MA Film Studies

The Independent Project course unit allows students to engage in independent, self-directed learning in an area of practice-based research, including (but not exclusive to) filmmaking, participatory video, audio design, curatorial practice, and screenwriting. The student will be provided with an opportunity to work closely with an academic member of staff on an area of interest to the student and research specialism of the member of staff and to produce a sustained piece of practice research and writing. Student and academic work together to construct a programme of work and assessment, and this is supported by regular supervision meetings through the semester.  

• Engage students in independent, self-directed research that leads to the production of a practice-based piece of work 
• Allow students to exercise independent creative thinking through practice-based research 
• Allow students with the requisite practical skills to engage with advanced scholarship and theory 

Independent Project students are supervised in small group tutorials.  Module content and plan of work are co-created by the student with the supervisor.

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the chosen area of research 
• Demonstrate an advanced ability to employ and engage with a relevant form of practice that demonstrates an awareness of the theoretical frameworks and approaches underpinning the chosen area of research 

• Make effective use of research whilst applying concepts to individual research project 
• Demonstrate ability to apply advanced theoretical understanding and research in aspects of practice-based research 
• Synthesise and analyse information from a range of sources and use this to engage with existing scholarship in the field

• Demonstrate advanced practical skills in the chosen area of practice-based research, including the ability to undertake any risk assessment or ethical approval processes required 
• Demonstrate advanced critical writing skills

• Exercise independence in self-directed learning, including advanced critical thinking skills and creative practice skills, such as problem-solving, thinking innovatively, drawing on creative approaches of others, evaluating arguments, giving and receiving feedback, time-keeping 
• Demonstrate advanced ability to articulate ideas and argument cohesively, comprehensively and effectively.
   

Assessment feedback:

Proposal for practice-based project       Formative feedback given in supervision sessions

A piece of practice       Written feedback

Reflective essay          Written feedback

The reading list will be co-created between the student and the supervisor, depending on the research subject.