| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Film and Screen Media program at Birkbeck combines academic study with practical opportunities, exploring the history, development, and impact of film, television, and other screen media. Students develop critical analysis, research, and writing skills, and gain practical experience through optional work placements. The program prepares graduates for careers in the media, creative, and cultural industries, as well as further research at the MPhil/PhD level.
Program Outline
It explores the history, development, and interaction of film, television, and other screen media in diverse historical, sociological, aesthetic, and anthropological contexts across various cultural and national settings.
Objectives:
- Develop a critical understanding of the evolution and impact of film, television, and other screen media.
- Engage in critical analysis and interpretation of diverse film and screen media texts.
- Develop research and writing skills in the field of film and screen media studies.
- Gain practical experience through optional work placements in the media, creative, and cultural industries.
Program Description:
The program combines traditional academic study with practical opportunities, allowing students to specialize in areas of film and screen media aligned with their interests and career goals. The curriculum features a mix of core modules, option modules, and a dissertation or work placement.
Outline:
Structure:
- 180 credits total
- Core module (30 credits)
- 2-4 option modules (60 credits)
- Research project or work placement (30 credits)
- Dissertation (60 credits)
Delivery:
- Full-time or part-time
- On campus
- Evening classes
- One to two years depending on enrollment type
Modules:
- Core Module:
- Screen Media: History, Technology and Culture
- Indicative Option Modules:
- Artists' Film: the museum, the gallery and beyond
- British Cinema and Television 1960-85
- Curating as Critical Practice
- Curating Film, Sharing Passions
- European Cinema at the Crossroads
- Film Festivals
- Issues in Global Television: Analogue, Digital, National, Transnational
- Shaping Contemporary Film Culture B: Themes in Film Festivals
- Shaping Contemporary Film Culture A: The Essay Film and the Archive
- Theoretical Perspectives on Media
- Research/placement project and report:
- Students choose between a research project or a work placement in the media industry.
- Dissertation:
- 15,000-word dissertation on a chosen topic in film and screen media.
Schedule:
- October 2024 or January 2025 start dates
- Two to three evenings per week for full-time students
- One to two evenings per week for part-time students
Intercollegiate Module Exchange:
- Students can take one option module at participating colleges of the University of London, including SOAS, UCL, KCL, Queen Mary University, and Goldsmiths.
Assessment:
- Essay assignments
- Placement/research report
- Dissertation
- Coursework and examinations (depending on the chosen modules)
Teaching:
- Renowned academics in film and media studies, including Drs. Mike Allen, Janet McCabe, and Dorota Ostrowska, and Professors Laura Mulvey and Ian Christie.
- Expertise in cinema history, exhibition cultures, programming and curating, film aesthetics, television industry and form, and contemporary and future new media opportunities.
- Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, screenings, field trips, and events.
- Small, interactive seminar groups led by tutors.
- Emphasis on innovative and engaging teaching methods.
Careers:
- Potential career paths include:
- Arts administrator
- Museum or gallery curator
- Teacher
- Programme researcher
- Television/film/video producer
- Academic positions in film and media studies
- Opportunities in the media, creative, and cultural industries.
Other:
- The program is part of the Screen Studies Group at Birkbeck.
- Students have access to the award-winning Birkbeck Cinema and the Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image (BIMI).
- Central London location with easy access to cinemas, galleries, and cultural institutions.
- Various bursaries available for postgraduate students.
Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024 Part-time home students: £5,400 per year Full-time home students: £10,800 per year Part-time international students: £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year Academic year 2024–25, starting January 2025 Part-time home students: £5,400 per year Full-time home students: £10,800 per year Part-time international students: £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year
Entry Requirements:
Academic Requirements:
- A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a recognized university.
- Applicants with professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will also be considered.
- Mature learners are encouraged to apply.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test score of
- 6.5 , with no less than
- 6.0 in each sub-test.
- 700-1000 word written exercise
- This exercise can be emailed directly or uploaded to the Applicant Portal.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Please note:
- Specific entry requirements may vary depending on the applicant's individual circumstances.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through an accepted English language test.
- The required score for the IELTS Academic Test is 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each sub-test.
- Applicants with other English language qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Birkbeck offers pre-sessional English courses and foundation programs for students who need to improve their English language skills.
Please note:
- Specific language proficiency requirements may vary depending on the applicant's program of study.
