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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BA Film Studies and Production

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title BA Film Studies and Production Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Arts
Programme Code FLM-BA-FP UCAS Code W600 HECoS Code 100058 - Film studies - 50
100441 - Film production - 50
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Single Honours Length of Programme Full Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 360
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Arts, English and Languages

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 6

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Communication, media, film and cultural studies (2008)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

In order to enhance flexibility for students at Stage 2 a student may substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed.

At Stage 3 a student may substitute up to 20 CATS of optional modules with the equivalent number of CATS from a list of approved modules beyond those listed.

On completing Stage 1 a Joint Honours student who has passed 60 CATS at Stage 1 in Film Studies and Production modules may be admitted to this Single Honours Programme having obtained the approval of the Adviser of Studies for this Programme. They must complete the same required modules as Single Honours students including practice modules. They must pass the following modules: FLM1001, FLM1002, FLM1004, FLM1007.

Students with protected characteristics

Not applicable

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

Within the framework of the University's Mission Statement, Film Studies and Production aspires to be a teaching and research-driven unit with an international portfolio that harnesses its regional, national and global connections and promotes an educational environment of equality, tolerance and mutual respect. The area's teaching specialisms reflect both its responsiveness to regional needs and commitment to attaining international esteem. Within this context, this BA programme integrates the analytical and practical study of filmmaking and film culture, and aims to:

• Enable students taking Film Studies and Production modules to develop a detailed understanding of the place and importance of film in different analytical, practical, and industrial-cultural contexts;

• Develop students' critical skills, to broaden their intellectual horizons, enhance their filmmaking and audio-visual literacy and to develop an appreciation of core technical skills, and to create enthusiasm for the subject;

• Encourage students to study and produce film and visual media from a range of interrelated practical and critical perspectives;

• Equip students with transferable skills that will be useful in a wide range of careers; to meet post-higher education needs by enabling students to meet the demands of the world of work, or progress into graduate study if they wish;

• Provide students an opportunity to develop core production skills in the creation of the moving image.

• To develop students' critical skills, to broaden their intellectual horizons, enhance their visual literacy and to develop an appreciation of core technical skills and to create enthusiasm for the subject

• To encourage students to study film and visual media from a range of interrelated historical, critical and practical perspectives

• To equip students with transferable skills that will be useful in a wide range of careers; to meet post-higher education needs by enabling students to continue independent research if they wish and to meet the demands of the world of work

• To provide students an opportunity to develop core production skills in the creation of the moving image

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Engage with and interpret layers of meaning within film and critical texts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

A sensitivity to layers of meaning within film and related critical texts is developed in all Film Studies and Production modules. Discussion in class is devoted to interpreting and analysis of image making strategies in relation to their aesthetic and formal qualities, historical and cultural contexts, and implications for practical work.

Methods of Assessment

Written exercises, both formative and summative, such as long and short essays. Sequence analysis and crafting of own material such as video essays in response to other critical texts.

Contextualise from a variety of perspectives

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Discussion in class of screenings of film work and independent research on film culture, criticism and industry.

Methods of Assessment

Written exercises, both formative and summative, such as long and short essays, segmental analysis, log-books and/or other exercises test the students’ ability to engage with, interpret, and contextualise image making strategies and critical content.

Demonstrate a capacity for critical reflection and judgment in the light of evidence and argument

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In many modules, students give informal presentations on specific films, film segments, and how they justify creative decisions in practical work. Moreover, they are encouraged to refer to films and film scholarship in order to form their own judgment and evaluation of the film or critical concept in question.

Methods of Assessment

Written exercises, both formative and summative, such as long and short essays, segmental analysis, log-books and/or other exercises test the students’ ability to engage with, interpret, and contextualise image making strategies and critical content.

Work autonomously, manifested in self-direction, objective-setting, prioritising, self-discipline and time management.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are given a number of deadlines to which they are expected to work; thereby, they learn to prioritise assignments and projects, objectives, and activities generally.

Methods of Assessment

Working to deadlines to produce new written and practical film work.

