MA Film

06 Jul 2023 - 31 Aug 2027

Course Leader Emyr Jenkins
Course Team Dewi Griffiths, Sally Lisk-Lewis, Inga Burrows, Gwyneth Moore
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions University of South Wales
Modes of Study Full Time

Document Version

Version 2
Valid From 06 Jul 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

QAA Benchmarks

N/A

Educational Aim

To produce highly informed, flexible, skilled, and reflective practitioners who can, with confidence and autonomy within the field of film, make a significant contribution to their chosen specialism, their local economies, and the body of knowledge within their discipline. To develop informed graduates with an advanced understanding and experience of industry practices, team and pipeline working, and professionalism, as related to their specialism. To advance existing practice and facilitate the development of high-level skills and technical ability to produce works appropriate to the chosen specialism and associated industry expectations. To build knowledge and understanding of the profession through critical awareness of current issues and debates, including the development of a range of techniques and research methods applicable to professional activities. To facilitate creative enquiry, innovative practice, and production of high quality work through the acquisition of the critical skills with which to reflect, interrogate and evaluate it.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of discipline-based knowledge, and critical awareness of contemporary and emerging production processes and professional practices.  
A2 Exhibit originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of the history of film production, including recognising the impact of technological change.
A3 Explain a conceptual understanding of the purpose and requirements of the discipline.
A4 Evaluate the application of associated filmmaking methodologies and techniques.
B1 Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to research for essays, projects, and creative productions, involving sustained independent and critical enquiry.
B2 Apply critical judgement in the evaluation and analysis of complex, incomplete, or contradictory areas of knowledge, synthesise information, and communicate outcomes effectively.
B3 Critically evaluate their own work in a reflexive manner, with reference to film production professional practices, including relevant conventions, issues and debates.
B4 Demonstrate understanding of film as a form of communication that has emerged historically and appreciate the processes through which it has come to being, with reference to social, cultural and technological change.
C1 Initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work, within various forms of writing, audio-visual, visual, audio, or other electronic or digital media including evolving platforms.
C2 Employ production skills and practices to challenge or advance existing forms and conventions and to innovate
C3 Create work that exhibits understanding of, and responds to, relevant industry standards and how they are defined and achieved
C4 Deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and making use, as appropriate, of a problem-solving approach

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
FV4D01 MOD011092 Collaborative Practice Running 40 specified
FV4T03 MOD011093 Film Production Project Running 60 specified
FV4S12 MOD013821 Specialist Craft 2 Running 20 specified
FV4S11 MOD013822 Specialist Craft 1 Running 20 specified
FV4S13 MOD013823 Career Development Running 20 specified
FV4S14 MOD013827 Film Theory and Practice Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment


Learning and Teaching Methods

Active/simulation based  

Work?activity simulation requires the performance of tasks or?industry-based activities?that mirror the tasks employees perform in employment. 

Depending on the nature of the activity it may take place in the classroom or at an industry partner’s facility. 

Lectures 

An Illustrated presentation on a particular topic.  

The term 'lecture' covers everything from the traditional model, where a single member of the institution's staff or an affiliate introduces ideas or delivers facts to a group of students, to approaches that might be much more interactive, involve a variety of contributors, make use of a range of media and technologies, and take place virtually as well as in person.  

Seminars 

A discussion or classroom session focusing on a particular topic or project.  

Seminars are defined as sessions that provide the opportunity for students to engage in discussion of a particular topic and/or to explore it in more detail than might be covered in a lecture - the extent of interaction will depend on the delivery method. A typical model would involve a guided, tutor-led discussion in a small group. However, the term also encompasses student or peer-led classes with a staff member or affiliate present. As with lectures, use\\u2028of technology means seminars may take place virtually.  

Tutorials 

A meeting involving one-to-one or small group supervision, feedback or detailed discussion on a particular topic or project.  

Tutorials may be distinguished from seminars in light of the stronger emphasis they place on the role of the tutor in giving direction or feedback. Tutorials can happen virtually as well as face-to-face. 

Groupwork 

A range of activities involving collaborative working and usually culminating in a presentation of work. 

Group work involves students working collaboratively on set tasks, in or out of the classroom. 

