Department of Film Studies

Kosuke
Japanese
Department of Film Studies

My research is on films made in Okinawa, Japan, between the late 1980s and the 1990s, which I am trying to understand in comparison with various new cinemas which emerged in the 1980s across other East Asian regions, including Hong Kong New Wave, Taiwan New Cinema and South Korean New Wave.

I chose King’s College London primarily because Dr Jinhee Choi, my MA supervisor at the University of Kent, moved to King’s last year. An expert in East Asian cinema, Dr Choi always gives me helpful advice on both my research on Okinawan cinema and other aspects of academic life.

I find the Film Studies Department at King’s College London a very vibrant research community for any researcher on Asian cinema, with top-quality faculty members such as Dr Choi and Professor Chris Berry, and a group of research students sharing similar interests. I and a few other PhD students are currently working together to start up a reading group on transnationalism in East Asia, which we are planning to develop next year into a series of talks given by UK-based scholars on East Asian cinema.

We benefit enormously from the availability of small grants offered by the School of Arts and Humanities. Fortunately, I am awarded with King’s Overseas Research Studentship, which covers my tuition fee and provides me with a stipend for living costs. Since life in London can be a little expensive, I could never have afforded to study at King’s, if it were not for this award.

I am grateful for the stimulating research environment and exciting training programmes that I can now enjoy, and am convinced that research and communication skills that I acquire at King’s will be essential for my future career as a film scholar.

Stephen
Australian/British
Department of Film Studies

My doctoral project is centered around a series of British films made in Australia in the 1940s and ‘50s, and given that King’s hosts the Menzies Centre for Australian Studies and the top-rated film studies department in the UK, it seemed like a perfect fit. I was so intent on undertaking this research at King’s, that it was actually the only university to which I applied. And I was fortunate enough to secure an Arts and Humanities Research Council scholarship, which pays my fees and provides a living allowance, meaning I can focus entirely on my research without having to try to fit it around work.

King’s really is a great place to study. Obviously you can’t beat the central location in the heart of London (and just across the river from the BFI Southbank, perfect for a film student), but most important is having the freedom to undertake your research whilst being supported by a dynamic intellectual community.

I have co-supervisors from the Menzies Centre and Film Studies, both of whom are very supportive and encouraging of my project. As well as this one-on-one support, regular research seminars across the school of Arts and Humanities, technical training and personal development courses, links with other knowledge networks, and a focus on interdisciplinary interaction helps to broaden my knowledge and interests even further.

Once I have completed my studies, I hope to move into academic research and teaching, and King’s provides me with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to get a head start in academia.

Anissa
French
Comparative Literature with Film Studies BA

Situated in the very heart of London, King’s College is the perfect place to study for anyone who enjoys the hustle and bustle of a big city. This, and the university’s enviable reputation in the academic world is what first attracted me to King’s.

The Comparative Literature with Film Studies program opens up a breadth of possibilities of careers or continuing studies. It is the perfect launching pad for someone wanting to work in any academic, media-related or creative industries. Its flexible nature allows you to take modules from various departments, including language modules at any level from the Modern Language Centre.

King’s also offers an abundant choice of societies, activities and sport teams. I have been in the Women’s Football team for two years and have found joining a sports team to be a great way to meet people from different courses; the weekly competitions against other London universities are fantastic motivation for doing exercise.

I have also joined the Creative Writing society. For anyone like me who is interested in entering the world of media later on, King’s is a melting pot of journalistic and creative outlets. From Roar! the university newspaper, to The Notebook, its online magazine and KCL Radio, there are a wealth of options to get involved in.

Andrei
Romania
Film Studies BA

I initially decided to study at King’s merely for its reputation. Needless to say, what awaited was a much more satisfying experience. As a Film Studies undergraduate I get to watch a lot of film, including titles I’ve never even heard of, although before making up my mind to come here I was sure there was nothing new and interesting for me after seeing thousands of films! The curriculum is diverse, interactive and always keeping my interest bar to the maximum.



I am a member of the Film Society and have met some interesting people with a mutual passion and ambition, thus giving me the chance to put together a small production team and start directing my first feature length documentary. The information I receive in class gives me a very useful insight on how to manage my time and filmmaking abilities.



After I graduate I plan to apply for graduate study in film-making and focus more on production. There is no doubt in my mind that these three years at King’s will thoroughly prepare me for what waits for me in the industry.

Lauren
UK
Film Studies BA

I’ve always wanted to be surrounded by the bright lights and the hustle and bustle of iconic London. I chose King’s in particular because of its amazing reputation and also because it offers an excellent film studies course. It is 100 per cent theoretical and since I’m more interested in film criticism than filmmaking, I felt the degree was practically tailor-made for me!