Understand complex tasks and present appropriate solutions in written, oral and visual form

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

These skills are introduced in the first year of study, nurtured and commented upon at meetings with the students’ tutor, with guidance as to the direction of their studies and with a view to increasing the amount of autonomous learning, which the student undertakes. Advisers of Studies also contribute to this process, though in a more general fashion, in the wider context of the subject and in the sense in which it forms a component of the degree pathways followed by the student.

Methods of Assessment

In class presentation; production of creative work in various forms (mainly, short film, screenplay, and focused exercises in particular areas of production); in class critiques and formative feedback sessions.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Present knowledge and demonstrate expertise in a coherent, effective and meaningful form

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Individual and group presentations; seminars offer a variety of tutor-led and student-led learning opportunities as well as a more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.

Methods of Assessment

Group presentations are used to encourage students to pursue their own interests and develop their understanding of a topic .Individual pitch of critical approaches for creative, written and practical work.

Use libraries and online resources

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

In the first year, students are introduced to the Main McClay Library and its extensive film (DVD) collection and given a tour of the stacks. There are introductory sessions on how to use the Library’s online catalogues. Students’ use of online resources is being continually developed, as are the resources themselves.

Methods of Assessment

Writing skills tutorials and lectures develop essay-writing on stylistic, rhetorical and bibliographical levels. The ability to source and collate information is assessed through the marking system for essays written as coursework.

Write and think effectively under pressure and meet deadlines

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The modules are in general demanding, and students learn early on how to write and think under pressure, as well as how to meet deadlines. Guidance is given in the form of advice in tutorial meetings, and also on an ad hoc basis in the classes, where the tutor responds to individual as well as collective requests for guidance and advice.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is by a variety of traditional and innovative methods, including timed unseen written examinations, data analysis, essays, critical book/article reviews, sequence analysis, video essays, portfolios, individual and group presentations, and seminar and tutorial reports and contributions. Assessment methods vary in accordance with the specific learning outcomes of particular modules as detailed below and as set out in the individual module descriptions.

Use IT, multimedia, practical skills for audio visual acquisition in film making and post production skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

At Levels 1, 2 and 3, students are involved in a substantial amount of filmmaking activity. Employing industry based techniques students are required to screen/exhibit work developed through the acquisition of new production and postproduction skills embedded in their coursework. This experience both enhances their media production skills and heightens their awareness of the challenges associated with producing output for a variety of audiences and in a variety of forms. This aspect of the programme also enhances their research, management, communication skills and employability.

Methods of Assessment

Production of high-level film outputs. These take the form of fiction, experimental and non-fiction outputs. Strands are available at Level 3 in non-fiction and fiction film.

Communicate and interact effectively

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The core activity of film production in all its forms requires teamwork and good communication skills.

Methods of Assessment

Working in groups and following the production cycle of making a film.

Work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Film Practice work in particular promotes good communication and team building skills. Working creativity students have to create new and original creative practice film work aligned to best practice in industry.

Methods of Assessment

Creative outputs take the form of, but are not limited to; short film, documentary, experimental film, installation, audio work. Students work in teams and are assessed for individual role and contributions with the team or through a group project mark.

Demonstrate self-reliance, initiative, adaptability and flexibility

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Analytical exercises – both formative and summative – test students’ ability to engage with, contextualise, and interpret images and texts. The ability to collate and obtain information is developed through introductory training in the use of libraries and online resources.
Production activities are often established in line with best practice in industry on the course. These assessed activities allow students to experience the full production cycle of both small and large-scale film production projects. This then enhances the experiential side of learning and the student’s ability to critically discuss work whilst engaging with the parlance of production. It also provides core skills training in technical roles.

Methods of Assessment

Tasked with specialist roles such as researcher, producer, director or cinematographer, editor students are assessed on their individual contribution to group work. Students also learn to write reflexively about their experiences on the course. Modules such as the dissertation also allows for independent learning and critical study.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Understand the aesthetic and formal qualities of film and visual art and their relation to meanings in particular cultural forms and contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, screenings, seminars, practical workshops; tutorials, group and individual project work, open and resource-based learning, multi-media and new media learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods in the programme aim to encourage the following:

(a) subject knowledge and awareness of the contexts of that knowledge ;
(b) critical analysis of image making structures and an ability to engage in relevant critical debates through discursive argument;

(c) skills of written and oral presentation and critical enquiry;

(d) the use of technological systems for accessing relevant resources, and media production skills and creativity;

(e) an ability to respond productively to self-assessment and tutorial feedback.

