Film Studies PhD Level: Postgraduate research Subject: Film and Intermediality Year of entry: 2026 Study options Full-time PhD | 3 years | Start date: September 2026 Part-time PhD | 6 years | Start date: September 2026 Key facts School School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences PhD by Distance Not available School location Central Area Apply now 19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Register now Overview About the degree programme Make an original, positive and lasting contribution to film studies. A PhD is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise as part of an active research community making impact across the globe.Edinburgh is one of the world’s foremost cultural cities, known for its festivals and collections. It is an inspirational place to study film, and you will have the opportunity to work with our internationally recognised academics.As well as the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the city is a year-round cultural treasure trove. Venues range from pop-ups and community spaces to art house and large, multi-screen cinemas.A PhD at the University of Edinburgh places you at the heart of this rich cultural environment. Based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), you will benefit from our expertise in film from Europe, America and beyond.Our research and supervision expertise spans the broad fields of film and screen studies, including:film-philosophycinema historyscreen aestheticsfilm theoryWe will consider proposals that focus on genres, film movements and specific filmmakers, especially those within the national expertise of academic staff.We do not offer supervision for practice-based research projects.Over the course of your PhD, you will complete an original body of work under the expert guidance of at least two supervisors. Your thesis will be around 80,000 words.Our programme includes access to skills training, including research methodologies specific to film studies. Our research collections, resources and facilities are outstanding. Study options There are two study options for this programme:full-timepart-time - only available if you do not require a Student visaIf you take the full-time study option, you will aim to complete your PhD in three academic years. If you do not require a Student visa and opt to take the part-time study option, you will aim to complete your PhD in six academic years. Find out if you need a Student visa Rankings 3rd in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025)*10th in the world for Arts and Humanities (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025)**QS World University Rankings are based on research citations and the results of major global surveys of employers and academics Why choose this programme Develop your unique voice in film studiesShare your passion and expertise with a supportive communityGain further training in research skills and methodsBuild a career in research and critical thinkingStudy at the heart of Scotland's capital city - a cultural treasure troveExplore our fantastic libraries and collections Applying How to apply You do not need to approach a potential supervisor before you apply for the PhD in Film Studies, but you should look at the pre-application information and guidance on the programme website. This will help you decide if this programme is right for you and help us gain a clearer picture of what you hope to achieve in your research.For this PhD, the pre-application guidance includes a downloadable template for completing your PhD research proposal, one of the most important aspects of your application.Read our pre-application guidanceWe also invite you to get in touch with the Departmental Postgraduate Research Director for Film Studies. They have a good overview of all our supervision expertise and can advise you who might be the best supervisory fit for your thesis. They will also be able to advise you about supervision expertise in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures beyond film studies, for example in intermediality and comparative literature and in the departments of:Asian StudiesCeltic and Scottish StudiesEnglish and Scottish LiteratureEuropean Languages and CulturesIslamic and Middle Eastern StudiesContact the Departmental Postgraduate Research Director When to apply Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.Selection deadlinesRoundApply byReceive decision by121 November 202518 December 2025230 April 202629 May 2026 Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply The application process involves:completing an online form, including a personal statementsubmitting a number of supporting documents, including a research proposal Completing the online formWhen completing the online form, you will be asked to provide information on:relevant knowledge/training skillsyour proposed research topicany published workThere is space to provide us with details of any published work, but please do not worry if you have not published anything to date. We do not expect that you will.You will also be asked to write a 500-word personal statement, telling us about your academic history so far, and why you want to study with us.Find out more about writing a personal statementSubmitting your supporting documentsTo support your application, you will need to submit a research proposal. This should be a detailed description of your proposed area of study, helping us gain a clearer picture of what you hope to achieve on the PhD in Film Studies.Our guidance on writing a research proposal for the PhD in Film Studies should be read in conjunction with the University’s general guidance. Read our guidance on writing a research proposal, and complete our pre-application template, for this programmeYou will also need to submit:a sample of written work of about 5,000 words (this can be a previous piece of work from an undergraduate or masters degree)copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final markscertified translations if your original documents are not in Englishtwo referencesFinally, you will need to provide evidence that you meet the English language requirements of this programme. If you do not have this evidence now, you can still submit your application and provide it later through the Applicant Hub. Likewise, if you do not have your final marks or degree certificates at this stage, you can provide a current transcript now and supply the final documents later through the Applicant Hub.See all guidance on the application process and supporting documents Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme -PhD Film Studies (3 years)PhD Film Studies (6 years) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Funding, fees and costs Funding Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee teaching or tutoring positions for our PhD students so you will not be able to partially fund your studies in this way. Featured fundingThere are a number of scholarship schemes available to candidates applying to the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) - the School in the University of Edinburgh where this programme is based.Some scholarship schemes are for PhDs in any subject in LLC (or the wider University). Others