Film Studies with AudioVisual PhD

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,390 / year

Next Intake January-2026

Film Studies with AudioVisual PhD

About

Course overview

Enhance your film-making skills on our practice-based Film Studies with Audio-Visual PhD. Film and edit your own practical output (a documentary, feature or portfolio of video work) to demonstrate your research. You'll be supported by academics specialising in Film Studies, plus experienced media technicians and screenwriters.

Explore and examine how film can be used to interrogate, teach and learn about the world. You'll bring together your creative, technical and critical abilities, completing the PhD with an original piece of film and a critical analysis.

Course structure

It usually takes three years (full-time) or six years (part-time) to complete a PhD.

The first year (or part-time equivalent) of a PhD usually includes a literature review specific to your documentary film and written defence topic. You'll begin to undertake your research and relevant training. Your practical output and written defence are usually produced in stages over the course of your PhD, and you’ll receive regular feedback.

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Course information for prospective postgraduate students on our Film Studies Audio-Visual PhD doctoral research degree programme at the University of Birmingham.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Career

The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Over the past five years, 94% of Film Studies postgraduates were in work and/or further study six months after graduation. Postgraduates in the Department of Film and Creative Writing develop a range of skills including: the ability to lead and participate in discussions; critical thinking, and an appreciation of different theoretical contexts; the ability to develop opinions and new ideas; and an aptitude for thinking and working creatively with others. While some graduates go on to careers in related industries - such as writing, media and television - others have used their transferable skills to pursue roles such as advertising, teaching, and in the heritage and cultural sectors.