The MLitt in Film Studies helps students master a range of advanced research skills and acquire knowledge related to the construction and analysis of the moving image, the past and present-day realities of various national and regional film traditions, the dynamics of the global film industry, and the theoretical approaches related to film.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
If you started this programme in 2018, you can find information about 2018 entry on the 2018 Film Studies page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time
A good 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.
UK and EU: £9,000
Overseas: £18,480
Monday 12 August 2019. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
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 classic film through new cultural, theoretical and historical perspectives.
The MLitt degree involves completing a number of taught modules (held from September to May), which are assessed through essays, a presentation and a dissertation.
The taught element of the programme consists of a two-semester compulsory module, which focuses on training in research methods and covers a range of crucial topics in Film Studies. You will also take two specialist modules. Classes and screening take place mostly at the Byre Theatre.
All modules provide students with the opportunity to transfer and apply theoretical knowledge and research skills to a concrete level of intellectual investigation, focusing on the creation of meaning and aesthetic value in the context of global dynamics of cultural production and distribution.
Individual study and research is encouraged through small seminars of four to ten students, and tutorials of one-to-one supervision. All modules are taught by members of staff in the Department, and students will have the opportunity to work with all of them by the end of their course of study.
Each module typically comprises:
For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2018–2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2019 entry.
Students choose two optional modules to complete their studies. Sample optional modules include:
The specialist modules vary annually and reflect current staff research interests (see the University's position on curriculum development).
The final three months of the course are focused on writing the final assessment piece, a 15,000-word dissertation. Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation must be submitted by a date specified in August.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2019 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
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.
The Reel Film Society is an annual student-led screening series. Each season comprises approximately eight events with films from around the world accompanied by live music, expert introductions and lively student-led discussion.
Students can become an active part in film-related activities by writing for the online journal Frames Cinema Journal and participating in the annual 60 Hours Film Blitz filmmaking competition, which includes a gala evening and prizes.
Dewar Arts Awards
These awards fund exceptional young artists in any discipline who do not have the financial means to achieve their full potential.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
In addition to the MLitt, the School offers a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Film Studies.
Many of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
A Film Studies degree opens doors to many careers including academia, creative industries, development, distribution, film festival and cinema programming, arts administration, media management, film and TV research, journalism, publishing, advertising, cultural entrepreneurship, non-governmental organisations, marketing, public relations and education.
Recent destinations include:
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.
Department of Film Studies
University of St Andrews
99 North Street
St Andrews
KY16 9AD
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 7473
Email: filmstudies@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
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. (PDF, 72 KB).
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. (PDF, 84 KB).
Study at the University of St Andrews and experience the world-class teaching and cutting edge research of Scotland’s first university.