Another thing that drew me to King’s is the incredible social atmosphere: there is always somewhere to go or something to do. In my spare time I’m involved with the Musical Theatre Society. I’ve been in three productions, I’m directing my own show and I’m hoping to be elected onto the committee. With hundreds of societies, King’s provides something for everyone and it’s such a great way to make new friends. I feel like King’s has quickly become part of my way of life: it’s so much more than just a place I go to study. I’m receiving some of the best tuition in the country and I’ve made so many new friendships that I plan to keep for life, so I consider myself very lucky.

Sebastien
UK
Film Studies BA

When applying for university, I was simply looking at a course I would enjoy studying, in an environment where I could be exposed to as many new and different experiences as possible. As for choosing King’s, and London, after one visit I knew it was the place for me. I knew I wanted to study in a large city, but London eclipses any other city in Britain in terms of what’s on offer 24/7.



With the Strand Campus being the most central of all three campuses, I was able to immerse myself in the city straight away. I also joined both the boat club and film society where there were plenty of social events. Societies are great opportunities to meet more people away from your halls and course.



In terms of halls of residence, I am currently spending my first year in King’s College Halls which has proved to be very sociable and I have met a lot of different people. I’m very glad I chose King’s as it has fulfilled anything I ever expected from university and more. I know that once I hit the job market, a degree from King’s will be very highly regarded.

Elena
British
Film Studies Research MPhil/PhD

I decided to return to King's to do my PhD after an incredible MA year at the College. Besides being in about the most ideal location for a Film Studies course (between London's cinematic heart in Leicester Square and BFI Southbank), the course was inspiring, and the staff supportive. I am constantly amazed by the opportunities and support that the College and the Film department provide, with seminars and opportunities to improve academically seemingly at every turn. I know that I am a better academic for having studied at King's.

I was also fortunate enough to have been awarded a King's Alumni Bursary worth 20% of my fees, without which my dream of pursuing my studies further might not have been possible.

The Strand campus is right in the middle of my favourite part of London. It's near Leicester Square, Covent Garden, just across the river from Southbank, and there's always something nearby to do. London is the perfect city to study in; it's a different city every day, with something new to offer. It's a city filled with exciting opportunities, and all the facilities you could possibly need to further your studies. It is more expensive than most of the UK, but there are so many free attractions around, and the student Oyster Card is a big help with getting around.

I hope to progress with my academic career once I finish my studies. My course offers me the opportunity to get teaching experience alongside my studies, and to make contacts and meet some truly great people with similar interests. Coming to King's is one of the best decisions I have ever made...which is why I didn't hesitate to make the same decision twice.

Kosuke
Japanese
Department of Film Studies
Film Studies Research MPhil/PhD

My research is on films made in Okinawa, Japan, between the late 1980s and the 1990s, which I am trying to understand in comparison with various new cinemas which emerged in the 1980s across other East Asian regions, including Hong Kong New Wave, Taiwan New Cinema and South Korean New Wave.

I chose King’s College London primarily because Dr Jinhee Choi, my MA supervisor at the University of Kent, moved to King’s last year. An expert in East Asian cinema, Dr Choi always gives me helpful advice on both my research on Okinawan cinema and other aspects of academic life.

I find the Film Studies Department at King’s College London a very vibrant research community for any researcher on Asian cinema, with top-quality faculty members such as Dr Choi and Professor Chris Berry, and a group of research students sharing similar interests. I and a few other PhD students are currently working together to start up a reading group on transnationalism in East Asia, which we are planning to develop next year into a series of talks given by UK-based scholars on East Asian cinema.

We benefit enormously from the availability of small grants offered by the School of Arts and Humanities. Fortunately, I am awarded with King’s Overseas Research Studentship, which covers my tuition fee and provides me with a stipend for living costs. Since life in London can be a little expensive, I could never have afforded to study at King’s, if it were not for this award.

I am grateful for the stimulating research environment and exciting training programmes that I can now enjoy, and am convinced that research and communication skills that I acquire at King’s will be essential for my future career as a film scholar.

Stephen
Australian/British
Department of Film Studies
Film Studies Research MPhil/PhD

My doctoral project is centered around a series of British films made in Australia in the 1940s and ‘50s, and given that King’s hosts the Menzies Centre for Australian Studies and the top-rated film studies department in the UK, it seemed like a perfect fit. I was so intent on undertaking this research at King’s, that it was actually the only university to which I applied. And I was fortunate enough to secure an Arts and Humanities Research Council scholarship, which pays my fees and provides a living allowance, meaning I can focus entirely on my research without having to try to fit it around work.

King’s really is a great place to study. Obviously you can’t beat the central location in the heart of London (and just across the river from the BFI Southbank, perfect for a film student), but most important is having the freedom to undertake your research whilst being supported by a dynamic intellectual community.

I have co-supervisors from the Menzies Centre and Film Studies, both of whom are very supportive and encouraging of my project. As well as this one-on-one support, regular research seminars across the school of Arts and Humanities, technical training and personal development courses, links with other knowledge networks, and a focus on interdisciplinary interaction helps to broaden my knowledge and interests even further.

Once I have completed my studies, I hope to move into academic research and teaching, and King’s provides me with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to get a head start in academia.