Film Studies (Taught)

8th in the UK for our research outputs in Communications, Cultural and Media Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

16th in the UK for Communication and Media Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

About your course
The Sussex Film Studies MA is for students from different intellectual backgrounds who want to deepen their understanding of cinema. You’ll study the theoretical debates and contemporary approaches around film studies.

On this course you’ll examine the aesthetic, industrial, cultural, and political dimensions of a diverse range of films and film practices. Our faculty have expertise in areas including:

• gender and sexuality

• popular film and culture

• global cinema

• documentary and experimental film.

You’ll develop your personal intellectual interests through a range of specialist modules. Study is via small group teaching and one-on-one supervision with faculty members. This will build your core written and oral communication skills. You’ll graduate ready for the workplace or for advanced research in film studies.

You’ll have the chance enrich your studies through local cinema screenings, festival visits, and campus talks by visiting professionals. Sussex has its own arts centre, the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. Brighton also has a vibrant art and film scene and is home to one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinemas – the Duke of York’s.

Our graduates have gone on to careers including film programming, marketing and festival management.
Brighton has a vibrant film culture, playing host to the annual CINECITY Film Festival. It is also home to one of the UK's oldest purpose-built cinemas – the Duke of York’s.

About Sussex
Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location
Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.