MA Filmmaking (Sound Recording, Post-Production & Design)

Program Overview

This MA program in Filmmaking (Sound Recording, Post-Production & Design) equips students with technical expertise in sound recording and design, emphasizing its narrative potential. Through hands-on projects and collaborations, students explore the soundtrack's journey from pre-production to final mix, developing skills in sound manipulation and storytelling. The program culminates in a final project portfolio and viva voce examination, preparing graduates for careers in various film, television, and audio industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MA program focuses on cultivating students' understanding of the vital role sound plays in filmmaking. Students gain technical expertise in both location sound recording and post-production sound design, while also exploring the narrative potential of sound. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to sound, encompassing its creation, manipulation, and utilization as a storytelling tool. The Sound curriculum is structured around the soundtrack's journey from pre-production to final mix. Students experiment with various components like dialogue, atmospheres, sound effects, and music, learning how to leverage these elements to engage audiences emotionally with a film's story. The program promotes collaborative learning through group projects, allowing students to work with fiction and documentary filmmakers, cinematographers, and other sound specialists.

Outline:

The program is divided into three terms. The first two terms involve full-day sessions each week, encompassing practical demonstrations, lectures, screenings, small group seminars, and workshops. Students also complete three optional modules focused on specific areas like social activist film, film producing fundamentals, and experimental media. The third term is dedicated to the final project, which is assessed through a portfolio of work and a viva voce examination. Throughout the year, students participate in "Screen Lab," collaborating with other filmmaking students on various projects, including short fiction films and music videos.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Individual and group projects: Students demonstrate their practical skills and understanding of sound design principles through various projects.
• Portfolios: Students showcase their work through a final portfolio, which reflects their progress and expertise in sound design.
• Viva voce: Students engage in a discussion with faculty to assess their understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply them to their work.
• Written assignments: Students may be required to complete essays or other written assignments to demonstrate their knowledge of relevant theories and concepts.

Teaching:

The program features a dedicated convenor for the Sound Recording, Post-Production & Design pathway, who leads the weekly sessions and provides individual support. Students also benefit from guest lectures offered by industry professionals, including Oscar-winning sound recordists and film/TV sound editors. Additionally, the program leverages Avid Learning Partner status to offer Pro Tools training, enabling students to earn certification.

Careers:

Graduates from this program pursue careers in diverse areas of film, television, radio, web design, advertising, documentary, and animation. They can find employment as sound designers, sound editors, location sound recordists, and other sound specialists.

Other:

• The program emphasizes practical experience and requires a level of prior practical experience from work in the arts or the media.
• The program is housed in a state-of-the-art media facility equipped with film studios, Pro Tools suites, Foley recording studios, and screening rooms.
• The program offers opportunities to work with composers and musicians from Goldsmiths' Department of Music, expanding students' understanding of musical elements in film.

Annual tuition fees These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year. Home - full-time: £14910 International - full-time: £28580