Applied Screen Studies: Practice as Research MPhil/PhD

About this position

This PhD enables students to incorporate practice into their doctoral study, taking an approach which understands practice as a mode of research, or as the application of research.

The project must be led by clear research questions, with the practice element working as a means to investigate, challenge or respond to those questions. The practice element can take a variety of forms and proportions (with a minimum of 30% and a maximum of 50%), but in all cases represents the exploration of critical, theoretical or historical issues in Film and Television/Screen Studies, through a practice-based output.

The various forms of this applied screen practice include, but are not limited to:

A critical video essay

A moving image and/or audio documentary or experimental film

Curated screenings

An exhibition of creative works or artefacts

A digital installation

An innovative collaboration with a partner institution

An engagement and impact project at regional, national and/or international level

The balance between written and practical elements in this PhD will depend on the form that the applied practice takes. Those making a documentary, for example, might produce a 40,000 word written piece that would represent 50% of their PhD.

Those pursuing a more traditional research-driven written doctoral project would produce a 55,000 word thesis and an 'applied research' portfolio, which translates the research into a set of screen-based impact and public engagement activities. This element would then represent 30% of the PhD.

At the mid-year review in year one, the student will present a case for the percentage split of their particular project between the written thesis and practice work. This is also the point at which the format of the practice element will be decided.

Teaching and learning

Doctoral Study in Applied Screen Studies proceeds through regular meetings between the student and their PhD supervisor or supervisory team, with the additional resource of a designated mentor.

Together, you will design and develop your topic and the structure of, and timetable for, your practice-based thesis. You will refine your research, writing and practice through a process of drafts and close commentary, constructive critique and discussion.

You will also be required to take Research Methods classes in order to deepen your knowledge of existing debates and methodologies in the field.

The department also offers teaching opportunities for PhD students from their second-year of study onwards, subject to availability and a formal application process in any given year.