University of Oxford

Overview

The MSt in Film Aesthetics at the University of Oxford is designed to enhance your analytical skills in understanding film as an artistic medium. This program encourages a deep exploration of cinematic style, form, and theory, examining how philosophical aesthetics and critical writing contribute to our comprehension of film's meaning, interpretation, and cultural value.

What you'll study

Core course themes include:

• Aesthetics of Italian cinema
• Spaces of American cinema
• Film and modernism
• Contemporary theories of spectatorship: embodiment, ethics, and politics
• Cinema of the non-human
• The film-philosophy of Stanley Cavell

Throughout the course, you will engage with various critical frameworks and methodologies, fostering a nuanced understanding of film as a complex interplay of artistic and social dynamics.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications: Minimum Upper Second Class (or equivalent)
• English proficiency:
• TOEFL iBT: minimum 110
• IELTS Academic: minimum 7.5
• Supporting documents: Official transcript(s), CV/résumé, statement of purpose/personal statement (maximum 1,000 words), written work (either one essay up to 4,000 words or two essays up to 2,000 words each), and three letters of recommendation, typically from academic sources.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSt in Film Aesthetics are well-equipped for a variety of career paths in the film industry, academia, and related fields. The analytical skills gained through this program prepare students for roles in film criticism, cultural analysis, and education, as well as opportunities in film production, direction, and consultancy. Additionally, the program fosters a critical understanding of the evolving landscape of cinema, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to discussions around film and its societal implications.