Film Studies degrees
Blending critical insight with creative practice and global perspectives, Film Studies at the University of Exeter equips you to understand and influence the powerful world of film and television, exploring how screen media shapes culture, politics, and society.
Study Film at the University of Exeter
Exeter Film Studies is an established centre of excellence with world-leading expertise and an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research.
As a student with us, you will explore global screen histories and the power of film and television in today’s mediascape, gaining expert insight into these dynamic cultural and creative industries while sharpening your critical voice.
From undergraduate study to innovative postgraduate degrees and tailored PhD supervision, you’ll be supported by a close-knit academic community and outstanding facilities, enriched by the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum and our unique partnership with the prestigious London Film School.
Our Film Studies degrees and courses
Our Film Studies degrees are taught on our Streatham Campus in Exeter.
Undergraduate degrees
Masters degrees
Postgraduate research in Film
Whatever your research focus, our supportive environment, expert supervision and state-of-the-art facilities will support you throughout your PhD as an active member of a vibrant research community with tailored training and seminars.
Top 5 in the UK for Drama, Dance and Cinematics
Complete University Guide 2026
Home to the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
The biggest film-related archive in the UK outside the British Film Institute
Distinctive international approach to film analysis, history and theory
The University of Exeter is 155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 170th in the THE World Rankings 2026
Frequently asked questions about Film Studies
We've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below to help you decide if a Film Studies degree is right for you.
What career prospects would I have with a Film Studies degree?
Working in TV, radio, and film offers diverse and dynamic career opportunities for those interested in creative and technical roles. These industries play a crucial role in entertainment, news, education, and cultural storytelling, reaching wide and varied audiences. Opportunities range from behind-the-scenes positions like writer, director, editor, and producer, to on-screen or on-air roles such as presenter and actor.
Find out more about a career in the Creative Industries and Performing Arts.
Can international students apply for Film Studies degrees at the University of Exeter?
Yes. Our international student community is part of what makes Exeter a top worldwide university. International students are welcome to apply for Bachelors (undergraduate) and Masters (postgraduate taught) degrees with us, as well as for postgraduate research opportunities.
For more information, visit our international students webpages.
The University’s campus, people, facilities, lecturers and cohorts were a perfect mix of excellence. […] The course increased my confidence and helped me develop the key skills to get into the business side of the industry
Alexandra
MA International Film Business
World-class Film Studies facilities
Exeter offers outstanding resources for advanced work in Film. The renowned Bill Douglas Cinema Museum houses over 70,000 film artefacts — from optical toys and magic lantern slides to a Lumière cinematograph, Hollywood posters, and iconic star memorabilia in our state-of-the-art Research Commons.
On Streatham Campus, the cutting-edge Digital Humanities Lab provides specialist facilities, expert support, and innovative training, leading the way in digital preservation and creative research.
Extensive library holdings — including thousands of books, journals, and over 12,000 film and television titles — ensure unrivalled access to the materials that shape screen history and culture.
Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum opened in 1997 as part of the British celebrations of the centenary of cinema. The Centre's remit is to encourage the ongoing enjoyment, understanding and study of film. The Centre provides a research collection of international stature, illustrating the development of optical recreation and popular entertainment from the late 18th century to Classical Hollywood and the present day.
Complementing the University's existing extensive resources for the study of popular culture, the Collection's 18,000 books give Exeter the country's largest University library on cinema. They are a permanent, uniquely valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers, and also contribute to the remarkably varied undergraduate degree programmes at Exeter. Explore the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum collections.
London Film School
London Film School (LFS) is the first film school in the UK. Since 1956 LFS has trained thousands of directors, cinematographers, editors and other film professionals now working across the globe. Alumni include many great filmmakers and very successful technicians, covering all kinds of cinema - names like Mike Leigh, Michael Mann, Tak Fujimoto, Roger Pratt, Ueli Steiger, Iain Smith, Danny Huston, Franc Roddam, Anne Hui, Duncan Jones and Bill Douglas. LFS is one of only three ‘Skillset Film Academies’, accredited by the UK film industry as a Centre of Excellence.
Working together
The University of Exeter and London Film School have entered into an agreement, which will enable postgraduate and doctoral film students to hone their filmmaking skills alongside their academic studies.
The alliance has enabled the institutions to launch a number of initiatives, including the MA International Film Business. This programme offers students the chance to develop a unique set of skills related to the business of the film industry on both practical and theoretical fronts. They will have access to the professional expertise, experience and facilities at the LFS as well as to the academic excellence of researchers, research culture, and academic resources at the University of Exeter.
LFS Governors
Greg Dyke, Professor Diana Green CBE DL, Graham Easton, Kemal Akhtar, Olivier Kaempfer, Peter Armstrong, Helen Dudley CBE, Julie Parmenter, Guy Wilson.
The lecturers have been amazing. They’re all very approachable and willing to discuss readings and go through work in office hours.
The course has been fantastic. It has introduced me to a lot of critical theory. The film modules also rely on the materials of The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, so you get a chance to interact with ephemera and touch some valuable film memorabilia! My essay writing skills have improved greatly (and hopefully continue to improve!).
Richard
BA Film & Television Studies