MA by Research Film, Theatre and Television

Title:

Dissertation or Practical Project

Code:

FTMDPP

Convenor:

DR Tonia Kazakopoulou

Summary:

The Dissertation or Practical Project module constitutes a major element in the assessment profile of the degree and enables students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Film/Television or Theatre through an extended project focussing on a particular critical or theoretical issue or subject. The module can be taken in two different directions: (1) a written dissertation of 25,000-30,000 words, (2) a practical project (either a performance of c. 35-45 minutes in length with contextualising critical reflective material of 10,000 words for those on the Theatre Pathway or a film of 20-30 mins for those on the Film/Television Pathway) with contextualising critical reflective material of 10,000 words.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Exploring Screen Practices

Code:

FTMESP

Convenor:

DR Tonia Kazakopoulou

Summary:

This module enables students to develop new and enhance existing skills in screen media-related practice by responding to one or more briefs and practical exercises. These short projects are responsive to ‘real jobs’ stimuli, are anchored in the study of particular dimensions of film, television or other screen media forms and in the critical/theoretical study of films and programmes. Flexibility and responsiveness to emerging industry developments is a key attribute of this module. The projects are supported by appropriate technical workshops and masterclasses, while the creative process and the finished work are guided though class discussion and structured critical reflection. The module works best when knowledges from across the course are used in synergy with Exploring Screen Practices.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Film Programming and Film Festivals

Code:

FTMFF

Convenor:

MR Mark Player

Summary:

This is a team-taught module, drawing both on representatives from the industry and on strength across the university. Through a dynamic combination of seminars, workshops and group projects, the module will equip students with advanced knowledge of modes of programming arthouse, alternative and experimental venues, as well as organising film festivals. Film festivals work as an effective (and sometimes unfair) filter of the kind of world cinema distributed to commercial and alternative venues around the world. Winners of Cannes, Venice and Berlin will almost certainly find worldwide distribution, as opposed to thousands of other films, which will run through minor festival circuits in the hope of accessing smaller or niche venues and audiences. Film festivals (such as Sundance, Rotterdam and others) are also closely connected with funding systems for independent filmmakers, who will format their projects with a view to satisfying their requirements. Understanding how both film festivals and film programming work is hence key to understanding the kind of world cinema we watch.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Portfolio 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Practice as Research Project

Code:

FTMPAR

Convenor:

PROF Teresa Murjas

Summary:

It is a practical cross-disciplinary module and focuses on making research-led creative work. Under supervision, students will collaboratively produce a new, public-facing piece of creative practice. There will be contribution to the module from a professional practitioner. The module interlinks with an innovative, large scale research project called The People of 1381 (with reference to the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381), funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC). This is based at the University of Reading and is being conducted in collaboration with the Universities of Glasgow, Oxford and Southampton: https://www.1381.online/ Students on the module will draw on the project research team’s findings in order to make creative work. Students will be assessed on the practice elements of the module and on connected written elements.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Work Placements and Pathways (Twenty Credits)

Code:

FTMPL20

Convenor:

DR Lucy Tyler

Summary:

This optional module aims to provide an opportunity for career development through reflective learning. Students will either a) self-organise a placement to undertake in an industry or organisation of their choice or b) undertake a detailed examination of an industry, organisation or role of their choice. Students will then construct a written assessment which provides the opportunity for critical reflection on their placement or selected portfolio. 

Early in the year, a session will provide dynamic advice on how to secure a placement. Students will work collectively to self-organise a series of relevant industry speakers, and will conduct research on the industry sector that most interests them. Students will develop their approach to the written assessment supported by workshop discussion, and tutor and peer feedback, and in doing so will also develop their pitching and presentation skills.

Assessment Method:

Portfolio 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

World Cinema: Creative Peaks

Code:

FTMWCC

Convenor:

MR Mark Player

Summary:

‘World Cinema: Creative Peaks’ looks at film history and geography through a democratic and inclusive approach. Rather than separating Hollywood from the rest of the world, it frames World Cinema as a polycentric phenomenon with peaks of creation in different places and periods. Instead of establishing primacies and hierarchies, it identifies common tropes and cross-pollinations beyond national and cultural borders. Focusing on new realist movements and new waves from around the world, the module will analyse productions from France, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Iran, as well as from the Inuit and other indigenous populations, demonstrating how they compare and inter-relate. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.