In partnership with the Ultimate Picture Palace Community Cinema
In partnership with the Ultimate Picture Palace Community Cinema
The Ultimate Picture Palace and Community Cinema
The Ultimate Picture Palace is Oxford’s only independent and community-owned cinema. Originally opened in 1911, the cinema has a long and fascinating history which is a key element of its distinctive identity and appeal. The School of Arts at Oxford Brookes University is inviting applications to complete an MA by Research project in collaboration with the UPP. The project is intended to help to uncover and document the cinema’s history and make it accessible to current and future audiences.
The precise topic for the MA by Research will be agreed between the successful applicant and the cinema, however possible suggestions of projects include:
● A survey and analysis of heritage outreach work across the exhibition sector using either local, regional, national or international lenses.
● Social history of Oxford cinemas and cinema going.
● Archival research using locally-held materials at The Bodleian Library, Oxfordshire Local History Centre, Oxford Town Hall and Oxford University Colleges, plus investigating potential new sources of data (e.g. amateur photography and film, local newspapers).
● Building a programming archive for the cinema.
● Collecting and analysing oral histories of the cinema’s audience and/or staff members.
● Exploring digital archiving strategies and methodologies.
● Creative responses to the cinema’s history (e.g. short films, audio compositions, gallery work).
Either by Theory or Practice
Duration: 12 months (full-time); 24 months (part-time).
Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) in a subject broadly relevant to their proposed project. We are also able to consider applicants with professional experience in place of formal academic qualifications. Please see the Oxford Brookes website for full details of eligibility. This opportunity is open to Home and International applicants.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate an interest in independent and art cinema exhibition and be willing and able to collaborate as part of the cinema’s small team of staff. They should hold an undergraduate degree in a related subject (e.g. film/media studies, history, architecture). Previous experience with cinema history methodologies (e.g. archiving, oral history work) may be an advantage but full training and supervision in these areas will also be available.
To apply for this MA by Research project, please apply directly through the Oxford Brookes website, selecting the option ‘Arts – MA (Research)’. In the box for ‘Area or Topic of Research’, please indicate that you are applying for the ‘UPP collaboration’.
You will be invited to provide:
- A Summary of your Research Proposal (1500 characters) outlining how you would approach the project. This should give an idea of your intended approach and research interests. You will be supported to develop this fully during the early period of Registration.
- An expanded research plan
- A Personal Statement (6000 characters) detailing your qualifications and/or relevant experience for the project.
- A short Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Either a sample of writing, or a portfolio of practice – as most relevant to your proposed project. (We would anticipate a writing sample for a theory-based project, and a portfolio of work for a practice-based project).
- References
For an informal discussion about this research project, please contact Dr James Cateridge: jcateridge@brookes.ac.uk.
For a more general discussion about the MA by Research programme please contact Dr Alex Bickley Trott: atrott@brookes.ac.uk
The initial deadline for applications is 25th May 2026. Late applications can be accepted at the discretion of the programme team, so please contact us to discuss any late applications you wish to have considered.
The full fees for the MA by Research can be found on the Oxford Brookes website. For 26/27 these are:
Home (UK) full time: £5,106
Home (UK) part time: £2,553
International full time: £18,500 (correct for 26/27)
International part time: £9,250 (correct for 26/27)