MLitt

Film Studies:
Theory and
Practice
School of Arts and Humanities

Photograph Norman McLaren Archive, University of Stirling

Why Film Studies:

Theory and Practice?
The MLitt in Film Studies: Theory and
Practice at the University of Stirling aims
to equip students with both theoretical
and practical skills within film studies.
Taught by film specialists who are
leaders in their fields, the programme will
provide students with an interdisciplinary
framework for critical engagement with
film studies at the level of both theory
and practice. This degree will benefit not
only those seeking to pursue an
academic career, but also those for
whom an understanding of cinema or of
the cultural dimensions to film
production, distribution and exhibition
would be advantageous in developing a
career path in the creative industries.
Through its core courses, students will
be exposed to a range of critical
approaches to the study of film.
Students will learn various strategies for
analysing films, while considering the
influence and wider implications of film
history, ideology, form, aesthetics and
policy. Taking advantage of the unique
facilities on the Stirling campus, students
will also make use of the University
Archives - home to the archives of
filmmakers Lindsay Anderson, Norman
McLaren and John Grierson in their

core classes, and have access to special

events at the on-campus Macrobert
Filmhouse. Students will have the
opportunity to take a Research
Placement module, giving them direct
experience of using their research skills
in a film or arts institution.
Students will explore these issues
through a seminar-based programme
and will be assessed in a variety of ways,
enabling them to develop a range of
transferable skills.

Stirling and in particular the University have

completely shaped my life and had nothing but
a positive influence on me. Being here has
afforded me so many opportunities, more than I
could ever have hoped for . . . . Thats why I
would have no hesitation in recommending the
experience to anyone.
Grahame Reid,
Film and Media Development Officer,
MacRobert Arts Centre, and Recent Graduate,
MLitt Film Studies

Applied
Research
Opportunities
The MLitt in Film Studies:
Theory and Practice offers
students the opportunity to
take their research skills and
apply them to real-world
contexts in art and industry
through the Research
Placement module. We have
excellent links with some of
the leading film and arts
institutions in Scotland.

Macrobert Cinema

Placements on offer will vary from year

to year, but we have established ties
with organisations that engage in
research in the course of their cultural,
commercial, or charitable aims. These
include: The Glasgow Film Theatre, the
BoNess Hippodrome Cinema, the
MacRobert Arts Centre, and the Stirling
University Archives.
Applying research skills in a nonacademic context will help prepare
students for jobs in the arts and film
industries, but it will also enhance the
skills set of anyone seeking to pursue
PhD study. Students wishing to do a PhD
will be supported in developing their
proposal and in applying for funding.

Photograph Linds Anderson Collection

Is Film Studies
for me?

Programme overview

Students come to Film Studies

at Stirling from a variety of
international contexts and from
academic backgrounds
including: Film, Media, Cultural
and Communication Studies;
English Literature; Modern
Languages and Cultures;
Sociology and Politics. We also
welcome students returning to
education after a period away,
particularly those who have
been working in the media and
related industries whether in a
paid or voluntary capacity, or
who have been teaching in
English or Media Studies and
are looking to develop
specialist skills in Film.
Applicants who do not meet
the normal requirements, but
who can demonstrate their
passion for the study of film
and aptitude for research, will
be considered on a case-bycase basis and are encouraged
to contact one of the
Programme Directors directly
before application.

All students on the MLitt in Film Studies: Theory and Practice take three core
modules: Film Studies: Form and Analysis; Film Studies: History, Theory, Criticism;
and Reading for the Screen.
In addition to the core modules that offer a grounding in film analysis and film
theory, and the optional research placement, the course will offer a range of modules
examining a broad area of concerns and practices within film studies that include:
gender, feminist film theory, national and transnational cinemas, scriptwriting,
postcolonial cinema, global media industries, the gothic and early cinema.

Modules:

Staff:
The Directors of the MLitt in Film Studies: Theory and Practice are Karen Boyle,
Professor of Feminist Media Studies, and Elizabeth Ezra, Professor of Cinema and
Culture. The programme team includes colleagues with research and teaching
specialisms in feminist film studies, French cinema, Spanish and Latin American
cinema, British cinema, African cinema, Qubecois cinema, transnational cinema,
early cinema, experimental cinema, film archives and queer cinema.

Timetable:
There is flexibility in optional modules to allow both full-time and part-time students
to work around other commitments. Full-time students will complete the programme
in just 12 months and part-time students over 27 months.

Dissertation:
The MLitt also involves researching and writing either a 12,000 word dissertation on
a theme of your choice, or producing a creative project accompanied by a 5000-word
critical essay. The dissertation or creative project is researched and developed over
the summer months under the supervision of a subject specialist. Given the wide
range of specialisms within the programme team, we are able to offer supervision
across a variety of disciplines and using a range of approaches.
Aerial view University of Stirling

Entrance
Requirements
Normally an upper second class Honours degree, or
equivalent, in a relevant discipline from a university
recognised by the University of Stirling. If English is not your
first language, you must provide evidence of proficiency such
as a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in any
individual test.

Five Reasons Why

You Should Choose
the MLitt in Film
Studies: Theory and
Practice
1. You will be taught in small groups by
experienced and committed staff who are
leading experts in film studies.
2. All contributing staff are engaged in
ongoing research at the forefront of their
disciplines, and are the authors of numerous
books, articles and studies on a wide range
of subjects within film studies.
3. You will study on a campus with unique
Archives and a dedicated Arts Centre and
Cinema (the Macrobert).
4. You will have the opportunity to apply your
knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
5. You will be part of a thriving academic
community which includes a rich research
culture and seminar programmes of visiting
academics and industry speakers.

Airthrey Loch University of Stirling

Fees and Funding

Fees for full-time students are 4000 (Home & EU students)
or 10,900 (International students). A variety of scholarships
and bursaries may be available in any given year.
You can find out more about possible sources of
funding at: http://www.stir.ac.uk/postgraduate/
financial-information/scholarships/, and
http://www.careers.stir.ac.uk/students/Funding.php.

Photographer John McPake

To find out more about this programme please contact

Professor Elizabeth Ezra (Co-director)
UK +44 (0)1786 467538
e.r.ezra@stir.ac.uk

Professor Karen Boyle (Co-director)

UK +44 (0)1786 466221
Karen.Boyle@stir.ac.uk

The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159. For a list of photographers
who have contributed to the University of Stirling photo library, visit: www.marketingtools.stir.
ac.uk/photography/list.php This publication can be made available in different formats. Please
contact Student Recruitment and Admissions for further information: recruitment@stir.ac.uk