are only open to candidates in specific subjects. See individual scholarship listings for details.Find out more about scholarships in LLC Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Full-time PhD Film Studies (3 years) tuition fees Part-time PhD Film Studies (6 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Costs Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.Living costs include:foodutility billstravel, clothes, books and stationeryrecreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)Living costsAccommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.University postgraduate accommodation options and costs Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree and a masters degree, or their international equivalents, in a related subject. We may also consider your application if you have equivalent qualifications or experience; please check with the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) before you apply. International qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region -AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau-SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPacific IslandsPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language testa degree that was taught and assessed in Englishcertain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component. Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components. Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Trinity ISEOxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details Our research community As part of our research community, you will be immersed in a world of scholarship and knowledge exchange, with lots of opportunities to share ideas, learning and creative work.Activities range from talks by visiting speakers and work-in-progress seminars, to reading and discussion groups, conferences, workshops, online journals and forums, many of which are led by PhD candidates.The Edinburgh Film Seminar gives you access to presentations, discussions and lectures by visiting film academics. We also host the Edinburgh Film Podcast, where guests from film and TV discuss all aspects of screen media.Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff, who are published experts in their field.Browse our events archive in Film and Intermediality Go beyond the booksBeyond the Books is a podcast from LLC that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at research and the people who make it happen.Listen to a mix of PhD, early career and established researchers talk about their journey to and through academia and about their current and recent research.Browse Beyond the Books episodes and hear our research community talk about their work Find out the aims and structure for each year of study on this programme. Full-time PhD Film Studies (3 years) (2025-2026) Part-time PhD Film Studies (6 years) (2025-2026) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Support This programme includes optional training on research skills and methods. For example, depending on prior experience, you might feel you could benefit from further training in:bibliographic skillsproject developmentdissertation and thesis writing Between LLC, the Careers Service and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you will have access to a further range of programmes and resources to help develop your postgraduate skills.You will also have access to the University's fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships. Facilities The Main University Library holds academic books, journals and databases, films, newspapers and other media.Its Centre for Research Collections brings together:more than 400,000 rare bookssix kilometres of archives and manuscriptsthousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objectsMany of our Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, Computing Labs, and dedicated PhD study space in LLC - where you will be based. LLC also has:a high specification, 100-seater digital screening rooman extensive collection of film books and journalsa large number of films available to stream Careers Career opportunities A PhD in film is an excellent chance to develop your expertise and build your CV in the field of the moving image. Research skills in the subject are in high demand, as they evidence that you:can handle various data sources critically and analytically and are comfortable working in a digital environmenthave a nuanced understanding of context and can navigate cultural differences and perspectives accordinglyexcel in articulating complex issues and concepts in a clear and compelling way - opening and changing mindsthrive on working independently within a broader community of interest and purposeWhile many doctoral graduates aim to develop their skills further within academia, these same assets are widely sought after in a range of careers and across the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors. The discipline, time management, motivation and innovation required to achieve a PhD are also extremely useful primers for self-employment.Many of our students continue on to careers in education, arts management and curation, as well as a broad range of occupations in the film, television and media industries. Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Life at Edinburgh What our students say Edinburgh is an amazing place to do research, not just for the city’s rich history and beautiful scenery, but also for its vibrant student community and all the city offers outside of academics. Whether you prefer strolling through the Meadows or along Portobello beach, visiting the city’s various museums and galleries, or taking advantage of the city’s connections to the rest of Scotland and beyond, there is truly something for everyone in Edinburgh! Courtney, Year 2, PhD in English Literature, Masters by Research graduate (2024) Courtney, who provided us with this quote about her experience of living and studying in Edinburgh, is originally from the US. She is the Postgraduate Research School Representative for the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC). Together with Programme Representatives, Postgraduate Representatives are your voice in the university - sharing your feedback to continually improve the student experience for everyone. Their roles are voluntary, and supported by the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA). Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh As a PhD candidate at Edinburgh, you’ll be based in a world-leading festival city with fantastic libraries, cinemas, theatres, galleries, museums, and other collections.Many of the city’s resources are located close to the University's Central Area, making them very easy to access when you are on campus. For example, the National Library of Scotland is less than one kilometre from our School and provides a remarkable choice of texts on film.Edinburgh's international cultural centres, such as the Institut Francais d'Ecosse and the Italian Institute, also house DVD collections and host regular film screenings.Find out more about living and studying in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures50 George SquareCentral CampusEdinburghEH8 9LH llc.pgresearch@ed.ac.uk
