Film Studies Degrees
History, theory, criticism and research: film and cinema studied as an academic discipline.
63 programs · page 4 of 4
Listed alphabetically by school. This directory is not a ranking — editorial selections are published separately under Top Schools. What we list
PhD in Film and Media Studies
What film studies covers
- Film history and national cinemas
- Film theory and criticism
- Media and screen cultures
- Archival and research methods; for PhDs, a dissertation
This is an academic field: programs emphasize reading, viewing, research and writing about film rather than making it. Some degrees combine both — check whether production courses are required or optional.
Dedicated degree, concentration or broader film degree
- Dedicated degree (37): The degree itself is in this field.
- Named concentration (10): An officially named concentration, specialization or track inside the degree.
- Broader film degree (16): A broader film degree whose official curriculum substantially covers this field.
A single elective is never counted as a concentration or as substantial curriculum. One program can appear in several fields; it is still one listing.
Admissions and portfolios
Film studies programs ask for academic writing samples (often a critical or research paper) rather than films. PhD applicants usually submit a statement of research interests.
Requirements are recorded item by item on each program profile — required, optional, pathway-specific or explicitly not required. If a school does not publish its policy, we say so. Admissions hub and checklist
By level: Bachelor's (34) · Master's (15) · PhD (14)