PhD in Film Studies – University College London
University College London
London | England, United Kingdom
PhD in Film Studies
- Multimedia Arts, Audio-visual Techniques and Media Production
- Film Studies
Full time: 3 years
Part time: 5 years
Public University
- PhD fully funded and with a stipend by the university
- PhD funded by the university but without a stipend
- Self-funded PhD – you must provide both tuition and your own maintenance
- PhD Fully or partially externally funded, with a stipend, through private or public foundations, scholarships, grants, one or more companies, or public institutions that you have to find on your own
It is important to know that many universities offer different funding options and public and private grants available to students who match the application criteria. Before applying, it is a good idea to check the institutions’ websites and inquire about the options available to you.
Many universities require applicants to pay fees such as matriculation or dissertation fees, even if they offer a fully funded programme with or without a stipend.
Funding resources:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding
Research students undertake relevant induction sessions and can take advantage of the Doctoral Skills Development Programme. PhD students meet regularly in term time with their supervisors and may be offered opportunities to gain valuable teaching experience and participate in reading groups and conferences.
To successfully upgrade to a PhD you are required to submit a piece of writing (this is usually based on one chapter from your thesis and a chapter plan for the remainder). You are also required to present and answer questions about this work to a panel consisting of your subsidiary supervisor and another member of the Faculty who acts as an independent assessor.
Depending on staff availability, there is provision for a small number of students to pursue the Documentary Track pathway, which allows suitably qualified PhD students to submit a thesis of 60,000-70,000 words and a within-copyright filmed documentary of 20-30 minutes in length in place of the standard requirement of a thesis of 80,000-100,000 words in length. The documentary-track PhD is researched in a twofold manner as a text and a film project and developed in two parallel but interdependent modes of discourse. Thus the two projects are intended to overlap closely such that the documentary is part of the integrated whole of the argument of the thesis. An example of a research project which might be pursued using this methodology would be the study (in the form of an academic thesis) of the works of a living author or artist or film director along with a creative, research-led documentary film on the same individual’s work. It is expected that the two parts of the research project will form a composite whole. It will also be necessary for the candidate to provide a statement explaining the research question and aims addressed by the documentary film including written production notes, and a discussion of the stages of research and choice of methodology.
You can find the detailed procedure for application at the following link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/applying-graduate-research-study-ucl
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class UK Honours degree in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and a Master’s degree with Merit in a relevant field. In the first instance, candidates should establish a dialogue with a potential supervisor before making a formal application. Admission is normally dependent on the submission of a detailed research project proposal.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 4
UCL Pre-Master’s and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page. International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from a list in the PhD’s website.
Info for international students: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/applying-international-student
Languages used within the program and for thesis writing and discussion: English.