Programme Specification for Independent Film, Video and New Screen Media MA
|
Final award |
MA |
|
Intermediate awards available |
PGDip, PGCert |
|
UCAS code |
N/A |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
None |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
May 2012 |
OVERVIEW
This is an innovative programme for those interested in integrating the theory and practice of film, video and new screen media at postgraduate level.
Encompassing documentary, fiction, artists’ moving image, multi-channel installation and media in the context of new technologies, the MA is intended for graduates of film studies, cultural and media studies, humanities and social sciences, and art and design.
Graduates can expect to find their place within a range of cultural and creative industries such as film and television production, contemporary art, new media platforms, teaching, or progressing to doctoral research.
Website: http://www.cinemaintothereal.com/MA_Film,Video_and_New_Screen_Media/
Programme Leader - Dr Steven Eastwood: eastwood@uel.ac.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Film, Video and New Screen Media at UEL
Programme content
The MA in Independent Film, Video and New Screen Media offers an innovative programme for those interested in integrating the theory and practice of moving image at postgraduate level.
The programme fosters a community of independent filmmakers and artists working in a collaborative and nurturing environment. The course offers a diverse range of practice-led and theoretically informed modules. The wide range of cultural production covered includes: fiction, documentary, artists’ moving image, animation, the cinematic essay, experimental film and the avant-garde, and media activism.
The programme aims to familiarise students with debates in film studies concerning critical representation formats, reflexive and self-reflexive inquiry, aesthetics, and production determinants and systems. Students will gain knowledge of key issues to do with globalised and post-colonial film, media and art production and consumption, and the various ways in which meaning is produced in different genres and modes.
Central to the method of study is practical and theoretical innovation and experimentation in the fields of analysis, concept development, production, post-production, distribution and exhibition. The scope of research undertaken by students will reflect the diversity of approaches and contexts in which film/video and new screen media operate.
The MA draws upon the research and practice of a body of film, art and media practitioners, theorists and historians based in the School of Arts and Digital Industries at UEL.
Modules are underpinned by technical instruction in digital production and post-production provided by Apple Mac accredited instructors. There is also the opportunity to take 16mm film workshops.
Admission requirements:
The MA recruits graduates from a wide variety of backgrounds, including film studies, cultural and media studies, humanities and social sciences, and art and design.
Applicants will normally have a first or upper second class degree or equivalent in an arts, humanities or social science subject, or comparable professional or research experience (applicants with lower second class degrees will be considered, based on professional experience and interview).
The programme offers a unique educational and training experience for graduates, professionals, artists and researchers, combining traditional and new areas of moving image production and dissemination, and allowing for student-centred learning. The programme welcomes established practitioners who wish to develop an advanced critical understanding and realise a substantial project in a supportive and challenging academic environment.
Applications from overseas and EU students are welcome. Students whose first language is not English should normally have achieved a score of 6.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent. Overseas students will be asked to supply evidence of written and production work of a standard sufficient for successful postgraduate study in lieu of an interview.
Eligibility for students without a degree-equivalent qualification will be assessed on the basis of short essay and statement. Where possible, applicants will be interviewed by a member of the programme team in order to assess whether they are able to achieve the standard of work required for the award.
Programme structure
Students take a total of six modules: two core modules, one option module, the research methods module and the thesis production double module. Thesis productions are conducted over the summer and submitted at the end of September. An MA in Film, Video and New Screen Media will be awarded on successful completion of the whole programme (180 credits). Please see the attached Programme Structure diagram.
Learning environment
Modules comprise of lectures and seminars, production and research workshops, tutorials, screenings, and presentations from students. The learning experience is based on introducing students to theoretical and practical concepts and methodologies, and to contemporary and historical work within the field. The programme regularly invites leading moving image practitioners to be visiting lecturers.
Assessment
Programme assessment is by seminar presentation, screening of work, essays, research projects and a practical thesis. Students wishing to present a written thesis must seek prior agreement from the Programme Team by the end of May in the year of study (the topic must be agreed by the Programme Leader). There are no exams.
