(Group A and Group B) Film MA Dissertation
Deadline for Applications for new students: Not applicable (see pre-requisites in right hand box)
Deadline for Registrations for existing students: To be confirmed
Delivery: Distance Learning (email)
This module is undertaken by students independently, with support from tutors via email. It provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate how the theoretical and methodological issues of their MA relate to a topic of their choice within their discipline. Particular attention is paid to how the student demonstrates, inter alia, the pertinence and originality of their topic within a research field, in relation to: secondary resources in the field; various related approaches and theories; and cultural, historical or other relevant contexts.
The student will also demonstrate his/her abilities to analyse, synthesise and present cogent arguments in accordance with the academic parameters of a dissertation, its word length, proper system of referencing, citation and bibliography and time-frame for completion. Students choosing to produce a dissertation by film must show how the film theory, on the modules they have studied on the MA, informs their film practice.
Module overview
How to apply
Course preparation
Learning / Teaching Methods
This course is coordinated via an online educational environment called WebCT, to which students will be provided with a username and password. Students will agree on a written or film-based research project with their supervisor and will work independently on this, discussing their progress and any queries with other students and tutors in the online discussion area.
Class discussions are asynchronous - i.e. students do not need to be online at a 'set' time - they can leave and collect messages from the online discussion environment at a time suitable for them.
A chat room facility is also available. This is entirely optional, but students can arrange a mutually convenient time to communicate with each other 'instantly', by means of this facility, if they would like more immediate contact with others completing their writing up and/or film-making.
Assessment
Students can opt for a written dissertation, or dissertation by film:
For written dissertations:
20,000 words of continuous prose on a topic proposed by the student and approved by an MA supervisor/co-ordinator; to demonstrate individual research within the field designated by the student's MA and according to the parameters of methodology and referencing as required by the University.
For dissertations by film:
8-10 minute short film (narrative, documentary or video art) approved by an MA supervisor/co-ordinator (50%); a logbook (15%) and critical essay (3,000 words) (35%) which offers a critical reflection on the film-making process as well as an evaluation of the film itself must also be submitted with the film.
When making your module choice, please indicate whether you are opting for written dissertation, or dissertation by film.
Reading List
Students must use the Harvard system of referencing as explained in the module Research Methodologies in Film Studies for their dissertation.
