MLitt in Film Studies

The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.

Each module typically comprises:

• Weekly two-hour seminars, plus film screenings
• 100% coursework assessment.

Compulsory

• Skills, Methods, and Approaches in Film Studies: training in the essential skills of close analysis, key methods of historiographical research, and salient approaches to film studies scholarship
• New Directions in Film Studies Research: introducing students to new research directions represented within the department, while also providing students with the requisite skills to undertake the MLitt Dissertation.

Optional

Students choose two optional modules to complete their studies. Sample optional modules that may be offered include:

• Colonial Cinema: explores the transnational, historical developments in cinema, and examines the integral role that cinema played in the control, organization, and governance of the British Empire
• Film Cultures: focuses on the context in which film exists: production conditions and trends, distribution and circulation practices, and the ever-changing models of exhibiting cinema on all sizes of screens
• Film Technologies and Aesthetics: how the emergence of new technologies – such as sound, color, cameras and camera mounts, varying screen dimensions, and lighting systems – affect aesthetic issues in global cinemas.

Dissertation

The final three months of the course are focused on writing the final assessment piece, a 15,000-word dissertation. Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation must be submitted by a date specified in August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.

Teaching

Teaching format

The taught element of the program consists of two compulsory modules, which focus on training in research methods and cover a range of crucial and cutting-edge topics in Film Studies. You will also take two specialist modules.

Classes and screenings take place mostly at the Byre Theatre.

All modules provide students with the opportunity to develop and apply theoretical knowledge and research skills through close analysis, research, and critical examination of films and texts.

Individual study and research are encouraged through small group discussion seminars with an average of four to ten students, and tutorials of one-to-one supervision.

Assessment

Assessment is through a varied and innovative range of written work and presentations and a dissertation.

Support

All modules are taught by members of staff in the Department who support students in developing their research topics and specialisms.

A Film Studies degree opens doors to many careers including:

• Academia
• Advertising
• Arts administration
• Creative industries
• Cultural entrepreneurship
• Development
• Distribution
• Education
• Film and TV research
• Film festival and cinema programming
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Media management
• Non-governmental organizations
• Public relations
• Publishing.

Further study

Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews or elsewhere.