MLitt Film Studies

Overview

 This course offers you a balance of traditional modules dedicated to various aspects of film theory, film history and research methods. At the same time, we offer practice-led modules which are designed to help you gain experience behind the camera and in the editing room.

There is a lively film culture at the University of Dundee and all Masters level students are asked to help programme a season of films for the University Film Society.

There are also masterclasses by leading film practitioners. Previous guests have included the writer-director Bill Forsyth (Gregory’s Girl and Local Hero) and Don Boyd, a director and producer who has worked with Ken Russell, Derek Jarman, Robert Altman and Jean-Luc Godard.

_{Research Excellence}

This course is part of the School of Humanities, which is a centre of research excellence, and postgraduate students join a vigorous research culture led by world-leading scholars.

During your time with us you are invited to contribute to our postgraduate conference and to get involved in our postgraduate community.

We offer a regular postgraduate forum, visiting speakers and an annual postgraduate conference. You will also benefit from a range of Generic Skills classes throughout the year.

_{Study an individual module}

If you wish to study just one module from this course, rather than a whole degree, you can choose to apply for an individual module. Visit the Individual Humanities Module webpage for more information.

_{Who should study this course?}

This course is intended for students who wish to take their first degree to a higher level of advanced study, for either career development or merely general interest. It is also for students who wish to gain some basic experience of film practice while also learning about film history and theory. This course is also a research preparation degree for students who intend to proceed to a PhD.

_{Language Learning}

If you need to acquire or improve your foreign language skills to enhance your postgraduate studies, (e.g. to read texts in a native language), you can enrol on a Languages for All course free of charge.

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The University of Dundee has been given a Gold award – the highest possible rating – in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Read more about the Teaching Excellence Framework

Teaching & Assessment

_{How you will be taught}

In semester one you will be required to take a core module which covers key concepts in Film Theory. In semester two the syllabus broadens to look at film programming, film criticism, and researching in film archives.

You will also choose four option modules from a list which balances traditional modules and practice-led options, ranging from documentary filmmaking to a module on working with actors.

Additionally, we offer a directed reading option, which allows students to tailor their own bespoke syllabus.

A variety of teaching methods will be used, including: small group teaching, supervised study, seminars, invited speakers, lectures, and practical workshops.

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods include oral presentations; research essays; practice-based projects including screenwriting and editing projects (optional); and a dissertation.

One-to-one supervision of a dissertation is designed to promote continuity in the learning experiences provided and gives you the opportunity to work on an area of film study of your own choosing (subject to approval by the tutor).

What you will study

Core modules:

• Approaches to Film Studies: Theory, Criticism and Archives
• English Studies Dissertation

Plus optional modules, from a list such as the one below:

• Approaches to Literary and Visual Culture
• Approaches to Film Adaptation
• Joyce and the Cinema
• Comics and Film
• The Literature of Hollywood
• Science Fiction Film

Practice Based Options Include:

• Film Editing: Theory and Practice
• Introduction to Practical Filmmaking: Filming Dialogue
• Introduction to Practical Non-Fiction Filmmaking

Also available: Special Subject – this allows you to develop your own bespoke module with your tutor, and it is taught by directed reading.

Careers

Graduates will gain a high degree of knowledge and expertise about cinema, literature, art, media, and popular culture, and will explore the relationship between these fields in a highly critical and interdisciplinary way. Students taking this course may pursue academic careers, work in the media, the creative industries or publishing.

Your Application

You apply for this course via the UCAS Postgraduate website which is free of charge. You can check the progress of your application online and you can also make multiple applications.

You'll need to upload relevant documents as part of your application. Please read the how to apply page before you apply to find out about what you'll need.

Visit the MLitt Film Studies page on the University of Dundee website for more details!