PhD Film Studies

About the project

• Research

PhD Film Studies

• Overview
• Degree details
• Our students
• Research
• Entry and fees
• Careers
• Facilities
• Supervisors
• Recently viewed
• Related courses

Overview

The London School of Film, Media and Design offers a PhD in Film Studies focusing on individual research within the areas of expertise of the School’s teaching staff. Staff can offer supervision in a range of areas including:

The School can offer expert supervision by established researchers and hosts a growing community of outstanding doctoral researchers in the field of Film Studies and related areas. We can support either a thesis or thesis and practice-based PhD in Film Studies.

We are currently seeking applications for PhDs in the following broad areas:

In addition to the areas listed above, current staff have research interests and publications in the following film directors:

PhDs may be undertaken in a range of other areas, including photography, design, cultural studies and architectural theory. Many supervisors have a range of research interests, and many have interdisciplinary approaches and belong to more than one research group.

See a list of potential PhD supervisors and read about their expertise in the " supervisors " section lower down the page.

This PhD is available for you to study:

As part of your application, please state whether you are applying for an online PhD.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

• film theory
• film and philosophy
• adaptation from page to screen
• pornography
• genre-based topics
• the work of specific film directors.
• adaptation studies
• genre studies
• film theory
• film and philosophy
• screen studies
• film in gallery and museum contexts
• television
• film and photography
• thinking the image.
• Michelangelo Antonioni
• Catherine Breillat
• Leos Carax
• Jean-Luc Godard
• Pier Paolo Pasolini
• Jacques Rivette.
• full-time or part-time
• on-campus or online
• starting in September or February.

About your degree

During your PhD in Film Studies, you will benefit from expert supervision by established researchers and join a growing community of outstanding doctoral researchers in the field of film studies and related areas.

Your PhD supervisory team may be composed of colleagues from across more than one research area, depending on your project.

Our online PhD allows you to undertake a postgraduate research degree from a location that fits with your lifestyle and commitments. As part of your application, please state that you are applying for an online PhD. As an online PhD student, you will not be required to visit the campus: all supervision, training, reviews and the viva voce examination are provided online.

An online PhD may not be suitable for all projects, and consideration will be given to the suitability of the research project and whether it can be completed successfully without regular access to campus facilities.

PhDs are available for you to study full-time or part-time, online or campus-based.

All PhD students will have access to the University’s student support services , the Library’s e-resources collection and IT support services . You are also welcome to attend the annual doctoral students’ conference on campus.

A PhD is founded on independent research. You will undertake a systematic and in-depth exploration of your chosen topic to produce a substantial body of knowledge and make an original and important contribution to the subject area.

The support provided by your supervisory team will be vital to your student experience and scholarly advancement. You and your supervisors will have regular one-to-one meetings which will provide you with opportunities to develop your research topic and discuss your progress.

Based in the heart of Ealing, west London, you can make use of the excellent transport links to travel to the capital or further afield – ideal for attending research meetings and networking events.

If you would like guidance or more information about studying for a PhD in Film Studies, you can contact Professor Garin Dowd .

• PhD opportunities
• Support
• Networking

Research areas

• Adaptation and popular British genre fiction This PhD project with Professor Jeremy Strong will study a range of British written and screen texts from the overlapping genres of adventure and the thriller, including novels (and their adaptations) by Haggard, Buchan, Hope, Childers, Charteris, Household, Ambler, Fleming, 'Sapper' and Greene. Its object is to understand and frame these works in a national/historical context – spanning the late peak of Empire to its fall – and in terms of reading tastes, filmmaking practices and film-going choices. A variety of methodological approaches are possible, in part determined by the skillset of the successful applicant. However, likely avenues include: archival study of relevant publishing and production materials analysis of contemporary reviews, criticism and popular responses – including book sales data and box office information application of Adaptation Studies’ theoretical approaches to the corpus typological analysis of the evolving characteristics of the British hero