Students are assessed on the ability to produce and complete to a high standard media texts that are theoretically informed and make use of the array of methods and tools offered. Students will demonstrate thinking skills through their ability to evaluate and analyse a range of information and material, and to organise and present it coherently. They will be asked to perform critical evaluation of relevant media and theoretical materials, and theoretically informed analysis of screen media texts.
General skills are assessed by:
* Working to deadlines
* Achievement of set goals
* Presentation and communication of ideas
* Working in small groups
* Analytical thinking
* Information handling
Assessment is based on:
* Class and individual presentations of media productions
* Presentation write-ups
* Essays
* Thesis production
Added value
The programme is taught in the context of the research excellence within the School of Arts and Digital Industries and in conjunction with nine other MA programmes. Students therefore have a unique spectrum of option modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their personal needs.
This programme equips students with theoretical knowledge and analytic skills in film and video, suited to the pursuance of further doctoral research or entry into the cultural industries. While it is not primarily vocational, it will also be of interest to students intending to pursue careers in a range of fields.
How we support you:
The programme tutors provide academic guidance and supervision throughout the period of study. Advice on accommodation, finance, etc will be available from administrative staff in the School and the University. Pre-sessional and sessional language support can be provided. Students will have access to the university library and facilities as well as access to the libraries of other HE institutions in the London area through the M25 scheme.
Bonus factors:
The School offers MA students advanced production facilities through a state of the art moving image studio, along with production facilities in film (16mm and Super 16mm formats), HD Video, Sound, multimedia and web design delivered by expert technical instructors and Apple Mac accredited trainers. The facilities are further enhanced by the existence of five Research Centres in the School. The programme maintains links with industry through a close relationship to regional, national and international filmmakers and media artists, and institutions of production, exhibition and distribution.
Thinking skills
* Critical evaluation of key production eras and conventions
* Theoretically informed analysis of screen media forms
* An ability to apply the same critical skills to one’s own work, in order to sharpen and improve it
* Clear ability to work out problem-solving modes of work, where the practical result is directed by the intended affect/effect
* Production skills, such as group work practice, research abilities, visualisation and formatting skills, and the ability to synthesize a result from a variety of sources, inputs and attitudes.
Typical duration
The duration of this programme is either 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may have an impact on the overall duration of their study period.
The teaching year is divided into two semesters of equal length. A typical full-time student will study two 30-credit modules per semester and a typical part-time student will study one module per semester. Dissertations will be produced over a third, non-teaching semester during the summer.
What you will study
Full-time
The Context of Media Production (30 credits)
Option (30 credits)
Research Methods (Humanities) (30 credits)
Option (30 Credits)
Practice/Thesis (60 credits)
Part-time
Year 1
The Context of Media Production (30 credits)
Option (30 credits)
Year 2
Option (30 credits)
Research Methods (Humanities) (30 Credits)
Practice/Thesis (60 credits)
Masters Award Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Masters award then the award classification is determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of all marks and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
70% - 100% Distinction
60% - 69% Merit
50% - 59% Pass
0% - 49% Not Passed
Knowledge and thinking skills
Analytic and evaluative skills will be developed through:
* individual and group production
* essay-writing, including tutorial guidance and feedback on assignments
* theoretically informed critical analysis of theories and media texts (including one’s own)
* seminar discussions
* self-evaluation, in class sessions and in written form
* Image, sound, digital and multimedia production skills
* Group work and collaboration skills; communication skills developed through group discussion and seminar presentations
* Development of ideas, strategies and procedures
* Independent research skills
* Writing skills, including the ability to organise and explain points clearly and accurately, developed through essay writing
* IT skills, including the use of search tools and research databases, will be developed through the process of research for seminars and assignments
* the development of time management and planning skills
Information on the programme: www.uel.ac.uk/postgraduate/specs/mafilm/
Programme Leader - Dr Steven Eastwood: eastwood@uel.ac.uk
The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk)
- The student handbook: http://www.uel.ac.uk/cultural-innovation/
- Module study guides: http://www.uel.ac.uk/cultural-innovation/
- UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- School web pages http://www.uel.ac.uk/adi
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- Visit our gallery of student work here: http://www.uel.ac.uk/adi/showcase/studentwork/
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
