PhD Degree in Film Studies - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, and Admission 2025-26

About This Course

A PhD in Film and Visual Studies at the University of Edinburgh gives you the chance to create meaningful, lasting contributions to global film scholarship while exploring your passions in a lively, research-driven community. Set in one of the world’s most dynamic cultural capitals, this programme places you right at the centre of a city celebrated for its artistic spirit, international festivals, and rich cinematic heritage.

Edinburgh’s year-round cultural landscape is a true gift for film researchers. From intimate community screenings and pop-up venues to iconic art-house cinemas and large multiplexes, the city offers endless opportunities to engage with diverse screen cultures. Studying here means learning from internationally recognised academics while being surrounded by a creative environment that continually sparks new ideas.

Housed within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), the programme welcomes passionate researchers eager to dive deep into film, media, and visual arts. With expert guidance from experienced faculty members, students produce original research that enriches conversations in film theory, media analysis, aesthetic criticism, and cultural studies. The university encourages interdisciplinary exploration, making it ideal for those who want to bridge film research with subjects from the School of Arts, English, or Languages.

You can choose between two distinct routes. The Critical Practice PhD focuses on advanced scholarship in areas such as animation, British cinema, documentary studies, screen technologies, political cinema, or global film cultures. Meanwhile, the Creative Practice PhD allows students to develop a supervised body of creative work—whether documentary filmmaking, experimental cinema, fiction directing, screenwriting, or sound design—supported by a critical written analysis.

Available full-time or part-time, the programme expects PhD candidates to submit their thesis within three years of full-time study. With its inspiring setting, expert mentorship, and strong research culture, Edinburgh offers an exceptional environment to shape your future in film studies.

Eligibility

To be eligible, a candidate must have at least 55% aggregate marks or equivalent grades (as prescribed by the UGC) in a Master’s degree—either a 2-year/4-semester programme after a 3-year bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification in the relevant subject. Such candidates must also qualify LPUNEST and the Interview.

Candidates who have completed a 1-year/2-semester Master’s programme with a minimum of 55% marks, after a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree, are also eligible.

Accepted Master’s qualifications include:

• MA in Journalism & Mass Communication / Animation
• MA or MPA in Theatre and Television
• MFA in Photography
• M.Design or any equivalent degree in a relevant discipline

Additionally, candidates who hold a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 75% aggregate marks or equivalent grades (as per UGC guidelines) may also apply, subject to qualifying LPUNEST and the Interview.

Important Note:

If an institution follows a 9.5 conversion factor, then a CGPA of 7.5 does NOT equal 75%. Such candidates will not be considered eligible.

A relaxation of 5% marks or equivalent grades may be granted to candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), Differently-Abled, EWS, and other categories, in accordance with Commission regulations.

PhD Degree in Film Studies Admission Process

Ph.D. in Cinema Studies at JNU is a 3-year, full-time, on-campus doctoral program designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research in film and cinema studies.

The total program fee is ₹1,019, with students paying ₹431 in the first year.

Admission to this program is primarily based on performance in the JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination). To be eligible, applicants must have completed a postgraduate degree. The overall JNUEE cutoff for Ph.D. Cinema Studies ranges between 48.4 and 71.1, depending on the category.

In the Times Higher Education Arts Ranking 2020, JNU was placed in the 301–400 band, highlighting its academic reputation in the arts domain.

Applicants can use the Apply Now button to access the Applicant Portal, where they can create and submit their application, upload required documents, and request references.

Your application will be considered complete only when:

You have submitted the application and all supporting documents through the Applicant Portal.

You have paid the application fee, if applicable (refer to the official guidelines to check fee requirements for specific courses).

Your referees have successfully submitted their references.

It is important to meet all deadlines. Applications cannot be submitted once the deadline has passed.

Applicants—whether seeking funding or not—are strongly encouraged to apply by the funding deadline in early December. If seats remain afterward, self-funded candidates may apply until 14 May.

Future Scope

The future scope of a Ph.D. in Film Studies is wide and continually expanding, though the field itself branches into many specialised areas. Because it is still relatively unfamiliar to some employers, graduates may find the strongest opportunities in sectors connected to cinema, media, and visual culture. A doctoral degree in film studies prepares students not only for advanced roles in film production but also equips them with expertise in related areas such as media studies, cultural analysis, and visual communication.

A Ph.D. in Film and Media Studies helps students gain an in-depth understanding of the history, theory, and evolution of film and photography, enabling them to make informed decisions about the field’s future direction. The programme strengthens employability by combining two core areas: research and studio practice. Typically, students engage in three main categories of courses—methodology subjects, studio-based learning, and guided research—allowing them to build a strong academic and creative foundation.

Students in film and photography programmes often explore popular culture through courses offered by the School of Arts and Media. They usually work within the film and media studies department while being affiliated with specialised centres such as the Center for Digital Media Cultures or the Screen Studies REG. This cross-disciplinary exposure allows them to conduct diverse research and broadens their academic and professional horizons.

A Ph.D. in film offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen your expertise in the moving image and enhance your academic and professional profile. The research skills gained during the program are highly valued, demonstrating your ability to:

Critically analyse multiple data sources and work confidently in digital environments

Understand cultural contexts and navigate diverse perspectives

Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively

Work independently while contributing meaningfully to a wider research community

While many graduates pursue academic careers, these skills are equally relevant in a wide range of sectors—including private, public, non-profit, and creative industries. The discipline, motivation, and innovation required to complete a Ph.D. also make it a strong foundation for self-employment.

Many graduates build successful careers in education, arts management, curation, and various roles across the film, television, and media industries.