Film studies
Join our community of researchers and explore a range of topics across film, television and cinema.
Join our community of researchers and explore a range of topics across film, television and cinema.
Our research at Southampton links national and global identities in cinema and television. We study historical approaches to cinema industries and audiences, along with the theory behind audio-visual aesthetics and their relationship with audiences.
You can explore a range of different research interests, with activities including national and international collaborative projects, major conferences and world-renowned publications.
Most of our staff are active researchers with a strong profile of critically acclaimed research publications. We see teaching and research as closely related and aim to offer our students first-hand access to recent discoveries, new ideas, and current debates in film.
In addition to more traditional research areas, we have expanded our focus to include:
Our researchers generally focus on one of these areas:
Film studies staff have research links across the University with the departments of:
Staff also have research connections with other universities, through collaborative projects – for instance with Bristol University and Lund University) as well as activities (such as co-editing books).
We offer a wide range of fully funded studentships. We run several of our PhD studentships in partnership with doctoral training centres, meaning you'll benefit from enhanced training and guaranteed funding.
These studentships:
We offer scholarships and teaching bursaries ourselves. Your potential supervisor can guide you on what is available.
If you’re an international student you may be able to apply for a scholarship from your country.
Find out more about scholarships
Once you've found a supervisor, they can help you with potential funding sources. We offer match funding in some cases.
You'll need to state how you intend to pay for your tuition fees when you submit your application.
Find out more about funding your PhD
You may be able to fund your postgraduate research with funding from your current employer or from industry.
You can borrow up to £29,390 for a PhD starting on or after 1 August 2024. Doctoral loans are not means tested and you can decide how much you want to borrow.
Find out about PhD loans on GOV.UK
You may be able to win funding from one or more charities to help fund your PhD.
The fees are the same whether or not you're studying through distance learning.
2022 to 2023 entry:
MPhil/PhD | UK | International | |
---|---|---|---|
Full time | £4,596 | £18,000 | |
Part time | £2,298 | £9,000 |
2023 to 2024 entry:
MPhil/PhD | UK | International | |
---|---|---|---|
Full time | tbc | £18,600 | |
Part time | tbc | £9,300 |
2024 to 2025 entry:
MPhil/PhD | UK | International |
---|---|---|
Full time | £4,786 | £19,200 |
Part time | £2,393 | £9,600 |
Distance learning Full-time | £4,786 | £19,200 |
Distance learning Part-time | £2,393 | £9,600 |
2025 to 2026 entry:
MPhil/PhD | UK | International |
---|---|---|
Full time | To be confirmed 2025 | £19,620 |
Part time | To be confirmed 2025 | £9,810 |
Distance learning Full-time | To be confirmed 2025 | £19,620 |
Distance learning Part-time | To be confirmed 2025 | £9,810 |
You're eligible for a 10% alumni discount on a self-funded PhD if you're a current student or graduate from the University of Southampton.
Our research is diverse and often interdisciplinary. It is grouped under a number of specific themes:
Decide whether to apply to an advertised research project or create your own proposal.
It's a good idea to email potential supervisors to discuss the specifics of your project. It's best to do this well ahead of the application deadline.
You’ll find supervisors’ contact details listed with the advertised project, or you can search for supervisors in the staff directory.
You’ll need to send us:
Our PhDs start in September each year. You’ll need to submit your application for September entry by 1 July of that year.
If you require a visa to study with us, please apply as early as possible and allow plenty of time for visa applications.
You’ll need to have a 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification, in a related subject area.
If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing, reading, speaking and listening.
Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years.
If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.
Check the specific entry requirements listed on the project you’re interested in before you apply.
Our Film studies PhD is available to study in person or remotely.
Research degrees have a minimum and maximum duration, known as the candidature. Your candidature ends when you submit your thesis.
Most candidatures are longer than the minimum period.
Degree type | Full time | Part time |
Film studies PhD/iPhD | 2 to 4 years | 3 to 7 years |
Film studies MPhil | 1 to 2 years | 4 to 7 years |