Overview

This distinctive and exciting programme integrates textual and historical approaches to the study of film and television with filmmaking practice. As a student on this innovative course, you will engage with critical and theoretical perspectives and develop analysis skills at a high level. You will also have the opportunity to learn the skills of filmmaking, working intensively in small groups to explore narrative and aesthetic possibilities and gain insights into the craft and industry of screen media. You will encounter a range of different research methods and be supported as you progress to independent learning and individual practice.

The University of Bristol has more than 40 years of experience in this field and the programme draws on the expertise of world-leading scholars, expert practitioners and industry professionals. The Department of Film and Television hosts a series of research seminars and industry talks designed to enrich your studies. Our facilities include two cinemas, production studios, animation and edit suites, seminar rooms and sound rooms.

Bristol is an excellent city in which to study film and television, with its varied cinema, television and digital media spaces, such as the Arnolfini, BBC Bristol, Cube Microplex and Watershed Media Centre. Bristol's harbourside is home to an array of film festivals, including the Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, the Slapstick Festival and the Afrika Eye Festival.

Programme structure

The programme has been designed to develop your skills and knowledge cumulatively, while allowing you the opportunity to tailor your learning to your own areas of interest.

In the first term, you will be taught skills and techniques of written formal analysis. You will have the option to learn the core skills of practical filmmaking. These units will provide the foundation for optional units, many of which will incorporate elements of intensive practice alongside more traditional critical and theoretical learning. In the second term, you will develop an understanding of research approaches, which will provide you with the necessary foundation to progress to the dissertation stage.

Optional units may vary but will draw on departmental expertise and specialisms such as aesthetics, animation, cinematography, directing, documentary, editing, national cinemas, screen histories, television drama, and writing for the screen. You will also be able to choose from a wider range of units available within the Faculty of Arts.

At the dissertation stage you will choose from three options: taking up an industrial placement, for which you will also produce a written element; writing an extended essay on a film and/or television topic of your choice; or producing a piece of practice either individually or in a team (usually a short film or a film essay) to be accompanied by individual written reflection. All dissertation options will be supervised by one or more academic advisers.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in Film and Television.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Film Studies (theory). Essay-based subjects are also considered, inclusive of; English Literature, History, Comparative Literature, Philosophy, Anthropology, Law, Politics, Theology, Classical Studies discipline.

Degrees outside this list must include a 2:1 or equivalent in at least four modules which demonstrate theoretical understanding and written analysis of either Literature, Film & Television or Art at undergraduate level.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements or who do not meet the subject requirements if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level A.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£13,600 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£6,800 per year
Overseas: full-time
£28,900 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

MyWorld Scholarships: UK offer holders for this programme may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £5,000 towards their tuition fees. Information about eligibility and the application process can be found on the MyWorld website

Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts funding pages.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduates of film and television at Bristol have taken up a broad variety of careers, including filmmakers, programme researchers, senior academics, broadcasting executives, journalists, festival programmers, screenwriters, editors and developing commissioners.