Practical Classes and Workshops 

A session involving the development and practical application of a particular skill or technique.  

Examples are wide ranging and could include a laboratory class, recital, artefact handling/ identification, language conversation, sports match and so on. Practical classes and workshops might incorporate elements of teaching or guided learning, and they are at least likely to be supervised or observed by lecturing staff.  

These sessions may include group work that involves students working collaboratively on set tasks, in or out of the classroom. 

Directed Study (including Online Learning) 

Directed study relates to the study hours which are academically directed but do not take place in direct contact hours.  

Such direction would normally be undertaken by the use of online resources, for example on a virtual learning environment, or through workbooks and other materials, and may involve students carrying out a piece of research or reading relevant course material as directed by staff. 

Independent Study 

Study instigated through student’s own initiative.  

Higher education is distinguished from general and secondary education by its focus on independent learning. Scheduled learning and teaching activities typically feature alongside time in which students are expected to study independently, which may itself be 'guided'. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work,  

wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, revision, and so on. The relative amounts of time that students are expected to spend engaged in scheduled activities and independent study varies between courses.  

In all cases, students are expected to be responsible for their own learning, with appropriate support being provided by the institution. Such support can be via study skills training, feedback on assessed work, access to libraries and learning spaces.  


Employer Engagement

Employer Engagement will be achieved by:

Visiting Speakers

The Faculty operates a range of visiting speaker/guest lecturer opportunities at Faculty, Subject, Course, and Module level.

Fieldtrips

Organised visits to studios, media organisations and associations, and appropriate ‘film’ referencing activities.

Work Placements

Work placements, where possible, are organised as part of FV4S06 Industry Practice (see work placement statement as part of section N, Course Management).

Work-based Learning

Work-based Learning activities will be actively sought for, and in coordination with, the student. Where possible these opportunities will reflect the student’s identified specialism and employment area.

Employer Forums

Attendance to these events, as and when appropriate/possible.


Means of Assessment

Portfolio Practical Assessment (CW) Oral Assessment (CW)


Learning Support

Induction 

Induction week activities are organised at University, Faculty and Course level. 

Personal tutor 

All students are allocated a Personal Tutor. 

Office hours 

Staff office hours relate to a two-hour designated weekly period where students can electively meet their tutors. 

Tutorials 

Teaching and learning supported through both individual and small group tutorials across each of the course’s modules. 

Seminars 

Teaching and learning supported through seminars across all the course’s modules. 

Formative Assessment 

This is integral part to many of the course’s assessable outputs. 

Progress meetings 

In addition to the tutorials, progress meetings are held individually or with small groups, during modules.  

Research Supervision 

As an integral part of modules that explicitly state research as part of an assessed output. 

Online Resources 

The course and its modules use USW’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard, and course management system. All integral learning resources and assessments are available and managed through this system. 

Advice Centres 

Available via USW online appointment-based system. 

See: http://cardiffcampus.southwales.ac.uk/cardiff_advice_zone/  

DDS Service 

Available via USW online appointment-based system. 

See: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3024-advice-zones  

IT/Library 

Study support is available at the Atrium Building Library. 

See: http://studyskills.southwales.ac.uk  

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Master of Arts 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Final
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 Intermediate
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 Intermediate

Progression Route

Employment within the film and/or allied media industry, as permanent, contract or freelance employee.Independent filmmaking.Alternative career pathways such as education, museum curation, etc.Further study at PhD/MRes level.


Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Masters level 7 entry requirements: A first or second-class Honours degree in a relevant discipline or appropriate professional qualification; or an HND/HNC and relevant experience; or equivalent international qualifications. Those without such qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, where relevant, specialism specific, prior industrial experience will be considered. All applications will be subject to the University’s procedures. All applicants will be invited to a portfolio-based interview, which should include a showreel of recent work. During the interview, applicants will be expected to outline and discuss any project proposals or ideas they wish to develop on the course. We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. For exact details visit the country specific pages on the USW international website: http://international.southwales.ac.uk.In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component. However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required. For exact details visit the country specific page on the USW international website stated above. If a country is not featured contact the USW International Office at [email protected]@southwales.ac.uk


Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/


Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A


Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A


Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A