Adaptation and popular British genre fiction

• archival study of relevant publishing and production materials
• analysis of contemporary reviews, criticism and popular responses – including book sales data and box office information
• application of Adaptation Studies’ theoretical approaches to the corpus
• typological analysis of the evolving characteristics of the British hero
• The intermediality of art cinema Despite a broad turn towards intermediality in cinema, screen and media studies, modern and contemporary art cinemas are still largely considered as more or less autonomous entities, whether as the body of work of a given director or auteur, the product of a nation, movement or tendency. If other forms or arts are invoked, these tend to be forms such as literature, or more traditional fine art disciplines such as painting or sculpture. Proposals are invited for research projects (working with Dr Matilde Nardelli and Professor Garin Dowd ) seeking to explore modern or contemporary art cinema’s often overlooked status and circulation, and/or its relation to mass media forms such as photography, television, print and online media.

The intermediality of art cinema

• Modern European cinema, landscape and environmental awareness This project with Dr Matilde Nardelli will entail research into the role of modern (or post-1945) European cinema in the emergence of so-called modern environmental consciousness and ecological thinking in the second half of the last century, in the wake of rapid industrialisation, consumer booms and processes of de- and recolonisation. In this period, cinema has operated as a testimony to the catastrophic ravages of the Second World War, the nuclear threat during the Cold War era, the growth of globalisation and the perils of environmental disaster and ecological degradation. With its capacity to document and 'preserve' the material world, the cinematographic image has functioned, sometimes with and often without the intentionality of the filmmakers, as a record of a changing world. The project will develop a critical perspective and propose a new theoretical framework to contribute to this debate. It will combine a broad range of examples or focus on particular directors, or on a national or regionally identified cinema, and will propose a framework conducive to its chosen remit.

Modern European cinema, landscape and environmental awareness

• Practice, theory and philosophy in film, photographic and screen arts This is a call for a number of PhD students interested in examining points of intersection between film and screen theory and film and artist film practices. Projects could focus on the moving image in all or some aspects of film studies, filmmaking, film theory, screen studies and gallery/museum studies ( Dr Matilde Nardelli ). Specific focuses may include: thought and theorisation as immanent to cinema and/or screen arts ( Professor Garin Dowd ) genealogies of film practice as theory intersections of filmmaking and theory in specific directors ( Professor Jeremy Strong , Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Matilde Nardelli , Professor Helen Hester ) film and photographic philosophical approaches to practices of theorisation ( Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Junko Theresa Mikuriya ) institutional critique in gallery-installed moving image art works ( Dr Matilde Nardelli ) The combination of theoretical and practical research specialisms in the School means we are able and happy to support either written or practice-based PhD work, which could include film or exhibition practice. Proposals in other areas of research are welcomed, including: advertising, graphic communication, public relations and museum studies; media and the Middle East; photography history and theory, new media and new media theory, critical and cultural theory; technologies, sex and gender; media archaeology; adaptation (novel-to-film and other forms of inter-medial and trans-medial traffic); genre studies and genre theory.

Practice, theory and philosophy in film, photographic and screen arts

• thought and theorisation as immanent to cinema and/or screen arts ( Professor Garin Dowd )
• genealogies of film practice as theory
• intersections of filmmaking and theory in specific directors ( Professor Jeremy Strong , Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Matilde Nardelli , Professor Helen Hester )
• film and photographic philosophical approaches to practices of theorisation ( Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Junko Theresa Mikuriya )
• institutional critique in gallery-installed moving image art works ( Dr Matilde Nardelli )
• Rethinking the image This is an open call for PhD students interested in working in the broad fields of interest of several researchers in the school ( Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Matilde Nardelli , Dr Junko Theresa Mikuriya , Professor Helen Hester ). This call relates to the interrelations between the still and moving image, live and recorded images, sound and the screen, the idea of photography that has shaped its technological development, and how theoretical debates in photography or in relation to images more broadly can be reappraised in the current social, cultural and technological context. This call also relates to film spectatorship studies in fiction and documentary, accommodating approaches as diverse as cognitive theory, phenomenology and affect theory in the pursuit of exploring the link between film text, audience experience and viewing context. The combination of theoretical and practical research specialisms in the department means we are able and happy to support either written or practice-based PhD work, including in film, television, photography and media arts.

