Film - MA
Canterbury Campus, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Film
University of Kent
Film Studies
MA Film at the University of Kent: Program Overview
The MA Film at the University of Kent offers a thorough grounding in postgraduate-level film studies, engaging you with the key elements that make up the diverse nature of film and moving images. The University of Kent was one of the first universities in the UK to introduce Film Studies as an academic programme, as early as 1977, and has a long tradition of integrating history, theory, and criticism with practice.
On this programme you will develop the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in careers across film criticism, curation, marketing, production, and research. You will gain the analytical and practical abilities essential for today's job market, exploring core disciplinary methods and key theoretical approaches while also developing hands-on competencies in areas such as video-essay creation and presenting skills.
The programme culminates in a dissertation, giving you the opportunity to explore a specific area of interest in depth. You will benefit from teaching by a team of internationally recognised researchers and filmmakers who bring scholarly depth, practical experience, and real-world insight to the classroom.
Key Program Highlights
- One of the UK's longest-established Film Studies departments, with a heritage dating back to 1977 and a pioneering approach to combining theory with practice.
- Excellent industry links with the British Film Institute, Arts Council England, the Independent Cinema Office, and Kent Film Office, providing guest lectures, workshops, and placements.
- Option to study between Canterbury and Paris, with the spring term available at the University of Kent's Paris centre, allowing immersion in French film culture.
- Arts at Kent achieved 100% 'world leading' assessments for both impact and research environment in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Film curriculum is designed to develop advanced analytical, critical, and practical skills in film studies. You will study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, with the flexibility to customise your programme and explore subject areas that interest you most.
Research in Film Studies
30 creditsEngage with pressing research questions and current lines of inquiry in the discipline. With access to the international expertise and cutting-edge research of the university's film staff, you will explore one specialist topic in depth.
Film Form, Style and Technique
30 creditsExplore how films communicate ideas, convey narratives, and build story worlds. You will be trained to communicate confidently and professionally about film form, style, and technique in a variety of spoken, written, and audio-visual formats.
Writing Film Studies
30 creditsReflect on the connection between innovation and writing, and your own development as a researcher. You will refine and develop the skills of constructing sophisticated arguments that engage critically with appropriate scholarship.
Decolonising Film Histories
30 creditsExplore the history of world cinema with a focus on diverse film industries including South American, African, and Asian national cinemas. The module situates non-Western cinema histories in the context of imperialism and colonialism.
Specialist Topic in Film
30 creditsCritically engage in an active area of research, with the specific topic varying from year to year according to the convenor's area of expertise. You will reflect upon how new knowledge is created and contextualise your own ideas within scholarly debates.
Dissertation
60 creditsThe programme culminates in a substantial dissertation, giving you the opportunity to explore a specific area of film studies in depth and demonstrate your advanced research and critical analysis skills.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The MA Film programme welcomes applicants with a background in film or a related humanities subject. All applicants are considered on an individual basis, and additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience may also be taken into account. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on your eligibility and to begin your application.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA first or second class honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant humanities subject, or international equivalent.
- Academic Writing SampleA sample of academic writing, such as an essay from your undergraduate degree, must be submitted with your application.
- Non-Traditional ApplicantsCandidates who have not followed a conventional education path or who have relevant industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Personal StatementA statement explaining your reasons for study, minimum 100 words, outlining your academic interests and career goals in film.
- ReferencesAt least one academic reference supporting your application and confirming your suitability for postgraduate study.
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.5 with no component below 6.0
- TOEFL iBTOverall score of 90 with minimum 21 in each component
- PTE AcademicOverall score of 62 with no component below 55
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Kent offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support international and domestic postgraduate students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for the most suitable funding options for your circumstances.
International Scholarship for Taught Masters
GBP 6,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable to international fee-paying students beginning a taught postgraduate degree. Awarded based on academic achievement and suitability for the programme. Contact Uni4Edu for eligibility and application details.
GREAT Scholarships (British Council)
GBP 10,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable to students from eligible countries applying for full-time postgraduate taught master's programmes. Offered in partnership with the British Council to support international talent studying in the UK.
School of Arts Academic Scholarship
Up to GBP 5,000Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering the Film programme. Awards are based on academic excellence and potential. Contact Uni4Edu for the latest availability and application process.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for MA Film Graduates
Graduates of the MA Film programme at the University of Kent go on to work in a wide range of professions across the creative and cultural sectors. The programme's combination of critical analysis, research skills, and practical competencies prepares you for diverse roles in the screen industries and beyond.
Potential Career Roles
Where Kent Film Graduates Work
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Kent is a well-established research university consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the UK. Its Film department is one of the largest European centres for the study of film and has earned outstanding recognition for research quality.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Film and Media Studies | QS Subject Rankings | Top 10 UK |
| Arts and Humanities (REF 2021) | Research Excellence Framework | 100% World Leading (Impact & Environment) |
| Arts (QS by Subject) | QS World University Rankings | #260 globally |
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | EduRank | #34 UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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