year) BA (Hons)
The student life and campus are amazing, it’s a safe space full of fun things to do....
Read more
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How Film Studies students rated:

Student rating
( 3.8) 21 reviews
5 star
15%
4 stars
58%
3 stars
23%
2 stars
0%
1 star
4%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 2,100 reviews
5 star
42%
4 stars
45%
3 stars
12%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

University of Essex
University of Essex , Colchester

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of research innovation and global change....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Essex
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

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