Rethinking the image

To enable you to enhance your professional profile, we support you throughout your research degree by:

We provide structured research training, expert supervision and an environment where you can discuss your research with other PhD students and researchers.

We run seminars in research methods from the Graduate Centre, as well as an ongoing series of events and activities organised by Schools and Colleges. Specialist help with academic English for students for whom English is not their first language is available.

We contribute to national and international initiatives and promote collaboration and networking opportunities. We also encourage and support you to publish and disseminate your research in academic journals and via presenting papers at conferences.

We run an annual conference for doctoral students, where you are encouraged to present a paper about your research. As well as being an opportunity to discuss your work with other students, the conference is a chance to gain valuable experience in presenting your research and participating in open discussions with academic peers.

You will also find other opportunities such as postgraduate student seminars and forums within your specific subject area.

Once you start a PhD course at UWL, you become part of our research community. You will have access to a postgraduate common room, located at our Ealing campus on St Mary’s Road, where you will meet fellow researchers from other subject disciplines offering scope for collaborations or simply to discuss ideas, allowing you to be part of a vibrant research environment.

• providing research seminars
• organising doctoral events and activities
• facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities
• encouraging and supporting publication and dissemination of your research
• offering opportunities to gain teaching expertise and experience.

What our students say

The staff members that I encountered were warm, welcoming and supportive of my studies. The relatively small size of the University’s postgraduate school created a close family/communal environment for both staff and students. This provided a good support system as I could quickly grow acquainted with the postgraduate team and other doctoral research candidates.

Abdulazeez Rotimi - PhD

The staff members that I encountered were warm, welcoming and supportive of my studies. The relatively small size of the University’s postgraduate school created a close family/communal environment for both staff and students. This provided a good support system as I could quickly grow acquainted with the postgraduate team and other doctoral research candidates.

Abdulazeez Rotimi - PhD

Research Repository - Film Studies

The Repository is a digital archive of research output by our academics and research students.

PRISM: Screen Media

The Public Research Institute of Screen Media is an interdisciplinary institute conducting research on the screen and media industries.

Research impact

Learn how our research has helped communities locally, nationally and internationally.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

We look for individuals with:

Applicants should also submit a well-considered and persuasive research proposal, clearly outlining their aims, context and potential contribution to the field.

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

We look for individuals with:

Applicants should also submit a well-considered and persuasive research proposal, clearly outlining their aims, context and potential contribution to the field.

• Requirements: UK
• Requirements: International
• a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• a Masters degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
• dedication to undertaking rigorous and meaningful research
• enthusiasm for contributing to academic and creative practice
• a genuine passion for their chosen subject area.
• a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• a Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
• Competence in written and spoken English is a pre-requisite for entrance to this programme.
• An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 (with no element under 6.0).
• dedication to undertaking rigorous and meaningful research
• enthusiasm for contributing to academic and creative practice
• a genuine passion for their chosen subject area.

Fees & funding

Please note that the following writing-up fees apply for the final year of full-time PhD study , a reduced amount from the standard fee per year:

Writing-up fees do not apply for the final year of part-time PhD study. The standard fee applies.

• Funding: UK
• Funding: International
• On campus PhD (Year 4): UK £1,900. International: £6,000
• Online PhD (Year 4): UK £1,000. International: £3,000.
• Fees for the 2027/28 academic year and onwards may be subject to change.
• Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course and you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year, except if otherwise stated.
• If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

Funding for postgraduate students usually comes from one or more of a range of key sources:

Find out more about funding opportunities .

Examples of most of these types of funding are included on the postgraduate studentships website (except for funding you may be able to obtain from your employer and self-funding).

The PhD Bursary is available to home and international students enrolling on a full-time PhD course in 2026/27. The Bursary consists of a £500 fee reduction in your first year of study and for each subsequent year of study, subject to successful progression, up to a maximum of 4 years.

