Film & Visual Culture and International Relations, MA

From the very start, this programme is designed so you learn by doing—analysing visuals, experimenting with creative practice, and applying your ideas in real projects. You won’t just study film history or international relations theory in the abstract—you’ll use digital tools, create your own visual work, and explore how images shape the way global politics is understood today. At Aberdeen, you’ll have access to outstanding facilities, centres, and resources that support both the theoretical and practical sides of your training.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience

Digital and Creative Skills
You’ll receive training in digital video production and web design, giving you the chance to create your own short films or visual media rather than only analysing others’ work.

Creative Spaces and Collaboration
The George Washington Wilson Centre for Visual Culture is a vibrant hub for events, exhibitions, and collaborative projects in visual media and photography—offering real opportunities to apply your learning beyond the classroom.

Blending Art and Analysis
The course encourages both comparative and creative practice. You might experiment with analogue and digital artefacts, still and moving images, underground and mainstream media—all while developing your critical and creative voice.

Connecting Film with Global Issues
Because this is a joint degree, you’ll also explore major political and international themes—perhaps mapping or visualising global concepts, creating data-driven visuals, or linking your film projects with real-world issues.

Learning from Practicing Experts
You’ll be taught by faculty members who actively publish and contribute to contemporary media and public debate, so your creative work is guided by people working at the cutting edge of the field.

World-Class Resources
The Sir Duncan Rice Library gives you access to extensive film archives, media collections, and digital databases—everything you need to support your research and inspire your creative projects.

What You’ll Do (Experiential Component Highlights)

Practical Media Projects
You’ll produce your own video, visual, or web-based media pieces as part of your coursework—learning the craft while developing a professional portfolio.

Collaborative Group Work
Many modules involve group projects and peer collaboration, particularly when designing media campaigns or producing creative visual work.

Applied and Work-Based Opportunities
While internships are more common at postgraduate level, you’ll still have access to applied opportunities through local media and arts organisations, allowing you to connect your studies with professional experience.

Field Trips and Guest Events
You can look forward to film screenings, visiting artists, public lectures, and possible field trips to festivals or cultural venues—bringing theory to life through real-world engagement.

Workshops and Creative Labs
Through the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, you’ll take part in creative practice workshops and collaborative media labs that encourage experimentation and teamwork.

Centre Collaborations
You’ll have chances to present, co-produce, or curate visual work through partnerships with the George Washington Wilson Centre—an ideal space to showcase your talent.

Digital and Library Support
Finally, you’ll benefit from the Sir Duncan Rice Library’s digital tools, film collections, and media support services, helping you merge academic research with hands-on creative exploration.

When you complete this programme, you’ll be ready to pursue a wide range of exciting careers that connect creativity, culture, and global understanding. Many graduates find themselves working in media, diplomacy, cultural organisations, or education — in roles that make the most of their ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and bridge different worldviews.

Career Paths You Could Follow

• Film or Television Producer / Curator

• International Relations or Policy Analyst (especially within cultural institutions or NGOs)

• Media and Communications Officer for global organisations

• Cultural Programme Manager or Festival Director

How the University of Aberdeen Supports Your Career Progression

At Aberdeen, your career development is built into your student experience from day one. You’ll have full access to the Careers and Employability Service, which offers guidance, workshops, and one-to-one advice tailored to your discipline. For example, Rhona Gibson, the adviser for Film & Visual Culture, provides personalised support with CVs, interview preparation, internships, and work placements.

Employment Outlook

Graduates from related film and creative arts programmes at Aberdeen do exceptionally well — around 80% are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. Average earnings for creative arts and design graduates are around £22,000, while those from politics and international relations backgrounds typically earn £23,000–£29,000 within the same period.

Industry Connections and Professional Networks

This degree connects directly with Scotland’s thriving film and television sector, including opportunities linked to NFTS Scotland and Creative Scotland. You’ll also benefit from the vibrant community within the George Washington Wilson Centre for Visual Culture, which hosts exhibitions, public talks, visiting scholars, and collaborations across departments — helping you build valuable industry contacts even before graduation.

Reputation and Long-Term Value

As one of the UK’s oldest and most respected universities, Aberdeen offers a degree that’s recognised for both academic depth and creative flexibility. The blend of visual culture and international relations gives you a dual strength — ideal for roles that require analytical insight, intercultural awareness, and creative problem-solving. These transferable skills will serve you well across industries, whether your path leads to film, diplomacy, education, or beyond.

Graduate Destinations

Aberdeen graduates from Film & Visual Culture programmes often move into careers in:

• Broadcasting and journalism

• Film festivals and arts administration

• Cultural heritage and museums

• Teaching and public engagement

• Media and communications roles in NGOs or public diplomacy

Further Study Options

After completing the MA (Hons) in Film & Visual Culture and International Relations, you’ll have several academic progression routes open to you:

• Postgraduate Taught Programmes – such as the MLitt in Film, Visual Culture and Arts Management, which combines theoretical insight with hands-on experience in partnership with local arts organisations.

• Research Degrees (MPhil / PhD) – you can pursue advanced research in film, visual culture, or cultural studies, supported by expert supervisors and facilities within the George Washington Wilson Centre.

• Interdisciplinary Studies – your International Relations background also makes you well-suited for postgraduate study in global studies, cultural diplomacy, media policy, or transnational studies.