Assessment strategies are drawn from amongst the following: essays and exercises; examinations; individual presentations (both oral and technology-based); logbooks and/or portfolios, research exercises; critical self-evaluation; creative practice within both an individual and group context; tasks aimed at the assessment of film making skills.

Demonstrate an insight into the cultural and social ways in which aesthetic judgements are constructed and aesthetic processes experienced

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Large and small group and individual learning and teaching situations; tutor-led, student-led and independent learning sessions.

Methods of Assessment

Assigned written essays.

Show an awareness of a wide range of visual techniques, cultures and modes of reception

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The programme’s learning and teaching strategies are designed to consolidate and enhance the following skills; subject-knowledge acquisition, analysis and critical evaluation; use of a range of technology systems for accessing resources, literature, and for the acquisition of production skills.

Methods of Assessment

Practice classes use a range of assessments which include but are not limited to short film production, documentary film, experimental film, video essays, editing projects, screenwriting, cinematography exercises and other forms of moving image media outputs.

Understand the visual, verbal and audio conventions through which images, words and sounds make meaning in film.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge and understanding are developed through lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars (many of which will be enhanced by learning aids such as handouts, and key readings available online through Queen’s Online) and through the assessment and feedback process.
 Lectures and tutorials together provide knowledge and the opportunity to discuss, evaluate and apply that knowledge to texts.
 Seminars offer the more sustained opportunity to debate and evaluate a breadth of knowledge gained independently from directed reading and from the sharing of resources and information.
 Extensive background reading is required throughout the pathway, developing students’ specialist knowledge of particular genres and periods of cinema, filmmaking and literature in addition to a broad base of knowledge about literary and cinematic history. 

Workshops are led by both specialist practice staff and industry tutors to explore best practice in film production, in a connected and integrated way to the rest of the programme.

Methods of Assessment

A range of assessment methods ensures that these skills are evaluated in different ways.
Formative written work assists the development of understanding, critical judgment, and independent thought, both through the feedback given, and through the process of writing itself.
Examinations, essays, seminar presentations and Film project work require that students demonstrate technical skills appropriate to level, coverage of material, appropriate methods of textual and critical analysis, the ability to discriminate between arguments, and the ability to form an independent argument. The ability also to create original creative outputs is assessed and informed by historical and critical understandings of the discipline

Demonstrate an understanding of professional practices and traditions, and of the possibilities and constraints involved in film and visual art processes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

A substantial aspect of the learning in Film Studies and Production is through practical work. The experiential learning involved with film production has a number of core benefits. These include the development of realistic and pragmatic understandings of the challenges involved with film production. The ability to develop crucial technical skills to empower creativity; a profound and thorough understanding of the parlance of production, which leads to greater insight and ability to articulate craft processes and action in close analysis and lastly these skills enhance employability.

Methods of Assessment

Screening and exhibition of film outputs. The production of short film and documentary to a high level. Completion of technical training in non-linear editing. Screenwriting and project development skills. Pitching and conveying creative projects to assessed panels and in presentations.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Engage critically with creative practitioners, theorists, and be able to debate and apply these strategies within a subject discourse

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, screenings, seminars, practical workshops; tutorials, group and individual project work, open and resource-based learning, multi-media and new media learning.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods in the programme aim to encourage the following:

(a) high quality of subject knowledge and awareness of the contexts of that knowledge
;
(b) critical analysis of image making structures and an ability to engage in relevant critical debates through discursive argument;

(c) skills of written and oral investigation and enquiry, the use of technological systems for accessing relevant resources, and media production skills and creativity;

(d) critical reflection on issues of practice and the ability to respond productively to self-assessment and tutorial feedback.



