Film Studies Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Make an original, positive and lasting contribution to film studies. A PhD is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise as part of an active research community making impact across the globe.

Edinburgh is one of the world’s foremost cultural cities, known for its festivals and collections. It is an inspirational place to study film, and you will have the opportunity to work with our internationally recognised academics.

As well as the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the city is a year-round cultural treasure trove. Venues range from pop-ups and community spaces to art house and large, multi-screen cinemas.

A PhD at the University of Edinburgh places you at the heart of this rich cultural environment. Based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), you will benefit from our expertise in film from Europe, America and beyond.

Our research and supervision expertise spans the broad fields of film and screen studies, including:

* film-philosophy

* cinema history

* screen aesthetics

* film theory

We will consider proposals that focus on philosophical, theoretical and historical approaches to cinema and to film aesthetics. We are also open to projects on film actors, genres and specific filmmakers, especially those within the national expertise of academic staff. We encourage proposals that engage with the moving image beyond cinema, including television and video games. 

We do not offer supervision for practice-based research projects.

Over the course of your PhD, you will complete an original body of work under the expert guidance of at least two supervisors. Your thesis will be around 80,000 words.

Our programme includes access to skills training, including research methodologies specific to film studies. Our research collections, resources and facilities are outstanding.