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Academic support in the Department

When you undertake your PhD in Film, Theatre & Television, you'll be assigned two supervisors within the Department. They'll meet you regularly to provide support and help you shape your project. 

Additionally, two academics will monitor your progress annually. They'll ensure that you're on track with your studies and help you resolve any issues you may encounter. 

Students setting up the lighting for their film shoot in a studio space.
At Reading, I have developed a much more sophisticated understanding of how my choices impact on the audience. So I'm a better filmmaker as a result.

Dominic Lees, PhD student

Our postgraduate research groups

We have a number of postgraduate research groups in the Department where students and staff can discuss performances or explore texts in an informal setting. 

The longest-running of these is the Sewing Circle, the Department’s film and television analysis seminar for postgraduate students and staff. 

Sewing Circle meetings involve detailed analysis of a single film or television programme and are an opportunity to think collectively about material relevant to the participants’ individual research. 

It has been running for more than 20 years, and a growing list of books, articles and theses carry acknowledgements to the formative role of Sewing Circle discussions.

A group of students and lecturers sat around in a studio in a group discussion

Support from the Doctoral and Researcher College

The Doctoral and Researcher College is the University of Reading's postgraduate research hub, based in a dedicated building on Whiteknights Campus. It provides advice, training, study facilities and professional development for all doctoral students at the University.

The Doctoral and Researcher College is dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your PhD and fulfil your potential as a researcher. It runs a number of programmes to help you develop academically and professionally. 

A student holds a telescope boom microphone above actors to record them speaking for a radio play

Reading Researcher Development Programme

This core training programme is designed to help you successfully complete your PhD and improve your personal effectiveness.

It includes sessions on writing skills, managing data, interviews and how to get your work published.

Black and white shot of student leaning with old fashioned film reels in the background

Leadership Programme

Designed in partnership with Henley Business School, this programme is designed specifically for you to develop your skills in leadership.

You'll enhance your understanding, experience and practice of leading and have the opportunity to explore your own capabilities.
Microphone on a stand against a white background

Preparing to Teach

Preparing to Teach equips you with the teaching skills you'll need if you're considering a career as an academic.

You'll develop knowledge on effective teaching and learning, how to assess students' work and how to provide feedback. 

English language support

Yellow neon sign that says cinema in Japanese on wall background.

If English is not your first language, the University's International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) can help you develop your academic English skills.

ISLI also offers three doctoral thesis writing programmes in partnership with the Graduate School. These are available free of charge to EU and international students.

Disability support

Close up of woman using sign language

The University provides a number of support services for people who have accessibility or additional learning needs. 

Wellbeing support

The University’s dedicated range of specialist support teams are here for you, whether you are on campus or studying remotely.

We also offer the Life Tools programme, a series of free talks designed by experts to help you take control of your personal and professional development.