Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months
- Part-time: 72 months (only for home students)
Start dates & application deadlines
Starting September 2026
Apply anytime.
There is no application closing date for this course. It is suggested international students apply at least two months before the course starts.
Language
English
- Duolingo English Test: 135
- PTE Academic: 76
- IELTS: 7
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Film Studies
Overview
Newcastle University is a leading centre for the growth of Film Practice PhDs in the UK. Building on the ambitious development of film practice, they work under the banner of Film@CultureLab.
Led by award-winning documentary filmmaker Dr Ian McDonald, they've established a distinctive approach to non-fiction film education practice and research.
This Film Practice research programme from Newcastle University is grounded in an understanding of documentary film as a cinematic medium, and filmmaking as a mode of expression, critique, and social and historical intervention.
Key Facts
- You'll have access to the superb facilities in Culture Lab and join a vibrant community of practice-led PhD scholars in film practice.
- PhD students are encouraged to regularly present their work to each other as part of the PhD student-led Research Roundtable 'Work-in-Progress' events held throughout the year.
- You will be part of Media, Culture, Heritage in the School of Arts and Cultures; a dynamic group of experienced academic researchers, heritage practitioners, doctoral researchers and fellow students from around the world.
Programme Structure
Areas of research include:
- Most areas of documentary/non-fiction film practice
- Creative documentary practices in the UK, India, South Asia, Africa
- Sports documentaries
- Feminist film practice
- Social linguistics, translation and documentary practice
Academic requirements
- GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 135
- PTE Academic: 76
- IELTS: 7
Other requirements
General requirements
A 2:1 honours degree and preferably a merit master's degree, or an international equivalent, in a related subject, such as:
- film studies
- English
- cultural studies
- modern languages
- history
- sociology
- art
- psychology
You may need to attend an interview, which can be via Skype if necessary.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
International
International tuition fees apply to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the study country. In some regions, like the EU/EEA, or under certain agreements, students from partner countries may also pay domestic fees.
Non-residents: 46,068 AUD / year (≈ 24,400 GBP / year)
Part-time and Full-time tuition fees for home students are not set yet.
Living costs
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
1,057-1,871 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Film Practice.
Available Scholarships
- Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships - Newcastle University - Grant 4000 GBP - Deadline: Anytime - Merit-based
- Opportunity Scholarships - Newcastle University - Grant 2000 GBP - Deadline: Anytime - Merit-based
- 2% Early Payment Discount - Newcastle University - Grant: Various benefits - Deadline: 25 Sep 2026 - Need-based