MA in Film and Literature

You won’t just be reading; at York you’ll engage in a deeply interdisciplinary and research-led environment that encourages you to connect film and literature in meaningful ways. Through seminar teaching, research training, and community events, you’ll actively develop both your academic and transferable skills. The department gives you dedicated spaces for study, plus rich library collections, and you’ll benefit from close supervision for your independent research project.

Here are the practical, hands‑on ways this MA brings learning to life:

• Research‑led seminars: Small‑group seminars (most with ≤ 16 students) let you deeply explore theoretical and historical encounters between film and literature. 

• Graduate workshops & training: The course includes training lectures and workshops geared toward academic‑level writing, presenting, and research skills. 

• Departmental & interdisciplinary events: You can take part in research seminars, reading groups, and conferences through the Department of English & Related Literature and the Humanities Research Centre. 

• Dedicated study and writing spaces: Use the F. R. Leavis Room and the Writing Lab for focused academic work, collaboration, and peer discussion. 

• Rich library & archive access: You’ll have access to York’s library collections, including audiovisual, musical, and humanities research archives — which is particularly valuable for film & literary research. 

• Independent research dissertation: Over the year, you’ll work on a 12,000–14,000 word dissertation. You’ll have regular supervision from a faculty member to help shape and refine your project. 

• Critical, contextual study: Through core modules like Film/Literature Encounters, you’ll analyze how narratives shift across media, and assess both aesthetic and institutional contexts. 

• Interdisciplinary module options: You can choose from a variety of optional modules (e.g., African American Film & Literature after 1960, Adaptation & Transmediality) that allow you to apply theory to varied contexts

• Professional & transferable skill development: The MA supports career-relevant skills such as independent research, academic writing, presentation, and critical thinking — useful for roles in arts management, publishing, education, and more. 

• Vibrant campus environment: Based on Campus West in York, you benefit from a green, walkable campus and access to collaborative hubs in Heslington Hall, a historic space where students can meet, debate, and organise. 

Graduates of York’s MA in Film and Literature are very well‑positioned for careers in cultural institutions, publishing / journalism, teaching, and academic research. Possible job roles include arts administrator, market researcher, script writer, or university lecturer.

Here’s how York supports that trajectory — and what makes this degree especially valuable:

• University Support & Services

  • The York Careers Service provides tailored postgraduate support, including one‑on‑one career coaching, CV help, interview preparation, and networking opportunities.

  • Within the Department of English & Related Literature, you’ll also receive subject‑specific employability support. The MA handbook describes a full Online Employability Tutorial, opportunities to connect with employers, and dedicated career planning for postgraduate students. 

  • Through the Humanities Research Centre, you’ll take part in seminars, reading groups, and events that connect you with other researchers and cultural professionals. 

• Employment Roles & Graduate Destinations

  • According to York’s course page, graduates go into arts administration, festival management, publishing, journalism, and higher education (teaching or lecturing). 

  • Specific job titles mentioned by the department include: digital support specialist, account executive in content, journalist, market researcher, script writer, and teacher in higher education. 

  • The MA cultivates transferable skills critical for many careers — such as intellectual independence, advanced research, clear written and oral communication, and the ability to analyse complex texts and media. 

• University–Industry / Cultural Partnerships

  • While the MA is primarily academic, the department leverages its research strength and networks — you’ll benefit from the Humanities Research Centre, which connects you to scholars, events, and interdisciplinary projects. 

  • Through departmental activities, you have access to seminars, reading groups, and possibly guest lectures that bridge theory with practical, real-world cultural engagement. 

• Long-Term & Accreditation Value

  • York’s Department of English & Related Literature is highly research-intensive. The MA provides a strong foundation for doctoral-level study or a career in research. 

  • The degree’s reputation is reinforced by its alignment with York’s Humanities Research Centre, which enhances the academic rigour of your training.

• Graduation Outcomes

  • You will produce a 12,000–14,000‑word dissertation, developing substantial independent research under expert supervision. 

  • Graduates complete rigorous training in critical thinking, theory, and contextual analysis — skills highly valued in both academic and cultural-sector roles. 

  • Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the course (film + literature), you’ll be well-equipped to contribute to publications, teach, or work in arts institutions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MA, you could:

• Apply for a PhD in Film Studies, English Literature, or Cultural Studies — exploring film adaptation, media theory, or narrative research.

• Take on a research assistant / associate role within academic departments or cultural institutions, working on funded projects, publications, or archival research.

• Join or lead curatorial or research projects in film festivals, museums, or literary archives.

• Pursue a professional development route, e.g. in publishing, film programming, or cultural policy, using the academic and research skills you gained.