Program Overview

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MA Film Studies

The MA Film Studies is a postgraduate course that explores the creative connections between film analysis and film practice. The course has a distinctive focus on international, alternative, and documentary cinemas, while also providing a solid foundation in key elements of film history and theory, including Hollywood.

Overview

The course is based in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies and is available on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time course lasts for one year, while the part-time course lasts for two years. The course starts in October and is taught at the Colchester Campus.

Course Structure

The course consists of five modules, which are taught over the autumn and spring terms. The modules include:

• Dissertation: MA Film Studies (80 credits)
• Dissertation Preparation: Postgraduate Research and Writing Skills (20 credits)
• Film Workshop (20 credits)
• Critical Moments in the Theory and History of Film (20 credits)
• Two optional film modules (20 credits each)

Teaching

The course is taught through a combination of:

• Weekly film screenings and discussions of key cinematic texts
• Practical film production workshops
• Seminars, which may include introductions by the tutor, presentations by students, and discussion based on a program of reading
• Masterclasses conducted by invited industry professionals

Assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of:

• Four essays of 4,000-5,000 words, usually combining a creative piece and critical commentary
• A reflective piece on research methods
• A creative practice or theoretical dissertation project

Fees and Funding

The fees for the course are:

• Home/UK fee: Ł11,025
• International fee: Ł23,875 There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the course are:

• A 2:2 degree in a relevant subject, such as American Studies, Art History, Creative Writing, Film and Media Studies, History, Journalism, Law, Literature, Modern Languages, Music, Performance Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, or Theatre/Drama Studies
• International and EU students must have a wide range of qualifications, including a bachelor's degree with a minimum grade of 2:2
• English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum component score of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other components

Research Areas

The Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies has a distinguished history of combining critical and creative work, and has long been home to poets, novelists, translators, dramatists, and actors, alongside literary critics, drama scholars, filmmakers, and film theorists. The department's research areas include:

• Film theory and history
• Film practice and production
• Screenwriting and storytelling
• Documentary and alternative cinemas
• International and global cinemas

Facilities

The department has a range of facilities, including:

• Industry-standard editing facilities
• Two state-of-the-art studios
• A range of cameras and other filmmaking equipment
• Professional film production software, including Avid and Final Cut
• A dedicated 120-seat film theatre, equipped with digital HD projection facilities and surround sound
• A substantial departmental collection of DVDs and films
• Student film societies and the Centre for Film and Screen Media film series

Career Prospects

The course provides students with a range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to a variety of careers in the film industry, including:

• Film production and direction
• Screenwriting and storytelling
• Film editing and post-production
• Film criticism and journalism
• Film education and academia
• Film marketing and distribution

Additional Information

The University of Essex is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. The university has a range of services and facilities, including:

• Student support services, such as counseling and academic advice
• Disability support services
• International student support services
• Careers and employability services
• Library and learning resources
• Student union and social facilities