Film Studies - Research

We offer graduate research programmes in both critical and creative practice. These are designed for students who wish to conduct research into historical and/or broader theoretical issues in film, media, and screen cultures, or those who are interested in pursuing their PhD qualification through practice research.

We encourage cross-disciplinary projects, especially those involving other areas within the School of Arts, English, and Languages. 





There are two Programme routes:





• PhD in Film and Visual Studies (Critical Practice): This route offers students the opportunity to undertake advanced, original research in one of our current areas of specialisation, for example: animation studies; British cinema and television; censorship and regulation; documentary; film and sound; impact of new screen technologies; political film; screen industries; and world and comparative film studies. 





• PhD in Film and Visual Studies (Creative Practice): This route involves the production of a body of supervised creative work, accompanied by a written critical treatment contextualising this work with the broader field of film and screen cultures. Recent successful creative practice PhDs have focussed on: documentary filmmaking; experimental film practice; fiction storytelling and direction; screenwriting; and sound design. 



Graduate

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in an Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences subject. While a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants may also be considered if they can demonstrate appropriate relevant experience. To find out more email ael@qub.ac.uk.



International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.



Find a supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.



To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles at https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/find-a-phd-supervisor/?school=Queen%27s%20Business%20School



You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, (or part-time equivalent).

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector, NGOs and the creative industries. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability.

Associated Research

Documentary and ethnographic film

Interactive Documentary

Cinema history

Experimental film

Irish film and audiovisual culture

Relations between film and the visual arts

World and comparative film studies

British film and cinema

Film controversy and film censorship