MA Film Studies

Program Overview

The MA in Film Studies at the University of Leeds is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed for individuals passionate about exploring cinema from a critical perspective. The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of film studies, blending theoretical, historical, and practical approaches to the study of cinema. Students are encouraged to examine the global impact of film, considering its aesthetic, cultural, and socio-political dimensions. With a combination of core modules, optional subjects, and a final dissertation project, students are provided with the tools to analyze films from a variety of perspectives, including genre, history, and the role of film in contemporary society. The program’s flexible structure ensures that students can tailor their studies to their specific interests in film theory, criticism, history, and production.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA in Film Studies at Leeds is carefully designed to provide both depth and breadth in the study of film. Core modules typically include Film Theory, History of Cinema, and Research Methods in Film Studies, which provide students with the foundation to analyze films critically and academically. Students also have the opportunity to choose from a wide array of optional modules that cover various genres, periods, and geographical contexts, such as Contemporary World Cinema, Hollywood and American Cinema, and European Cinema. The program also emphasizes the development of research skills, with students required to complete an independent dissertation on a topic of their choosing, supported by one-on-one supervision from experienced faculty members.

Research Focus: Research in Film Studies at the University of Leeds is at the forefront of global cinema studies. The university is recognized for its innovative research in film theory, history, and practice, with particular strengths in areas such as the history of cinema, film theory and philosophy, gender and film, and the study of film in the digital age. Leeds’ film research focuses on the cultural, social, and political significance of film, as well as its role in shaping and reflecting global movements. The program offers students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research, with faculty members who are experts in diverse fields such as film philosophy, transnational cinema, and the role of cinema in postcolonial studies. Students are encouraged to contribute to ongoing research projects and to conduct original studies in their areas of interest.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key aspect of the MA in Film Studies program at Leeds. The university has established strong links with the media, film, and creative industries, offering students valuable opportunities for internships, industry placements, and collaboration with professionals in the field. Students benefit from guest lectures and seminars by leading film critics, directors, producers, and academics, providing them with insights into the practical aspects of the film industry. Leeds also has partnerships with local film festivals, cinema organizations, and cultural institutions, offering students further opportunities for industry involvement and networking. This hands-on approach ensures that students gain a practical understanding of the film industry, while also building connections that can support their future careers.

Global Perspective: The MA in Film Studies at the University of Leeds offers a truly global perspective on cinema, recognizing that film is a universal medium that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. The program encourages students to explore cinema from around the world, examining how different cultural, political, and social contexts shape filmmaking practices and audience reception. Students engage with global film traditions, from Hollywood and European cinema to contemporary cinema from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The university’s international outlook is further enriched by its diverse student body, which fosters a global exchange of ideas, and its extensive network of global partners in the film industry. The program prepares students to critically analyze and understand the global flow of films, helping them to appreciate how cinema functions as a dynamic and influential global language.