We offer other generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. See our PhD scholarships and bursaries .

Please note that the following writing-up fees apply for the final year of full-time PhD study , a reduced amount from the standard fee per year:

Writing-up fees do not apply for the final year of part-time PhD study. The standard fee applies.

• research councils
• charities and trust funds, including those funded by the UK government
• higher education institutions
• overseas governments (international students only)
• employers
• professional and career development loans
• self-funding (including family funds).
• On campus PhD (Year 4): UK £1,900. International: £6,000
• Online PhD (Year 4): UK £1,000. International: £3,000.
• Fees for the 2027/28 academic year and onwards may be subject to change.
• Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course and you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year, except if otherwise stated.
• If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

For any overseas students, your first port of call should be grant-awarding bodies in your own country (e.g. The Ministry/Department of Education) and your local (or nearest) office of the British Council.

The British Council manage a small number of international studentship grants in some countries and should be able to tell you what other awards may be available to you - they also produce the sources of funding for international students guide.

The PhD Bursary is available to home and international students enrolling on a full-time PhD course in 2026/27. The Bursary consists of a £500 fee reduction in your first year of study and for each subsequent year of study, subject to successful progression, up to a maximum of 4 years.

Your future career

Studying for a PhD in Film Studies enables you to develop an area of specialism that will give you an edge, whether you are planning to work in industry or to develop expertise to teach in academia.

During your PhD, you will also be learning transferable core skills that apply to jobs both in and out of academia, including:

By the end of your research degree, you will be able to articulately apply these skills to enhance your career path.

• written and oral communication
• research and information management
• public speaking
• project management
• leadership
• critical thinking
• collaboration
• analysis and problem-solving
• conflict resolution
• negotiation.

Job roles

• broadcast engineer
• broadcast journalist
• content producer
• researcher
• digital editor
• production executive
• photographer/videographer
• casting co-ordinator
• cinematographer
• director
• writer.

Graduate employers

• broadcasters
• film and TV streaming providers
• production companies
• market research companies
• PR and marketing organisations.

Media and communications facilities

Explore our media and communications facilities available for film studies students at the University of West London.

TV studio and gallery space

Our TV studio and gallery space can help you bring a range of projects to life. Our equipment includes a lighting grid with DMX lighting control, green and white screens, Ross Crossover Vision Mixer for live editing and audio and video recorder/playback devices.

Media Resource Centre

Our Media Resource Centre is available to all students at the London School of Film, Media and Design. We hold a variety of cameras, lights, sound equipment and recording devices.

The Paul Hamlyn Library

The Paul Hamlyn Library provides an extensive range of books, journals and digital resources, PC and Mac workstations and a variety of study spaces.

The Graduate School

If you are interested in studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate, the Graduate School is here to support your research.

Rami Ranger House (Postgraduate Student Centre)

Rami Ranger House is a focal point for the University’s postgraduate and international students, providing dedicated space for social and learning interaction.

This building, which is three storeys high, offers spaces for collaborative working, socialising, supervision and mentoring on the ground floor. The first floor has work spaces for the postgraduate support teams to use, while the second floor provides guest accommodation for visiting scholars.

Film

Whether you dream of becoming a director, screenwriter, cinematographer, film editor, producer, or media executive, our range of film courses offers the perfect launchpad for your career in the film industry.

Find out more

Discover seven reasons to study with us and how studying at UWL will support your future career.

Find out about student accommodation and the support for students.

Explore our campus and sites and book onto a campus tour or open day .

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

Rankings

• † Fees - the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the course. Fees are subject to change. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase.
• Teaching - your course will primarily be delivered in-person, however it may include delivery of some activities online, either in real-time or recorded.
• Testimonials - quotes are provided by current or former UWL students. These are mostly from the course but quotes from a UWL student on another course may be used if, for example, the course is new.
• Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
• Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming, however staff and course content may have since changed.
• Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route and a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.
• The National Student Survey 2026 result is based on the average of all answers by the taught student populations.
• Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and after, 1992.
• PRES - rank out of 53 institutions.

Research areas