MA Film, Television, Animation

Overview & facilities

On this course you will be given the opportunity to explore your own creativity. You will be using digital technologies to produce moving image pieces that push against conventional boundaries narrative, genre and representation. As part of your creative process and a deeper understanding of the medium, you will look at films from different genres, historical periods and cultural origins.

This is a distinctive course in its openness to ideas, to the exploration of the relationship of theory to practice and in locating work in the context of fast changing and fast converging interactive digital media.

The masters course is attached to the internationally important Lansdown Centre for Electronic Arts, a recognised Research Centre of the university. This multidisciplinary centre has expertise in interactive media, film, video, digital arts and sonic arts.

While studying with us you will work with staff of all these disciplines and will also be able to undertake projects with students on related MA courses if you wish. The range within the Centre's work is extraordinary in many ways art and science, fine art and industrial, visionary and practical, strong on ideas but grounded in real knowledge of our chosen media.

Funded and personal research projects enable staff to be aware of, in fact ahead of, the latest developments. This expertise is fed directly into the teaching course. However this is not a one-way process student-led investigations have been turned into funded research projects and internationally important publications.

 

 

 

Content & modules

You develop advanced digital production skills and choose the kind of practice you wish to specialise in. There are three essential strands: documentary, narrative and performance. Documentary offers the possibility of working with, for example, found material and archives, as well as more conventional documentary work. Narrative has a particular emphasis on interactivity and considers cross-over work from games design to literature. Performance explores questions about both human and machines, issues of time and duration and interactivity.

Having developed advanced production and research skills, you will move on to the Dissertation Project. This may well carry forward themes from the earlier modules but it may be the moment to step out in a new direction. By this point you may well have an eye on the next step in your career, professional or academic or both and will use the Dissertation Project as a specific means for advancing your ambitions. At the same time the Dissertation Project is the culmination of your studies, reflections and experimentation.

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Assessment

Students' knowledge and understanding is assessed by 100 per cent course work including practical projects and written work. There are no exams.

 

 

Entry & applying

Standard entry enquirements

To be accepted to study on the MA Film, Television, Animation, we normally require a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

All shortlisted candidates are interviewed, either at the University or by telephone for overseas students. The interview is a two-way process, not used as the deciding factor when conducted by telephone, designed to establish how you can benefit from, and contribute to, the work of the course and the Lansdown Centre as a whole.

You are normally expected to offer material evidence of their previous activities as appropriate to your background; for example: showreels of practical work, portfolios, film-scripts written, reports authored etc. You should be able to convince the interviewer of a genuine interest in innovative use of film, video and digital media. This can be as varied as artists using video to those with broadcasting experience.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

 

 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MA Film, Television and Animation for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £7,500
Part-time students: £63 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit

AHRC Masters studentships

We will be awarding Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Masters studentships to MA Film, Television and Animation students wishing to start their course in October 2012. Successful applicants can expect to receive funding towards tuition fees and maintenance costs.

Find out more and how to apply

Careers & placements

The degree will allow you to progress into employment either within the mainstream film / television industry or within the fine art field. We believe that the range of qualities you will develop on the course will make you highly employable. In a very competitive area, people who are can demonstrate high levels of self confidence, initiative, problem solving and project management skills will be at an advantage.