Why study this course?
The MLitt in Film Studies is a one-year taught programme run by the Department of Film Studies. The programme approaches the study of film through a varied intellectual approach, exploring cinema in a global context. You will discover filmmaking cultures outside the canon and examine film through new cultural, theoretical and historical perspectives.
Highlights
- The Department of Film Studies at St Andrews receives regular visits from high-profile film scholars, critics and film industry personalities, ranging from Joe Russo to Richard Dyer, Laura Mulvey to Gina Marchetti.
- Small class sizes facilitate in-depth discussion and allow for the formation of a strong scholarly community of both students and staff members.
- Students can gain professional experience working with the Sands: International Film Festival, including programming, curation, and publicity.
- Research-led teaching allows students to work closely with the current research projects and interests of staff members, exploring the latest developments and research within the discipline.
- The Film Studies postgraduate community mixes MLitt and PhD students in friendly and collaborative ways.
Teaching
Weekly two-hour seminars, plus film screenings at the Byre Theatre.
Class sizes
One-to-one supervision in tutorials and groups of 10 to 15 students in seminars.
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
Coursework only - written work, presentations, and a dissertation.
Modules
The taught element of the programme consists of two compulsory modules, which focus on training in research methods and cover a range of crucial and cutting-edge topics in Film Studies. You will also take two specialist optional modules.
All modules provide students with the opportunity to develop and apply theoretical knowledge and research skills through close analysis, research and critical examination of films and texts.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
A Film Studies degree opens doors to many careers including:
- academia
- advertising
- arts administration
- creative industries
- cultural entrepreneurship
- development
- distribution
- education
- film and TV research
- film festival and cinema programming
- journalism
- marketing
- media management
- non-governmental organisations
- public relations
- publishing
Further study
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
Why St Andrews?
Film Studies students are closely involved in the variety of events taking place at St Andrews, including seminar series, workshops and conferences. Specialist training sessions are organised periodically.
Students can become an active part in film-related activities, whether contributing to Frames Cinema Journal, attending and participating in research events and conferences, or participating in the annual Sands: International Film Festival.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“You are part of an outstanding, special community of scholars who care deeply about what they are learning whilst doing so in a beautiful part of the world. Every aspect of film and film cultures is considered noteworthy and so there is lots of exciting debate which makes the programme feel topical and engaged.”
- North Yorkshire, England
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Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV which includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
- covering letter or personal statement
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work in English (2000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 17 March 2025
