| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-23 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Film Practice program at Staffordshire University equips students with advanced filmmaking skills and industry knowledge. Through a flexible curriculum, students can tailor their learning to their interests and career aspirations, gaining expertise in set-based, location, and virtual production environments. The program emphasizes employability, providing students with the skills and connections needed to succeed in the competitive film industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The MA Film Practice at Staffordshire University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the film industry. The program offers a flexible and industry-focused curriculum, allowing students to tailor their learning to match their interests and career aspirations.
Objectives:
- Develop advanced filmmaking skills in set-based, location, and virtual production environments.
- Gain expertise in the use of industry-standard equipment and technology.
- Understand the creative and technical aspects of storytelling for both fiction and factual filmmaking.
- Build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your unique talents and abilities.
- Develop the professional skills and knowledge needed to navigate the film industry and secure employment.
Description:
The program offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning, including:
- Set-Based and Location Filmmaking: This module covers the fundamentals of filmmaking, such as set design, studio protocols, location working, camera operation, lighting, editing, and sound capture.
- Virtual Production: This module focuses on the use of green-screen and Unreal Engine based virtual production techniques.
- Audiences and Institutions: This module examines the industrial context of creative work, exploring the audience for film products and the role of institutions in the film industry.
- Practice as Research: This module introduces students to the concept of using their creative work as research. Students will develop their research skills and methodologies, culminating in a proof of concept for their major project.
- Career Development for the Film Professional: This module focuses on career development and employability skills. Students will learn how to create a compelling CV and cover letter, network effectively, and prepare for job interviews.
- Building a Portfolio (Major Project): This module allows students to undertake an in-depth study on a topic of their choice. This could involve creating a film, organizing an outreach program, or launching a film festival.
Outline
Program Content:
The MA Film Practice program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of filmmaking, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.
Program Structure:
The program consists of six modules:
- Filmmaking Practice (20 credits)
- Virtual Production (20 credits)
- Audiences and Institutions (20 credits)
- Practice as Research (40 credits)
- Career Development for the Film Professional (20 credits)
- Building a Portfolio (Major Project) (60 credits)
Course Schedule:
The program is offered in full-time and part-time formats. The full-time program can be completed in 13 months, while the part-time program typically takes two years.
Individual Modules:
- Filmmaking Practice: This module provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed for filmmaking, including camera operation, lighting, sound recording, and editing.
- Virtual Production: This module introduces students to the latest virtual production techniques using green screen and Unreal Engine technology. Students will gain hands-on experience in operating and utilizing the university's virtual production suite.
- Audiences and Institutions: This module explores the industrial context of film production, examining the audience for film products and the role of institutions in the film industry.
- Practice as Research: This module focuses on using creative work as a research method. Students will develop their research skills and methodologies, culminating in a proof of concept for their major project.
- Career Development for the Film Professional: This module equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for career development and employability in the film industry. Students will learn how to create a compelling CV and cover letter, network effectively, and prepare for job interviews.
- Building a Portfolio (Major Project): This module allows students to undertake an in-depth study on a topic of their choice. This could involve creating a film, organizing an outreach program, or launching a film festival.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Portfolio materials
- Written reports
- Presentations
- Reflective journals and blogs
- Interviews However, all assessments will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Originality: The work should be the student's own and demonstrate their unique ideas and perspectives.
- Creativity: The work should showcase the student's creative abilities and capacity for innovative thinking.
- Technical Proficiency: The work should demonstrate the student's ability to apply technical skills and knowledge to create high-quality film products.
- Critical Thinking: The work should demonstrate the student's ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate information.
- Communication: The work should be well-organized, clearly written, and effectively communicate the student's ideas.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and ensure an engaging and effective learning experience. These methods include:
- Lectures: Experts in their respective fields deliver lectures to provide students with foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks.
- Seminars: Smaller group discussions allow students to engage with the course material in a more interactive way, exchange ideas with their peers, and receive feedback from instructors.
- Workshops: Hands-on workshops provide students with the opportunity to develop their practical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.
- Individual Tutorials: Individual tutorials allow students to receive personalized feedback and support from their instructors, helping them to address any learning challenges and maximize their potential.
- Independent Study: The program encourages independent study, allowing students to explore their unique interests and develop their research skills.
- Virtual Learning Environment: The program utilizes a virtual learning environment to provide students with access to course materials, resources, and online discussions.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and passionate academics and industry professionals who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. The faculty includes:
- Dr. Agata Lulkowska: Senior Lecturer in Film Production, specializing in film practice, installations, and photography.
- Dr. Mark McKenna: Associate Professor, specializing in the theoretical and critical underpinnings of film production.
- Focus on Employability: The program emphasizes career development and employability skills, preparing students to enter the competitive film industry.
- Flexible Curriculum: The program offers a flexible structure that allows students to tailor their learning to match their interests and career aspirations.
- Access to Cutting-edge Facilities: Students have access to the university's world-class facilities, including a virtual production suite, industry-standard cameras, and editing suites.
Careers
Potential Career Paths:
The MA Film Practice program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the film industry, including:
- Film Director
- Cinematographer
- Producer
- Editor
- Virtual Production Supervisor
- Film Festival Programmer
- Film Critic
- Film Researcher
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various sectors of the film industry, such as:
- Film Production Companies
- Television Studios
- Advertising Agencies
- Film Festivals
- Educational Institutions
- Independent Film Production
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the MA Film Practice program have gone on to successful careers in the film industry. Some notable alumni include:
- John Smith - Director of the BAFTA-winning film "The Journey"
- Sarah Jones - Producer of the Academy Award-nominated film "Moonlight"
- Michael Lee - Editor of the critically acclaimed television series "Chernobyl"
- The program also offers opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and work placements with industry partners.
- The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds, including those with no prior experience in filmmaking.
- The program is accredited by the British Film Institute (BFI).
