ObjectivesThis programme has been devised for anyone who wants to develop a practice of Video Arts production at MA level. As a pathway within the broader framework of the MA Media programme, emphasis will be placed on developing a production methodology that produces creative video work of a high conceptual, aesthetic and technical standard. Production work will be encouraged under three broad headings of Factual, Fictional and Performance / Installation. Experimental work will be encouraged, particularly in developing an innovative approach to subject matter and narrative design, but only on the back of rigorous and tested production methodologies that enhance and give depth to finished video artefacts. It should be noted from the outset that the course is not set up as a traditional film school and will not attempt to produce longer pieces of narrative film making. Applicants are expected to come to the programme from a diverse range of backgrounds, for example media practitioners wanting to develop a more expressive and experimental approach to their production work, or artists and designers seeking to work with the moving image in a way that takes advantage of established media production methodologies. The course will be delivered through a range of seminars, screenings and lectures that challenge students to develop a creative approach to conceptual thinking that can shape and inspire the development of their own production work. This will be supported by tutorials to track the development of individual project work and by workshops designed to teach a broad range of practical production skills and techniques. The programme is 'modular' allowing the choice, time and flexibility to develop new skills and ambitions. This means that you can adapt your programme of study to best suit your needs. You can also change whether you study full or part-time by changing the number of modules you study each year.
Entry requirementsWe are looking for highly motivated creative students from a diverse range of backgrounds. Usually applicants will have a first degree in the Visual Arts (for example from a media production, graphic design or fine arts course) but those with other academic qualifications or professional experience are also encouraged to apply. Candidates will normally be invited to interview where they would be expected to produce a showreel or equivalent portfolio of work to demonstrate their commitment to working in this area. You will also be expected to be able to articulate conceptual considerations for the work that you show and demonstrate ambition and direction for the kind of work that you would like to produce on the Video Arts programme.
Academic titleMA/Postgraduate Diploma Media (Video Arts)
Course descriptionContent
The programme is made up of five modules:
1. Introduction to Video Arts - 30 credits
This module introduces students to the subject area through practical work and debate, exploring creative and experimental approaches to short film making (for fictional, non fictional, performance and installation based work). It forms a basis for students to consider their initial perception of video arts as an area of creative practice and their own motivations for investigation, study, and practice within the broad scope that the subject area offers. Students will produce a short piece of practical project work, supported through tutorials, presentations, and technical workshops (to include camera operation, sound recording, video editing, audio postproduction). Students are expected to keep a learning journal and to write a summative critical evaluation as part of a broader process of reflective learning.
2. Option Module - 30 credits
At this stage in the course you are able to take one of a series of option modules, each of which have specific sets of concerns related to the practice and theory of art, media and design.
The options are:
-Research Methodologies in Visual Culture
-Enterprise in the Creative Industries
-Research Methods
3. Practice and Critical Analysis - 30 credits
In this module you will research and develop ideas for an interactive artefact. Gain skills in the analysis and critique of digital artefacts and their antecedents and explore experimental approaches to narrative design and/or the possibilities of devising video installation work.
4. Developing Practice in Video Arts - 30 credits
At the beginning of this module students research and submit a proposal for the development and realisation of a body of practical work. The work involved in the development of the project proposal through research and preproduction forms a substantial part of the syllabus during this module. In developing their proposal, students are expected to identify the critical and contextual framework within which the work will be developed and to identify research sources. The practical outcome of the project should develop production methodologies and principles of reflective learning (to include learning journals and critical evaluations) introduced in the 'Introduction' module and should lay the foundations of work to be undertaken in the 'Extended Practice' module. Similarly, subject matter and conceptual approaches developed in this module can form the foundations of further exploration in the 'Extended Practice' module.
Advanced workshops build on work undertaken in the introductory module as well as introducing additional skills and processes. Case studies demonstrate the different ways in which research, knowledge and understanding have impacted on the development of practice.
5. Extended Practice in Video Arts - 60 credits
Undertake a self-directed body of practical work for an identified audience - 80% - and a critical evaluation (3,000-4,000 words) - 20%.
During this module students negotiate a self-directed body of work, which demonstrates their capability as an innovative video producer capable of creating meaningful and interesting content for an identified audience. The work will be supported through tutorials, presentations, and technical workshops. Students are expected to research film festivals, video arts events and texts relating to copyright and distribution as a means of preparing to enter the public video arts arena. Principles of reflective learning are maintained from previous modules through the keeping of a learning journal and a critical evaluation.
Teaching and learning
You are taught through a series of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and projects.
Study facilities
You can expect to have full access to a wide range of production and postproduction facilities such as DVC Pro and PD 170 cameras, a three camera studio, professional sound studios and dubbing suites and a wide range of postproduction software applications such as Avid, Final Cut Pro and Protools. You also have access to the School's 3D Centre, EPI Centre, Print Centre and library.
Study time
The full MA programme comprises 180 credits divided into three 60-credit stages: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Master's. You work incrementally through the three stages and must pass all modules at each stage in order to progress to the next.
You may join the programme on one of two routes: full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically study for three semesters over 18 months and part-time students study for six semesters over three years. A semester is a 15-week period of study and generally runs September to January and February to June