Course Catalogue

To develop students critical and creative response to the moving image.

To guide students towards a critical and historical understanding of film cultures.

To familiarise students with the skills and conventions of professional film practice and the values that accompany them.

To facilitate opportunities for students to develop the technical skills and the artistic and cognitive insights necessary to engage effectively in the study and practice of Film.

To promote the development of graduates who are critical independent thinkers possessing a range of transferable skills, particularly the development of initiative, team, organisational and communication skills.

To enrich learning and teaching by supporting staff development and research which engages theoretical and practical investigation and furthers academic and artistic discourse both within and beyond the institution.

To encourage students to fully engage with the Careers Smart programme, including the Careers Smart Skills Certificate

To encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement.

Knowledge and understanding is acquired through lectures, seminars, tutorials, screenings, group work, practical workshops, independent study and work-based learning. Knowledge and understanding is also effected by demonstrations (short expositions to demonstrate skills and techniques and to establish the parameters of professional practice),master classes (expert workshops by visiting practitioners to familiarise students with current industrial practice),and showcases (opportunities taken to screen and discuss finished work and view work in progress).

Knowledge and understanding is assessed by coursework, examinations and group productions of audio-visual artefacts. Coursework includes essays of various length, reviews, individual and group presentations, individual and group critical self-evaluation, logbooks, self-reflective group portfolios, research exercises, individual work-based learning reports, dissertations. Examinations include class-tests and unseen exams. Group productions of audio-visual artefacts include photo-storyboard, factual and fictional video productions.

Intellectual skills are promoted through lectures and applied by students in seminars, group work, tutorials, independent study and the production of assessments. Some or all of these skills may also be developed through reflection on work-based learning and production of audio visual artefacts. Intellectual skills are assessed through the range of forms of assessment used on the Film Studies programme.

The forms of assessment are structured over the three years of the degree to allow students to develop the ability to think independently, to formulate and research their own topics, and to build on their knowledge and interests. Professional practical skills are acquired through lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, the production of assessments and particularly through independent study and practice. Hands on involvement with audio-visual equipment and work based learning are particularly significant in advancing those skills.

All students receive initial guidance on how to use film related information resources located in the Learning Resource Centres and or on-line how to use cameras, editing facilities and IT. All students are offered guidance on how to use specialised electronic journals and databases. Skills are assessed through coursework (including dissertations),the production of audio visual artefacts and independent study / work based learning. Skills are also assessed through the production of short digital films of different genres and through both oral and written coursework, and examinations, throughout the curriculum.

Transferable skills are developed through seminars, group work, tutorials, independent study and work-based learning. Sustained independent learning (progressively developed in Levels 5 and 6 through the introduction of work-based learning modules and research-driven modules (Interpretation in Film, Dissertation) is supported by individual or group tutorials, individual or group supervision, and the formulation of learning agreements. Students receive induction into basic IT skills at Level 4 and are encouraged to use these skills throughout the levels. Canvas is used to support students learning on the majority of modules. Extensive guides to essay writing and research are available through the VLE. Assessment of transferable skills is through coursework at all levels. The forms of assessment are structured over the three years of the degree to allow students to develop certain transferable skills, such as those of presentation (oral or written) and communication, collaboration, self-reflection and the skills involved in learning independently.

Opportunities for work-related learning and work-based learning on the Film Studies programme are offered by the following modules: The Level 4 core Film Studies module Introduction to Filmmaking offers an early glimpse of experience of the world of work. Specifically, all students have to produce fiction and non-fiction films working to a professional standard. The module - and all other practical filmmaking modules of the programme - provides ample space for other forms of work-related learning such as role plays, simulations and on and off-campus activities. As the filmmaking modules advance in terms of skills acquired, Students often have to work with professional actors and in the process come even closer to the work and conditions of professional production while the whole production process is designed as a simulation of a professional production process. At level 5, students can take the Option module ‘Working in Film’. Here students will develop an understanding of the working practices and organization of the British film industry on a local and national level. From a careers perspective, ‘Working in Film’ complements understanding of film gained on both academic and practical modules. Students’ understanding of the different sectors associated with the film industry will be further developed through industry case studies that will involve completing briefs set by our industry partners. Students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the different sectors of the local and national film industry into a recognition of the job opportunities that are presented in an area of personal career paths. The module informs students of relevant work experience opportunities in order to help create a careers portfolio. Work Based Learning: Film Studies (Option Module) Students are asked to secure an 80 hour long placement with a media company or organisation and report on their experience and on the company's structure in detail. Placements are arranged in discussion with a member of staff and all relevant paperwork must be completed. A member of staff will liaise with both the student and the place of work to reflect on the experience. The student will be allocated a supervisor who will guide and advise them in creating the written report. This module will comply with the LJMU Learning Code of Practice.