Triangle

Research overview

Develop your knowledge of the film and televisions sectors through:

  • your own unique research
  • a series of taught modules, chosen according to your research needs. 

Research support and specialisation

You'll receive expert supervision and guidance from our experienced staff as well as dedicated training in research skills. Our main areas of research specialisation include:

  • US film and television
  • Hollywood studies
  • East Asian and global cinema
  • new media, industrial and audience analysis
  • film and television history

Why do an MRes?

The MRes is a substantial piece of original work and can be ideal if:

  • you cannot commit to a PhD but still have a topic you want to research further
  • your topic doesn't require three-years of PhD study
  • you want to develop your research and academic skills before starting a PhD

Industry links

The department spearheads the University of Nottingham’s lead higher education partnership with the British Film Institute and collaborates with local media institutions such as the Broadway Cinema (the regional film theatre).

It also has strong links with Hollywood studios (such as Walt Disney Company) with unique internship opportunities available.

Building on its close industry connections, the department is home to the Institute for Screen Industries Research.

Your department

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Course content

You will complete 180 credits worth of modules split as follows:

  • Research dissertation - 120 credits
  • Taught modules - 60 credits

You'll also attend agreed research training and take part in the weekly work-in-progress research seminars, contributing your own paper in the Spring semester.

Research dissertation

You'll agree a topic with your supervisor and write a dissertation of up to 25,000 words. It is marked by both an internal and an external examiner with the possibility of a viva to confirm the award.

Students must choose 60 credits from the following list:

Operating on a global scale, and with often large budgets at stake, the film, television and screen industries want to ensure their products reach the widest audience possible. They also want to be able to measure the size of these audiences.

You will explore the main processes and people involved in researching and managing screen audiences. In particular, we’ll cover:

  • Developing research for better industry solutions
  • Spaces and modes of consumption
  • Designing content for audiences
  • Distributing content to audiences

 This module is worth 20 credits.

An introduction to some of the key research skills required to become a more effective researcher and successfully complete your MRes.

You'll also develop a range of transferable professional skills - from writing and presentation to public engagement and project management.

You will also engage with key methdological concepts and debates within the arts and humaniities.

This module runs for one semester and is worth 20 credits.

Develop the practical and intellectual skills required to bring your MRes dissertation to completion.

You'll typically cover:

  • research planning
  • archive mining
  • data management
  • practical training in thesis presentation and structuring
  • key theories and approaches relevant to all students in the areas of arts and humanities

It is not necessary to do MRes Research Skills 1 to enrol on this module.

This is a full-year module worth 40 credits.

You'll explore the main processes and people involved in the global marketing of film, television and screen media and the associated promotional screen content. In particular, we'll cover:

  • the companies and intermediaries that operate in the sector of marketing and promotion, their role and expertise
  • how marketing strategies are developed around screen content, and how this accounts for specific audiences and media environments
  • the textual and paratextual status of promotional content
  • the cultural or creative issues at stake in the production and distribution of this content
  • how marketing and promotion develops brand relationships/experiences/emotions

 This module is worth 20 credits.

This module considers the main processes and people involved in the development and production of screen content. In particular, it will cover the following areas: People (talent development and management); Ideas (development and content creation); Money (financing and assets); Places (global production trends).

This module is worth 20 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on 08 November 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Full-time structure

You will usually take the two modules in the first semester and one in the second. The dissertation is then finished over the summer.

Part-time structure

We know part-time students usually have other commitments and are happy to discuss the best structure for your situation.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualification
Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities or social science subject

Qualification
Degree

2:1 (or international equivalent) in an arts, humanities or social science subject

International and EU equivalents

We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

IELTS7.0 (no less than 6.5 in each element)
English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications.

This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.

Applying

Our staff group cover many diverse areas. You should identify and contact a potential supervisor from our research staff to check whether we can adequately support your research interests before submitting an application.

Staff profiles and research specialisms

If you are unsure whether any of our staff can support you contact the Departmental Director of Postgraduate Research, Dr Franziska Meyer. They may be able to advise on potential supervisors and funding opportunities.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

How to apply

Fees

QualificationMRes
Home / UK£5,350
International£23,000

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

There are no extra compulsory fees to be paid beyond your standard tuition fees. 

You'll be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries. The Blackwell's bookshop on campus offers a year-round price match against any of the main retailers (i.e. Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith). They also offer second-hand books, as students from previous years sell their copies back to the bookshop.

Funding

There are funding opportunities which are only open to students within the Faculty of Arts.

Postgraduate funding for Faculty of Arts students

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Support

Postgraduate professional development programme

We provide opportunities for you to develop knowledge, experience and skills beyond your immediate research topic.

Work-in-progress seminars

Time and space for staff and students to present their own research for critique in a supportive and constructive atmosphere. As well as presenting your own work you'll also learn more about the ongoing process of academic research.

Visiting speakers and symposia

There's an extensive programme organised by both staff and students that give opportunities to hear from, and debate with, academics outside the department.

Expert supervision

Your supervisors will regularly read and advise on your work and attend your works-in-progress presentation.

Active community

You will be encouraged to organise and attend conferences, act as editors for postgraduate journals, and publish book reviews and articles.

Digital Transformations Hub

Support for cutting edge digital humanities research. Visit the Digital Transformations Hub website.

Language learning

You can make full use of the Language Centre facilities for both research-specific learning and personal interest.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

  • studying
  • socialising
  • computer work
  • seminars
  • kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services, including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

The Researcher Academy

The Researcher Academy supports all postgraduates and early career researchers at the University, with dedicated study spaces, training courses and placement opportunities.

Careers

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Our postgraduates go onto work in a range of fields, from university lectureships and post-doctoral fellowships to roles in the media, art councils and the creative industries.

Many of our research students publish high-quality books and articles and have secured teaching positions in universities both in the UK and abroad.

Three Arts masters students share what they got out of their advanced study.

100% of postgraduates from Cultural Media and Visual Studies secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology.

Hollywood Internships programme

This course is perfect for a career in the creative industries. At Nottingham, you can gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and work opportunities. No more so though than with our prestigious Hollywood Internships programme, unique to Nottingham. Previous internships have involved:

  • First-reading of incoming film and television scripts
  • Collecting audience data and preparing evaluation reports
  • Filming interviews with Hollywood veterans for the archive
  • Training, masterclasses, professional lectures and panels
  • Working front of house at special screenings and industry events

Indicative partner organisations include A24, CAA, Disney, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, UTA, and WME.

The partners, number and nature of the internships change each year, advertised in the Autumn term. These are highly competitive positions, and places are not guaranteed. Terms and conditions apply.

The internships are supported through the generosity of Peter Rice, Nottingham graduate and former Chair of Disney General Entertainment Content.

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Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • 90% of our research environment recognised as of world leading quality
  • 100% of our impact case studies recognised as having outstanding or very considerable impact
  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 08 November 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.