About this course
Combine the study of film with a knowledge of cultural management on this MA Film and Cultural Management degree at the University of Southampton. You'll gain in-depth understanding of the film industry, film theory, and the modern cultural sector, focusing on how cultural management affects visual media. Prepare for a career in film, media or the arts.
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
On this UK master's course in film and cultural managementyou'll examine the importance that film has on society.
Depending on your choice of modules, you could study film-related topics such as:
- festivals and specialist programming
- policy
- exhibition
- marketing and audience development
- the role of film agencies
You'll gain real-world insight through case studiesthat draw onlocal, national and international examples, and study the subject in both national and global contexts.
The cultural sectorplaysan increasingly significantrole in political, social and economic policy because of its potential to enhance cultural life while generating wealth.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Ruby Cheung, Associate Professor in Film Studies. Dr Cheung is an internationally recognised specialist in contemporary Hong Kong cinema, Chinese-language film industries and film festivals, andhas published her research widely in these areas. Visit herstaff profile to find out more about thiswork.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1degree in film or another arts subject.
Find theequivalent international qualificationsfor your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you'renot sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email:enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel:+44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On the full-time master’s course you’ll study for 12 months.
In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.
For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independentlyto research and writeyour dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail?See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Critical and theoretical fashions have led to waves of new approaches and methodologies, each with certain distinctive emphases and concerns. These have made Film Studies into a rich and varied discipline, particularly as they have formed an addition to c...
The module offers the opportunity to study theories, concepts and professional practices relevant to the analysis of the distribution and exhibition of smaller budget independent film, in a range of different contexts, both commercial and subsidised. It i...
This module offers a comparative study of contemporary global film industries, with particular focus on the UK, Europe and East Asia. It addresses how government and industry policy initiatives help to shape developments in the production and disseminatio...
The dissertation is a personal research project of 15,000 words, which is completed with some guidance from a personal supervisor. It takes place over the Summer period and should involve original research and high-quality formal written presentation of m...
Following an emphasis on psychoanalysis and post-structuralism in the 1970s, academic writing on film since the mid-1980s focussed increasingly on the role of history in the interpretation of cinematic texts, accompanied by a ‘return to the archive’. Enga...
This module prepares you for writing the Masters dissertation. It includes both taught sessions and one-to-one tutorials.
Full-time and (normally) first year part-time students on the MA in Film Studies and the MA in Film and Cultural management follow this research skills course, which includes an introduction to research, study and presentation skills, information technolo...
You must also choose from the following modules:
The term ‘auteur’ has been borrowed from literature, but how useful or appropriate a description is it when applied to the work of a filmmaker? In this module, we will examine this question through a study of the work of one filmmaker, locating the films ...
This module will start by exploring the work of Johnnie To, a prominent Hong Kong crime film director, as the main example to study East Asian Noir, and to interrogate issues of genre and authorship, as well as the intersection of the local and the global...
The module explores issues of stardom and media celebrity in relation to debates on persona, performance, iconography, consumerism and capitalism, as well as issues of gender, sexuality and ethnicity. The emphasis will be on historical and industrial cont...
This involves an in-depth study of a specific area in film analysis, history or theory. Subject areas are chosen in collaboration with the MA Coordinator, and content is negotiated individually between the student and the tutor with relevant expertise. Co...
The Supernatural has always had a privileged place in audiovisual culture. Earliest films manifested ghosts through double exposures and the ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ special effect, at the same time that the mediums of film and sound recording were thought to hav...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn by a variety of methods. These include:
- seminar discussion
- oral presentations
- tutorial consultations
- essays
- independent learning
Assessment
You’ll write a 4,000 to 4,500-word essay for each module.
We'll also assess you on oral presentations delivered as part of the cultural management and research skills modules.
Dissertation
You'll research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. This will demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during the course.
Your course tutor will provide advice and feedback on your progress.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
This course will help prepare you for a career in the cultural management sector, in roles such as archivist, film critic or curator.
You’ll also be in an excellent position to pursue a career inother areas of the media or arts.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator,Futureworlds
- a wide variety ofenterprise eventsrun throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator,SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,136.
Check fees for other versions of this course.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and anyexams.
Find out how topay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
- accommodation costs
- living costs
- budgeting advice
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Winchester School of Art Postgraduate Global Talent Scholarship
Twenty scholarships of £5,000 each are available to international students joining our postgraduate master’s courses at the Winchester School of Art in September 2023.
Find out more about the Winchester School of Art PGT Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship
Ten scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.
Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'llassess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with ourEquality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you'renot sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email:enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel:+44(0)23 8059 5000
Related courses
Film and Cultural Management (MA) is a course in the Film studies subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
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