Film & Television MA

Program Overview

The Film & Television MA at Falmouth University is a dynamic postgraduate program that equips students with the skills and critical thinking necessary to create impactful film and television content. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing students to experiment with different formats, narrative structures, and production workflows. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the film and television industry or further academic pursuit.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Film & Television MA is a dynamic on-campus postgraduate program aimed at equipping students with the skills and critical thinking required to create impactful film and television content. Situated within Falmouth University's renowned School of Film & Television, students benefit from expert guidance, industry-standard facilities, and a diverse learning environment that fosters both creative originality and professional development.

Objectives:

• Develop advanced skills in the technical and creative aspects of film and television production.
• Enhance critical thinking and analysis of contemporary screen media within global contexts.
• Foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that embraces diverse perspectives and approaches.
• Prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the film and television industry or further academic pursuit (e.g., PhD programs).

Program Description:

This 1-year full-time program immerses students in a rigorous and practice-driven curriculum. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing students to experiment with different formats, narrative structures, and production workflows.

Outline:

Structure:

• 3 semesters, 45 weeks in total
• Full-time on-campus learning
• Focus on chosen specialism and career goals

Course Schedule:

The program comprises three intensive study blocks, each with distinct learning objectives:

Study Block One:

• Introduces core concepts and fundamental skills in film and television production.
• Develops technical proficiency in areas like pre-production, scriptwriting, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and editing.
• Culminates in the creation of a short film or short television form, accompanied by a professional production portfolio.

Study Block Two:

• Encourages exploration of global perspectives in film and television.
• Examines the role of digital technologies and media in shaping global narratives and audiences.
• Requires the completion of a 10-minute film/TV format or screenplay inspired by research on globalization and screen media.

Study Block Three:

• Allows students to tailor their final project based on career aspirations.
• Option to produce a dissertation or research portfolio for further academic study.
• Alternatively, create a 20-minute film/TV form or feature screenplay for direct entry into the industry.
• Individualized project development with guidance from a dedicated supervisor and peer feedback.

Individual Modules:

Contextual Studies: Screen, Culture & Society

(Study Block One & Two)

• Analyzes cultural contexts influencing production, distribution, and audience engagement with film and television.
• Introduces research methodologies and critical analysis of contemporary screen texts.
• Explores topics like funding, commissioning, production, distribution, exhibition, and representation.

Creative Practice: Foundation

(Study Block One)

• Develops technical skills and creative thinking across various film and television project workflows.
• Weekly seminars and workshops in areas like pre-production, scriptwriting, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and editing.
• Addresses legal requirements, ethical standards, and risk assessment in film and television production.

Contextual Studies: Screen & Globalisation

(Study Block Two)

• Explores the impact of globalization on media representations of identity, social/political conflicts, and cultural change.
• Analyzes film and television examples from diverse global contexts.
• Examines critical frameworks, conventions, and innovations in contemporary screen media across various platforms.

Creative Practice: Development

(Study Block Two)

• Deepens practical industry skills through the creation of a short film/TV project or screenplay.
• Explores narrative structures, visual storytelling, and genre conventions.
• Addresses contemporary industry practices regarding commissioning, distribution, and exhibition.

Contextual Studies: Final Major Project

(Optional, Study Block Three)

• Under the guidance of a supervisor, conduct advanced research on a chosen film or television topic.
• Produce a dissertation or video essay applying critical methodologies and demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the field.

Creative Practice: Final Major Project

(Optional, Study Block Three)

• For industry-focused students, create a 20-minute film/TV project or feature screenplay.
• Develop a project portfolio showcasing creative vision, technical expertise, and professional communication skills.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Continuous assessment throughout the program
• No formal examinations
• Core theory assessed through written assignments
• Core practice assessed via visual projects and accompanying portfolios
• Elective modules offer a choice of theory or practice-based assessment options
• Final major project (dissertation or creative project) assessed for its originality, research rigor, and technical proficiency

Criteria:

• Demonstrating mastery of technical skills and industry-standard workflows
• Displaying creativity, originality, and a strong artistic vision
• Applying critical thinking to analyze and contextualize film and television productions
• Communicating effectively through written, visual, and oral presentations
• Meeting professional standards for industry-ready projects

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops
• Individual and group project work
• One-on-one supervision and personalized feedback
• Guest lectures and masterclasses by renowned industry professionals
• Industry visits and field trips to film festivals and production companies

Faculty:

• Experienced and accomplished film and television professionals
• Active writers, producers, directors, editors, sound designers, and cinematographers
• Diverse range of perspectives and expertise to foster a stimulating learning environment

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Director
• Producer
• Screenwriter
• Cinematographer
• Editor
• Sound designer
• Production manager
• Film/television festival programmer
• Academic researcher or lecturer

Career Opportunities:

Graduates have secured positions in a variety of organizations, including:

• BBC
• Envy
• Essence
• Fox
• ITV
• S+O Media
• Silverstream TV
• Radio & Television Hong Kong

Other:

Facilities:

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• 129-seat cinema with 4K projection and 7.2 surround sound
• Specialized production studios (multi-purpose, green screen, and animation)
• Editing suites equipped with industry-standard software (Avid Media Composer, Adobe Creative Cloud, Da Vinci Resolve)
• Sound recording suites with Pro Tools Ultimate software
• Foley/ADR suite with comprehensive microphones and equipment
• Digital cameras (HD to 4K) with a range of lenses and accessories
• Extensive lighting equipment including professional brands like Arri, Dedo, and Kino Flo
• Grip and gimbal systems for camera movement and stabilization

Tuition fees 2024-25 £10,200 per year – full-time UK (£250 acceptance fee payable. This is deducted from tuition fees) £19,950 per year – full-time EU/international (£500-£2,500 acceptance fee payable depending upon your status. This is deducted from tuition fees)