Master of Film and Television (by Research)

Overview

The Master of Film and Television (by research) allows students to build on their capacity for independent investigation, and their creative and technical skills in Film & Television. This degree is assessed by a major research project and a complementary dissertation. The course can be undertaken 2 years full time or 4 years part time.

Description

Students will focus on developing an original independent research project which will be produced in an appropriate form such as a script or a film. The major project will be supported by a research paper. The Masters degree is undertaken over two years full time or four years part time.

Objectives

On completion of this course students should have:

• advanced their capacity for independent investigation in the field of screenwriting and/or direction;
• extended their creative abilities and technical skills;
• acquired the capacity to create a significant innovative project in a chosen area, eg, scriptwriting, and
• advanced their ability to contribute to the broad culture of society.

Prerequisites

Entry is open to graduates of the Bachelor of Film and Television (VCA) or Graduate Diploma in Film and Television (VCA) with H1 or H2 results in their final Assigned Projects subject or those who have gained an equivalent qualification from a recognized tertiary institution or can demonstrate equivalent experience. Graduates with degrees in disciplines other than Film and Television would be required to undertake the Graduate Diploma course before undertaking the Master of Film and Television.

Generic Skills

On completion of the Master of Film and Television by Research, graduates should be able to:

• exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of the film, television and/or allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics at an advanced level as they relate to these industries;
• exhibit a capacity to design, conduct and present original research outcomes;
• demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation;
• demonstrate advanced skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, and oral and written communication;
• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional filmmaker in the 21st century;
• demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities;
• understand and appreciate how filmmaking connects with the broader society and contributes to its social and economic development, and
• understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Course Progression Guidelines

The maximum time permitted for completion of the course is two years full-time or four years part-time.

Student progress is monitored by the candidate’s supervisor(s) who is/are required to report in writing any lack of satisfactory progress to the candidate and to the Head of School. Where satisfactory progress has not been maintained, a candidate shall be given the opportunity to present and explain the reasons for this.

Subjects by Year

Year 1

• 759-601 - Major Project - FTV
• 759-604 - Dissertation

Year 2

• 759-601 - Major Project - FTV
• 759-604 - Dissertation

Subjects

Year 1

Subject description:

N.B. This subject is undertaken over two years full time or four years part time.
Under supervision candidates will develop original independent research which will be published by way of a project (script, film, video, CD Rom or other appropriate publication). Candidates are required through a process of critical reflection and development to write and/or direct a project of an advanced substantial nature. Projects would normally be of the following dimension: Scriptwriting - feature length (90-120 mins) or outline for a TV series with a developed episode; or a production which the candidate will write and direct; Documentary production - television hour (47 mins) or Drama - television hour (47 mins) or Animation 10 - 15 mins.

Objectives:

On completion of the Master of Film and Television by Research, candidates should be able to:

• exhibit extensive knowledge of the film, television and allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge and skills at an advanced level;
• demonstrate highly developed creative and problem solving abilities;
• exhibit a capacity to design, conduct and present original research;
• understand issues related to intellectual property management and exploitation;
• demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach coupled with an understanding of the relevance and value of industry and the wider community and how to engage with key players;
• communicate confidently both orally and in writing for a wide variety of audience;
• exhibit a leadership capacity and the ability to act as a mentor to the development of others;
• demonstrate skills and interest reflecting a commitment to life long learning;
• display an international awareness and appreciation of social and cultural diversity and respect for individual human rights and dignity.

Assessment:

Two examiners will assess the completed project.

Generic Skills:

Subject description:

The candidate will research and develop a research paper supporting or complementary to their major project.
N.B. This subject is undertaken over two years full time or four years part time.

Objectives:

On completion of the dissertation, the candidate should be able to

• exhibit a capacity to design, conduct and present original research;
• communicate confidently both orally and in writing for a wide variety of audience;
• exhibit extensive knowledge of the film, television and allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge and skills at an advanced level;
• demonstrate highly developed creative and problem solving abilities;
• demonstrate skills and interest reflecting a commitment to life long learning.

Assessment:

10,000 word research paper or equivalent.

Generic Skills:

Year 2

Subject description:

N.B. This subject is undertaken over two years full time or four years part time.
Under supervision candidates will develop original independent research which will be published by way of a project (script, film, video, CD Rom or other appropriate publication). Candidates are required through a process of critical reflection and development to write and/or direct a project of an advanced substantial nature. Projects would normally be of the following dimension: Scriptwriting - feature length (90-120 mins) or outline for a TV series with a developed episode; or a production which the candidate will write and direct; Documentary production - television hour (47 mins) or Drama - television hour (47 mins) or Animation 10 - 15 mins.

Objectives:

On completion of the Master of Film and Television by Research, candidates should be able to:

• exhibit extensive knowledge of the film, television and allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge and skills at an advanced level;
• demonstrate highly developed creative and problem solving abilities;
• exhibit a capacity to design, conduct and present original research;
• understand issues related to intellectual property management and exploitation;
• demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach coupled with an understanding of the relevance and value of industry and the wider community and how to engage with key players;
• communicate confidently both orally and in writing for a wide variety of audience;
• exhibit a leadership capacity and the ability to act as a mentor to the development of others;
• demonstrate skills and interest reflecting a commitment to life long learning;
• display an international awareness and appreciation of social and cultural diversity and respect for individual human rights and dignity.

Assessment:

Two examiners will assess the completed project.

Generic Skills:

Subject description:

The candidate will research and develop a research paper supporting or complementary to their major project.
N.B. This subject is undertaken over two years full time or four years part time.

Objectives:

On completion of the dissertation, the candidate should be able to

• exhibit a capacity to design, conduct and present original research;
• communicate confidently both orally and in writing for a wide variety of audience;
• exhibit extensive knowledge of the film, television and allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge and skills at an advanced level;
• demonstrate highly developed creative and problem solving abilities;
• demonstrate skills and interest reflecting a commitment to life long learning.

Assessment:

10,000 word research paper or equivalent.

Generic Skills: