PhD Study : Cinematic Arts: Contemporary Cinema and Filmmaking

Summary

Cinematic Arts at Ulster University is a new and vibrant area of research that combines theory and practice of moving image arts in the new digital media age. Cinematic Arts PhD proposals are sought around the following areas of staff research specialism: Contemporary Filmmaking Practice Projects will investigate an aspect of one or more of the following areas of professional practice in filmmaking: Screenwriting; directing, documentary narration, and digital storytelling. Under this heading we would particularly encourage projects that seek to generate knowledge with a potential application to the Creative Industries. Projects undertaken will combine both traditional PhD thesis and a practice-based response to ideas surrounding emerging modes of digital filmmaking.

For this area applicants should have experience in Film Production and related practice–based areas. Projects within this area will generally comprise a combination of a written dissertation (c. 50.000 words) and either a feature screenplay or a piece of filmmaking practice of sufficient agreed scope. (Exact requirements will be assessed within the context of specific proposals with reference to Ulster University regulations.) Contemporary Cinema Proposals are sought which investigate any aspect of 20th- or 21st-century film practice. Areas of staff expertise include in particular: national and transnational cinemas, MENA cinemas, cinemas of the global south, film historiography, genre hybridity, post-9/11 horror film, otherness, marginalization and rurality, representations of the US heartland. Applicants are invited to make contact with us in advance of application to discuss the feasibility of their chosen topic.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living