Film Studies MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Film Studies
The Masters in Film Studies is a unique and stimulating programme that allows you to explore central concepts in the development of film theory and film-philosophy with an emphasis on European and American auteur cinema.
Our students engage seriously with the analysis of film and the history of cinema aesthetics and interpretation.
The programme will provide you with the analytical and critical tools for the investigation of individual films and the opportunity to discuss these in relation to auteurs, film movements and genres as well as contexts of production and reception.
Edinburgh is an ideal environment for the study of film as it is home to outstanding art-house cinemas, a lively cinephile culture, and the annual world-renowned Edinburgh International Film Festival.
I firmly believe that, during the month of August, Edinburgh is the most exciting place in the world to live and to work ... To feel so integrated into the University community when the whole world suddenly appears for on your doorstep for the different summer festivals is really breathtaking. It reminds you that studying at Edinburgh helps you to feel like a part of something bigger than yourself. It reminds you that this is a University and a city where the whole world is welcome to share their creative or intellectual impulses, no matter how out of the ordinary they may be.
James Hanton, MSc in Film Studies, 2023
Over two semesters, taught in lectures and tutorials, you will complete two compulsory and two option courses, and will be trained in research methods and skills.
You will then complete a dissertation project under individual supervision during the summer.
Compulsory courses:
- Film Theory
- Film-Philosophy
- Research Methods in Film Studies 1 and 2
Option courses may include:
- Cinema Auteurs
- Film Adaptation
- Film and Existentialism
- Film Criticism and Metacriticism
- Global Women Filmmakers
- Sound and Cinema
- The Cinema of Alfred Hitchcock
- The Ghosts of Film Noir
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | Film Studies | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
| MSc | Film Studies | 2 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
This programme is an excellent chance to develop your cinematic interests and knowledge and to build your CV with a view to a career in academia, or in any film or media related field.
You will be introduced to Scotland’s lively film culture, with exceptional opportunities to network within the field.
You will also gain transferable skills in communication, research and project management that can be applied to any career you decide to pursue.
Meet our graduates
Being part of The Film Dispatch has enabled me to know my peers better. I’ve gotten a chance to connect with people that I otherwise might not have met. The magazine has given us an alternative space to talk about film. I love sharing opinions on movies and inspiring other people to do the same.
Niamh Carey-Furness, MSc in Film Studies, 2022
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.
A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
Multidisciplinary and comparative approaches are key aspects of film studies and we therefore welcome students coming from areas of study other than film.
Students from China
This degree is Band C.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- 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.
- PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 65 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 7 in each component.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also 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:
We 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).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | Film Studies | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
| MSc | Film Studies | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
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 money
taking out a loan
family support
personal savings
income from work
employer sponsorship
- scholarships
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
- Contact: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office
- School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
- 50 George Square
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LH
- Programme: Film Studies
- School: Literatures, Languages & Cultures
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Film Studies - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc Film Studies - 2 Years (Part-time)
Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application deadlines as noted below.
Each application round has a decision deadline, also listed below, but note that we may make offers to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis, in advance of the published decision deadline.
We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1.
Please note that for an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements e.g. via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.
Selection deadlines
| Round | Application deadline | Places awarded by |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 January 2025 | 17 April 2025 |
| 2 | 29 May 2025 | 30 June 2025 |
Deadlines for UK/Scotland fee status
After Round 2, if there are still places available, applications will remain open only to applicants who are eligible for the UK/Scotland fee rate, including the EU/EEA Pre-settled Scotland fee status. Applications will remain open no later than 30 June 2025 and may close earlier than this if the programme becomes full, so we strongly recommend you apply as soon as possible.
If you apply with another fee status after 29 May 2025, your application will be rejected.
(Revised 17 October 2024 to add application deadlines and selection process information)
You must submit one reference with your application.
The online application process involves the completion of a web form and the submission of supporting documents, including a personal statement.
Your personal statement is particularly important. Outlining your reasons and motivation to study this programme, it helps us decide whether you are right for the MSc and, just as importantly, whether it is right for you.
Please be aware that the MSc Film Studies offers no technical filmmaking or screenwriting courses.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
- Contact: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office
- School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
- 50 George Square
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LH
- Programme: Film Studies
- School: Literatures, Languages & Cultures
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences