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Subjects A-B

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Bioveterinary Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management

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  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

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  • Film & Television
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

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  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Museum Studies

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  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre & Performance

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.

MA by Research Film, Theatre and Television

  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2025/26
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Pursue flexible postgraduate research with our MA by Research Film, Theatre & Television.

This research-intensive master’s programme is designed for students who want to explore a specialised area of film, theatre or television.

The programme offers:

  • Flexible structure. Tailor the programme to your personal interests and schedule.
  • One-to-one supervision. Work with one of our Department’s world-class specialists.
  • Independent and taught study. In addition to completing a dissertation or practical project, you will study two taught modules in the subject area of your choice.

The programme creates a direct route into PhD study, but it’s also suitable for those who want to specialise as theorists, critics, artists, archivists, or producers.

Your learning environment

Work alongside expert academics in the Department of Film, Theatre & Television, where 100% of our research was judged to be of international standing [1]. You will have access to the Department’s:

  • research projects and activities
  • special collections
  • technical facilities and purpose-built spaces in the state-of-the-art Minghella Studios.

Alongside your guided independent research and two taught modules, you will have the chance to further hone your skills through research training offered by our Doctoral and Researcher College.

You will also have a dedicated supervisor to oversee your dissertation or practical project in film, theatre or television.

Your taught modules will include a mix of seminars, tutorials, workshops with industry representatives, external visits and technical training. 

Flexible study options for MA by Research Film, Theatre & Television students

You can study this programme full-time over one year, or part-time over two years. 

You will also choose between two pathways:

  • MA by Research in Film and Television
  • MA by Research in Theatre 

[1] Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies.

 

Albert Education Partnership logoArri Certified Film School logoFEST logoRabble Theatre logoReading Rep Theatre logoResource Productions logoSouth Street Theatre logo

Our Department proudly subscribes to the industry-leading BAFTA Albert scheme, which supports film-and-television makers in their efforts to work sustainably and limit their environmental impact. By studying with us you'll join one of the UK’s leading Universities in Environment and Sustainability’ Ranked 4th in the world in the People and Planet University Awards 2024/25.

Overview

Pursue flexible postgraduate research with our MA by Research Film, Theatre & Television.

This research-intensive master’s programme is designed for students who want to explore a specialised area of film, theatre or television.

The programme offers:

  • Flexible structure. Tailor the programme to your personal interests and schedule.
  • One-to-one supervision. Work with one of our Department’s world-class specialists.
  • Independent and taught study. In addition to completing a dissertation or practical project, you will study two taught modules in the subject area of your choice.

The programme creates a direct route into PhD study, but it’s also suitable for those who want to specialise as theorists, critics, artists, archivists, or producers.

Your learning environment

Work alongside expert academics in the Department of Film, Theatre & Television, where 100% of our research was judged to be of international standing [1]. You will have access to the Department’s:

  • research projects and activities
  • special collections
  • technical facilities and purpose-built spaces in the state-of-the-art Minghella Studios.

Alongside your guided independent research and two taught modules, you will have the chance to further hone your skills through research training offered by our Doctoral and Researcher College.

You will also have a dedicated supervisor to oversee your dissertation or practical project in film, theatre or television.

Your taught modules will include a mix of seminars, tutorials, workshops with industry representatives, external visits and technical training. 

Flexible study options for MA by Research Film, Theatre & Television students

You can study this programme full-time over one year, or part-time over two years. 

You will also choose between two pathways:

  • MA by Research in Film and Television
  • MA by Research in Theatre 

[1] Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies.

 

Albert Education Partnership logoArri Certified Film School logoFEST logoRabble Theatre logoReading Rep Theatre logoResource Productions logoSouth Street Theatre logo

Our Department proudly subscribes to the industry-leading BAFTA Albert scheme, which supports film-and-television makers in their efforts to work sustainably and limit their environmental impact. By studying with us you'll join one of the UK’s leading Universities in Environment and Sustainability’ Ranked 4th in the world in the People and Planet University Awards 2024/25.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Your degree should be in a subject related to film, theatre or television. For exceptional candidates without such a degree, you’ll need convincing evidence of relevant professional experience and examples of substantial written work.

Your application must include a 500-word summary of the research topic you would like to investigate in your dissertation or practical project.

IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP), which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

  • Modules

Compulsory modules

Dissertation or Practical Project 

Conduct independent research, with the advice and support of teaching staff, and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in in film/television and/or theatre through an extended project. Your project will focus on a particular critical/theoretical issue or subject in the form a practical project, with supporting analytical documentation or an extended piece of writing. 

Optional modules

Exploring Screen Practices

Develop production and filmmaking competencies through short practical projects supported by workshops and masterclasses. You’ll gain an understanding of the way in which creative processes relate to critical analysis, while enhancing a wide range of professional skills in field of screen media.

Film: Creative Peaks and Industries 

Explore common tropes and cross-pollinations across the creative peaks of film productions and movements from around the world. You’ll focus new cinemas and waves, and booms of production, analysing blockbusters along with indigenous landmarks to demonstrate how they compare and interrelate through portrayals of shared desires and concerns. 

Screen Bodies

Explore how diverse bodies move on screen and how their representation is shaped by culture, society, creative traditions, and conditions of production and reception. You’ll examine how the screen body generates meaning, as well as ethical issues of access to representation, visibility, marginalisation and consent.

Film Programming and Film Festivals 

Study different modes of programming and organising arthouse, alternative and experimental venues, as well as film festivals, exploring how the pool of world festivals influences funding and distribution of different productions. You’ll be taught through a range of dynamic seminars, workshops and group projects, led by academics and industry representatives. 

Adaption across Stage and Screen

Explore the processes of artistic adaptation in film, television and theatre, and engage with the critical, cultural, and political considerations surrounding this practice. You’ll gain an understanding of a broad range of adaptation practices, including page to stage/screen, fanfiction, intercultural retellings and documentary theatre.

Performance and Design

Engage in critical and practical exploration of theatre and performance design in relation to historical and contemporary scenographic practices. You'll explore the role of designers in shaping and re-imagining performance, encounter visual, aural, spatial, material, and technological design elements, and examine diversity among international designers, methods, and environments. Visits to archives and masterclasses from visiting designers will enhance your learning.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

 

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

This programme is ideal as a path to doctoral study. 

It’s also suitable for those who want to specialise as:

  • academics
  • theorists
  • critics
  • artists
  • archivists
  • producers.

Overall, 91.6% of graduates from the School of Arts and Communication Design are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, includes all School of Arts and Communication Design responders).

Sarah's experience as an MA by research Film, Theatre and Television student

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