Assessment strategies are drawn from amongst the following: essays and exercises; examinations; individual presentations (both oral and technology-based); logbooks and/or portfolios; research exercises; critical self-evaluation; creative practice within both an individual and group context; tasks aimed at the assessment of film making skills.

Understand film forms and their historical precedents

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Large and small group and individual learning and teaching situations; tutor-led, student-led and independent learning sessions.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is by a variety of traditional and innovative methods, including timed unseen written examinations, data analysis, essays, critical film/article reviews, portfolios, individual and group presentations, and seminar and tutorial reports and contributions.

Analyse, interpret, and exercise critical judgement in the understanding of the subject area studied

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The programme’s learning and teaching strategies are designed to consolidate and enhance the following skills; subject-knowledge acquisition, analysis and critical evaluation; use of a range of technology systems for accessing resources, literature, and for the acquisition of production skills.

Methods of Assessment

Essays and exercises; examinations; individual presentations (both oral and technology-based); logbooks and/or portfolios; research exercises; critical self-evaluation; creative practice within both an individual and group context; tasks aimed at the assessment of film making skills.

Put to use a range of IT skills from basic competences such as word processing to more complex skills using multimedia, and develop proficiencies in utilising a range of image making technologies.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Industry standard software instruction is embedding in coursework. This empowers students to take external examinations in video and audio editing to an advanced level in film and television.

Methods of Assessment

Video essay and editing exams, Editing of film projects, documentaries. Advanced post production techniques such as picture grading and colour management software.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Introduction to Film Practice FLM1004 1 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Introduction to Film Studies 1 FLM1001 1 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Screen Technologies FLM1005 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 80% 20% 0%
Introduction to Film Studies 2 FLM1002 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Editing for Film and Television FLM1007 1 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Introduction to Screenwriting FLM1003 1 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
World Cinema FLM2013 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
British Cinema: Nation, Identity and Industry FLM2026 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Gender, Culture, and Representation – Backwards & in Heels AEL2001 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 60% 40% 0%
Fiction Film Practice FLM2032 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 60% 0%
Principles of Business in Arts, Cultural and Creative Industries SCA2002 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Experimental Practice FLM2027 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 60% 0%
Introduction to Animation Studies FLM2030 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Adaptation as Interdisciplinary Practice AEL2002 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Hollywood Cinema 1 FLM2001 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 90% 10% 0%
Introduction to Screenwriting FLM2019 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Film and Sound: History and Theory FLM2014 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Non-Fiction Film Practice FLM2028 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 60% 0%
Documentary Film Studies FLM2012 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Hollywood Cinema 2 FLM3019 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Film and Music: Theory and Criticism FLM3024 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Dissertation FLM3010 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Gender and Media BCP3004 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 90% 10% 0%
Cinema, Realism, and Modernism FLM3034 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
British Film: Mainstream and Fringe FLM3032 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 90% 10% 0%
Work-based Learning AEL3001 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Film Practice 2 FLM3011 3 40 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 60% 40% 0%
Advanced Film Practice 1 FLM3001 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 60% 40% 0%

Notes

Stage 3:
Students must take a minimum of 80 units from the FLM-coded modules to include the core modules FLM3001 & FLM3011.

Students may substitute up to one Stage 3 module in another subject, for which they have the necessary pre-requisites, subject to approval from their Advisor of Studies.

* Students will be notified each academic year of the optional modules being offered in the following academic year. Students are advised that not all optional modules will necessarily be offered in each academic year. Also, the delivery of a module may be subject to a minimum number of enrolments as well as unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness of a member of staff). The range and content of optional modules will change over time as degree programmes develop and students’ choice of optional modules may also be limited due to timetabling constraints.

Stage 2:
Students must take a minimum of 80 units from the FLM-coded modules to include the core module FLM2025.

Students may substitute up to one Stage 2 module in another subject, for which they have the necessary pre-requisites, subject to approval from their Advisor of Studies.

Stage 1:
Students must take the FIVE core modules listed plus FLM1005 or ONE other module from the Autumn Faculty optional modules available.