You will complete the following taught modules:

Development and Production Processes for Film and Television

This module is delivered through a combination of small project assignments, masterclasses from industry experts, and group seminar work. It provides you with a realistic overview of the challenges and processes of research, development and commissioning for film and television.

Documentary Filmmaking

This module acquaints you with critical concepts in documentary filmmaking, recognisable across histories, genres, nationalities and media. Weekly seminars cover a range of styles and tones of documentary film from early cinema to reality television, providing you with a strong appreciation of the technical and editorial complexities of documentary filmmaking, and an understanding of the relationship between intention and form.

Research Skills in Film and Television

This module helps you to decide on a topic and plan for your audio-visual or written dissertation. It guides you through using research resources such as academic journals and online databases, and it shows you how to plan your final piece of work.

Guided Editing/Guided Reading

This module trains you in the technical skills necessary to film, capture and edit digital film and video projects. You will produce a five-minute film on a subject of your choice. Alternatively, those who plan to submit a written dissertation complete a 5,000 word guided reading essay.

In addition, you will complete a placement and a dissertation:

Placement and training module

Our dedicated Placements Coordinator will work with you to identify suitable placement opportunities; from broadcast television and independent production companies, to freelance filmmakers and media projects both on campus and with external organisations. We have long-established links with a range of companies, but students are welcome to source their own placements if they wish, within certain parameters.

This assessed module not only secures valuable work experience, but also offers the support you need to identify your personal strengths and assist you with CVs, cover letters and applications for roles in the media industry - ensuring you are best prepared for life and employment after graduation. 

Assessment

Feedback from your placement host/s (50%)
4000 word reflexive essay (50%)
Submission dates for the placement essay usually fall shortly before the dissertation deadline at the end of the MA.

For employers
If you would be interested in hosting an MA Film and Television student placement, please contact Jemma Saunders for further information (j.j.saunders@bham.ac.uk). We would expect that most placement tasks will be those associated with runner and/or researcher roles, however placement students can also undertake production duties to support filming; post-production editing; pre-production and research; writing and development, etc.

Dissertation

You have the option of submitting either a written or an audio-visual dissertation (which must be a factual piece). Most students take this opportunity to build their production skills further, creating a 20-25 minute documentary film for their showreel or portfolio, that showcases their filmmaking skills and their ability to produce content that has both intellectual and aesthetic integrity. Your film will be underpinned by independent research and academic supervision. If you choose to do an audio-visual dissertation you will also submit a 4,000-word evaluation. If you choose to do a written dissertation, its length will be 15,000 words.