Postgraduate Course
Film and Screen Studies MA
Explore the relationships between different types of screen media and how they impact the world today.
You will gain an understanding of the history, nature and power of film and screen media. Discover the ways film can influence ideas and identities. Engage with film and other media by writing for our Neutral magazine and exploring digital media and communicative methods. During your studies you will develop your abilities in relevant applications within the Adobe Creative Suite, focusing on transferable and sought after skills.
We will not be recruiting for this course in 2024. Applications for 2025 will open in the Autumn of 2024.
York campus
- Duration – 1 year full time, 2 years part time
- Start date – October 2025
- School – School of Humanities
Minimum entry requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
Interview if your honours degree is in an unrelated subject
Tuition fees
UK 2024-25 £8,600 full time
International 2024-25 £11,800 full time
Course overview
This MA has been designed to support your development in research, analysis and digital versatility. The knowledge, skills and contextual information gained will be put into practice as you work on a variety of research-led projects. As the digital world moves forward, so do the skills which are needed in an ever developing and changing job market. Over the duration of the course you will learn how to use the core elements and applications within the Adobe Suite, helping you to become industry ready. Applications include:
- Photoshop
- InDesign
- Dreamweaver
York is a fantastic location for the Film and Screen Studies MA. Our campus is home to the Yorkshire Film Archive and we are also a host for Aesthetica, a BAFTA qualifying short film festival. As well as learning in the classroom you will expand your knowledge through field trips, supported and subsidised by the University. Previous field trips include:
- A visit to Leeds International Film Festival
- The Science and Media Museum in Bradford
- IMAX screen in York
- Everyman Cinema in York
You will have discounted passes to events and film screenings at Aesthetica, which takes place every November. Our staff are active researchers and will support you to pursue projects that you are passionate about. Small class sizes mean that you will get a personal learning experience, which will support your individual learning needs.
Course structure
How you will study
You can study this postgraduate course full time or part time. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments.
If you choose to study full time the course will take 1 year to complete. You will study:
- 5 compulsory modules
If you choose to study part time the course will take 2 years to complete and the modules will be split across both years.
You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Louis Le Prince shot the first film in Yorkshire. In recognition of this, the first foundational module will centre around the region. You will explore regionalism on screen, beginning with Yorkshire as a case study to reveal the wider cultural discourses of space, place and representation.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
We encourage you to explore and expand your existing research process. You will develop skills in archival research, visual research and research project management. You will have the opportunity to visit the Yorkshire Film Archive and the British Library. This module is influenced by the research of your academic tutors, as well as their experience in the media industries.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Investigate how media industries use multisensory elements to create immersive and engaging experiences for audiences. You will use case studies to explore media capabilities to stimulate the mind and body, influence memory and provide multisensory experiences. Using case studies you will also explore current practice within media by engaging with industries such as:
- TV
- Film
- Streaming
- Radio
- Journalism
- Podcasting
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Investigate what factors contribute to screen cultures around the world. You will question the universal cultural implications and authority of national borders. Within the module you will also address and discuss global concerns about sustainability in a media context.
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
Your research project or dissertation is a piece of independent research or multimedia research project, such as a video essay. During the project you will demonstrate your independent research and writing skills gained throughout the course. You will be supported throughout this, with 3 review sessions that will help you to work through the research and writing process.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
Teaching will consist of a mixture of group seminars and individual tutorials. This includes additional sessions with staff from different academic subjects across the University.
As a graduate student, independent learning will be central to your study. We encourage you to take responsibility for managing your own learning and its outcomes. Our Academic Support team can help with written English, study, research and technology skills if needed.
We keep our group sizes small so we can get to know your creative personality and support your aspirations. We deliver your modules through:
- Lectures
- Demonstrations
- Seminars
- Individual and group tutorials
- Group critiques
- Group and individual presentations
- Visiting speakers and lecturers
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
There are no formal examinations on this course. You will be assessed through live events and coursework, which will include:
- Creative work
- Essays
- Presentations and demonstrations
- Workshops and events
- Annotated reflective documents
- Extended essays and a dissertation
You will receive continuous informal feedback on works in progress through a combination of showings, discussions and written proposals.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
Interview if your honours degree is in an unrelated subject
If we have further questions about your application, you may be invited to a short interview.
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
Interview and portfolio
Entry onto this postgraduate course is subject to attending an interview.
At interview you will be asked to give a short presentation. You will need to pitch your proposed idea for the main project. The criteria for this are:
- Demonstration of readiness for graduate level practice
- Evidence of engagement with critical thinking
- Appropriate understanding of and competency in media production
- Ability to communicate project ideas appropriate for the Independent Production Project
You will also be asked to complete a portfolio. This portfolio should show examples of previous and current media production practice.
We are happy to arrange interviews via Skype for overseas students.
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
UK 2025 - 2026 entry
- £8,600 for full time study
- £4,300 per year for part time study
These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
International 2025 - 2026 entry
- £11,800 for 1 year of full time study
- £5,900 per year for part time study
These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
Tuition fees
UK 2024-25 £8,600 full time
International 2024-25 £11,800 full time
Alumni Scholarships
If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.
Additional costs and financial support
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Accommodation and living costs
View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.
Career outcomes
Where could Film and Screen Studies take you?
Our graduates are working in everything from wildlife documentaries to drama and children’s television. Our alumni include a BAFTA award winning film-maker, freelance camera operators, scriptwriters, documentary makers and graduates who’ve set up their own independent production companies. Video skills are in big demand from employers seeking to maximise their communications, and especially the events, marketing and PR industries.
This will give you an advantage in careers such as:
- Journalism
- AV and Broadcasting
- Radio
- Online Publishing
- Games Development
- Graphic Design
Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.
Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022).
Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice.
This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.