MA Film Studies

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

The MA Film & Literature at Essex lets you explore how literature and film speak to each other — from adaptation and theory to production — giving you a rare, critical-creative blend of textual and audiovisual study. This course is perfect for you if you're fascinated by storytelling in novels and cinema, and want to build a portfolio in theory, creative writing, or film practice. University of Essex+1

Curriculum Structure

Year / Term Structure

Over the first part of the course, you’ll take Critical Moments in the Theory and History of Film, where you study key debates (Marxist, psychoanalytic, semiological) in film, alongside weekly screenings and discussions. University of Essex+1
At the same time, you’ll choose optional literature modules (20 credits each) from a list — these could cover areas like modernism, Caribbean literature, or American prose — allowing you to tailor your literary engagement. University of Essex
You’ll also pick a film‑option module (20 credits) that complements your literary modules, deepening your understanding of film through production or theoretical lenses. University of Essex
Finally, you’ll prepare for and complete your dissertation (80 credits), with a preparatory module Dissertation Preparation: Postgraduate Research and Writing Skills (20 credits) to give you the tools, methodology, and supervision you need. University of Essex

Focus Areas

Adaptation, Comparative Media, Film Theory, Literary Aesthetics, Film Production

Learning Outcomes

You’ll learn to analyse both texts and films in relation to each other, apply advanced critical theory, manage a research project (whether creative or scholarly), and produce a compelling dissertation that showcases your unique voice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While there's no specific degree accreditation, the course’s mix of theory, creative practice, and dissertation work aligns strongly with both academic career paths (e.g. PhD) and roles in publishing, filmmaking, criticism, or academia. University of Essex+1

Reputation (Employability / Research Strength)

The Department of Literature, Film & Theatre Studies at Essex has 75% of its research impact in drama, performance and film rated “internationally excellent” or “world-leading” in REF 2021. University of Essex
You’ll use excellent facilities: two state‑of‑the‑art studios, industry-standard editing software (Avid, Final Cut), and a 120-seat cinema (Cine10) for weekly screenings and academic discussion. University of Essex+1
The course also includes masterclasses by invited industry professionals covering cinematography, directing, editing, and production — helping you build meaningful connections. University of Essex
Graduates go on to careers as scholars, filmmakers, editors, arts administrators, and lecturers, or pursue PhDs. University of Essex

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sussex, this MA is designed so that you don’t just learn about film — you make it. You’ll train on real professional equipment, collaborate with peers on creative projects, and build a strong portfolio. The university’s technical facilities are available 24/7, giving you the flexibility and space to experiment, produce, and refine your work with real-world tools and support.

Here’s how experiential learning happens in this MA:

Industry-grade production facilities: You get 24-hour access to cutting-edge production facilities.
Fully equipped film & photography studio: There’s a dedicated film studio with lighting rigs, grip gear, dollies, jibs, green-screens, black curtains, and full set-build capability.
Professional equipment pool: Through the equipment store, you can borrow high-quality video cameras, cinematic lighting, tripods, rigs, microphones, and even Wacom tablets and computing kits.
Post-production labs: There are seven dedicated editing booths, plus editing workshops and an audio-visual finishing suite.
Software & voice-over studios: You’ll work on dual-monitor iMacs loaded with Adobe Creative Cloud (including Premiere Pro), and have access to voice studios with condenser mics, channel strips, and audio interfaces for narration or radio-style work. VR & maker spaces: You can use a VR suite (for virtual reality / 3D scanning) and a Maker Space with 3D printing and soldering facilities — enabling you to experiment with immersive or interactive media.
Mac and PC labs: There are computer labs for editing, research, and your written work, so you can switch between creative production and academic reflection.
Digital & photography print studio: For creating physical outputs, the print suite lets you produce high-quality photographic or design materials.
Practical modules & projects: Core modules include Documentary Filmmaking and Fiction Filmmaking (directing & visualisation).
Final project / showreel: You complete a Final Filmmaking Project (either documentary or fiction) as part of your MA — by the end, you’ll have produced at least two short films and built a professional showreel.
Paid client projects: Through the Careers and Entrepreneurship team, there are paid project opportunities with UK organisations, giving you real-world experience working to a brief.
Masterclasses & industry exposure: You’ll attend masterclasses led by award-winning filmmakers and industry professionals, blending artistic learning with professional insight.
Career support: Sussex’s Careers team helps you refine your showreel, target film festivals, online platforms, or broadcast opportunities, and plan your career in roles like directing, producing, scriptwriting, cinematography, sound, and editing.

Progression & Future Opportunities

With an MA in Film & Literature from Essex, you’ll graduate with a nuanced understanding of both textual and visual storytelling — ready for roles such as film / literary researcher, screenwriter, media curator, or critic / academic. Your theoretical insight, combined with practical film‑making skills and a creative dissertation, gives you a strong foundation to work in the creative industries or continue academically.

Here’s how this MA supports your future career:

University Services Supporting Employment
- Essex’s Careers Service offers one‑to‑one advice, help with CVs, application support, and interview preparation, even after graduation.The department encourages and assists you to secure internships and work placements during your studies — giving you real experience in media, publishing, or cultural organisations.
- You’ll benefit from masterclasses delivered by industry professionals (directors, editors, cinematographers), who share their insights on film production, distribution, and running a production company.
Employment Outcomes & Career Paths
- According to Essex’s “What’s next” section, MA graduates have gone on to work as journalists, arts administrators, scholars, university lecturers, as well as in film editing and translation
- On a broader level, 89% of Essex postgraduate graduates go into highly skilled employment.
- Discover Uni data shows that, 15 months after graduation, around 55% of people from related courses are in highly skilled jobs — with roles in teaching, business, media, and web/multimedia design.
University–Industry Exposure & Partnerships
- You’ll study in Essex’s Centre for Film and Screen Media, working alongside award‑winning filmmakers and scholars — providing a creative and supportive network.
- The course includes practical modules (screenwriting, camera, lighting, editing) and gives access to industry-standard studios, Avid and Final Cut software, and professional film equipment.
- Essex hosts weekly film screenings in its on‑campus Cine10 cinema, which is a great space to network, present your work, and engage with film culture.
Long-Term Value & Accreditation
- Essex’s Department of Literature, Film & Theatre Studies is AHRC‑accredited: the university is one of just 11 UK Doctoral Training Centres.
- Your dissertation can be either creative or theoretical, meaning you graduate with a substantial piece of work (a film script, essay, or research project) to showcase to employers or for further study.
- The combination of critical theory, production practice, and media history ensures your skills remain relevant, whether you're aiming for academic or industry roles.
Graduate Destinations & Impact
- Past MA Film & Literature graduates have successfully become publishers, translators, arts managers, and film critics.
- The intellectual and practical versatility of the degree also positions you well for roles in cultural institutions, film festivals, or policy organisations that value cross-disciplinary understanding.

Further Academic Progression:
If you choose to continue studying after this MA:

You could apply for a PhD in Film Studies, Media Studies, or Comparative Literature at Essex — the department offers supervision for MPhil / PhD students.
You might pursue a practice-led doctorate, blending your creative work (e.g., a film or screenplay) with scholarly research.
Alternatively, you could do a professional postgraduate certification in related areas: screenwriting, adaptation, digital media theory or production.