Film Studies and Production

Course Content (including module information)

Level 1

Level 1 Single Honours students take modules in Digital Film Production and Non-linear Editing.

Both Single and Joint Honours degrees examine key debates in film history, theory and criticism. Level 1 introduces key Film Studies debates and methods in the contexts of North American and European cinemas.

Level 2

Level 2 Single Honours offers a substantial amount of film practice with specialist modules in:

• Cinematography
• Experimental Film Production
• Scriptwriting

Level 2 modules for both Single and Joint Honours degrees explore a range of national and world cinemas as well as central genres and film forms, such as the documentary and the Western. Key movements and historical moments such as French New Wave, New Hollywood and British and Irish cinema are also explored.

Level 3

At Level 3, Single Honours students build on their earlier production work to develop a creative film project for exhibition. Students can specialise in documentary or fiction film production. Industry placements are also offered as part of the degree.

All students have the opportunity to examine more specialised areas of the field (eg Third Cinema, Experimental Film), and may also complete a supervised dissertation.

Assessment: The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Outline Document which is provided to all students.

Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

On the BA Film Studies programme we provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to year group peers).
• Practicals: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to practical film industry contexts.
• Seminars/Tutorials: Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-15 students). These provide the opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are alsoembedded in the degree through, and could include, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project-based work etc.
• Self-directed study: This is a vital part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Supervised projects: In final year, all students take a double module which provides the opportunity to specialise in a chosen area such as film production and work collaboratively on a film project, to be screened publicly at the end of the semester. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you and provide feedback.

Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Years 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.