Full time & Part time October MA 1 Year Full Time / 2 Years Part Time

About the course

Explore and make creative connections between film analysis and film practice.

Our course has a distinctive focus on international, alternative, and documentary cinemas, while also providing a solid foundation in key elements of film history and theory, including Hollywood. This critical appraisal of such a wide range of genres gives you a solid understanding of what makes film work well, enabling you to improve your own production skills in camerawork, editing, lighting, screenwriting and production management.

You gain a strong sense of independent filmmaking practice, and learn to apply your academic knowledge of film through exploring topics including:

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Entry Requirements

A 2.2 degree in Creative Writing, Theatre/Drama Studies, Literature, Film and Media Studies, Modern Languages , Art History, Music, Philosophy, History, American Studies, Performance studies, Journalism, Law, Politics and Sociology.

You may be asked to provide a piece of creative writing if you do not hold a degree in a relevant field.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.


 Course Content

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Where will I study?

Where is University of Essex


Student Profile

Wendy McMahon

“I have always had a passion for literature which led me to doing my Phd in LIterature. was I really enjoyed my time at Essex when I was completing my undergraduate degree and I chose to return to complete my PhD study because of the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies’ comparative and interdisciplinary nature.

What I enjoyed most was the independence I had whilst completing my research. The Department houses a wide range of expertise and provides a lively intellectual space within which to engender your own research.

The University of Essex has such a strong sense of community. Whilst at Essex I took every opportunity that the Department offered, whether it be training, the opportunity to present work, or social engagements. I would always advise others to do the same as I gained so much from these experiences.

My best memory of my time at Essex has to be when I presented my first research paper at a departmental seminar, it gave me a real sense of achievement.

Since completing my PhD I have been appointed as a Lecturer in American Studies within the School of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. My PhD study provided me with the fundamental training required for me to forge and pursue my desired academic career.

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