Film Studies MA : University of Sussex

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Key information

Duration:: 1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:: September 2019
Apply by:: 1 August 2019 (International), 1 September 2019 (UK/EU)

Explore film from a variety of critical perspectives and understand film’s unique position in the media landscape.

On this MA, we examine the aesthetic, industrial, cultural and political dimensions of a diverse range of film practices. You’ll develop your skills in research and critical thinking through an exciting range of innovative options. You also research a topic of your choice in the supervised dissertation project.

We offer an advanced introduction to theoretical debates associated with the study of cinema, and contemporary approaches that are reshaping the field.

You’re taught by experts specialising in areas such as:

gender and sexuality
global cinema
popular culture
documentary and experimental film
animals and the media
audience studies.

Why choose this course?

100% of Communication, Cultural and Media Studies research impact was rated outstanding or very considerable in terms of reach and significance in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014 REF).
Communication and Media Studies at Sussex is ranked in the top 15 in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018).
Brighton has a vibrant film culture, playing host to the annual CINECITY Film Festival, and is home to one of the UK's oldest purpose-built cinemas – the Duke of York’s.

My fondest memory of the Film Studies MA at Sussex was finding a course that had the freedom and creativity to support and value me as an individual.”Anthony Walker
Film Studies MA

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Degree requirements	You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Please select your country from the list.

Argentina

Degree requirements	Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 7.5-8.5 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Australia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Azerbaijan

Degree requirements	Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81%
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bahrain

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (Grade B).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bangladesh

Degree requirements	Masters degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brazil

Degree requirements	Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 7.5 or 8 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brunei

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class upper division or GPA 3.1/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Chile

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of 5-5.5/7 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 72%-85% depending on your university. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 72%-85% depending on your university.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Colombia

Degree requirements	Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad' and a GPA of 3.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ecuador

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 17/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Egypt

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70%-75% depending on your university
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Degree requirements	Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with final mark of at least 13.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Degree requirements	Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 55-70% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Indonesia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with GPA 3.0/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with GPA 3.2/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with GPA 3.0/4.0.

Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with GPA 3.2/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Degree requirements	Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Jordan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 80%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of 4 or better (on a scale of 1-5)/GPA 3,33.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kenya

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or B+
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lebanon

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.5/4.0 or 14/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malawi

Degree requirements	Masters degree, depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Mexico

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nepal

Degree requirements	Masters degree with overall mark of 80%
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with second-class upper division or CGPA of at least 3.0-3.5/5.0 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall grade of B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Oman

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Degree requirements	Four-year bachelors degree with overall grade of 65% or Masters with 60%
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Palestine

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with at least 80% or GPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Paraguay

Degree requirements	Bachelors with a final mark of at least 7.5/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Peru

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 13/20 from a public university or 15/20 from a private university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Philippines

Degree requirements	Masters degree with 1.5/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.7/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Qatar

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall CPGA of at least 3 (on a scale of 4).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Degree requirements	Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Saudi Arabia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a CGPA 3.5/5.0 or 3/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division or CAP 4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Degree requirements	Bachelors (honours) degree with second-class division 1.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Korea

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.5 or 3.1/4.3 or B+
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 or 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Degree requirements	Bachelors Special degree with upper second honours.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Degree requirements	Licence or Diplôme with 5/6 or 8/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with overall mark of at least 67%-80% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Degree requirements	Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

United Arab Emirates

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3-3.5/4.0 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0 or 7.5/10.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript.

Subject-specific requirements

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zambia

Degree requirements	Masters degree with GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwe

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should be in film studies, media studies or another subject in the social sciences or humanities. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Standard level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our entry requirements and find out more about IELTS

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

Pearson (PTE Academic)

62 overall, including at least 56 in all four skills.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

88 overall, including at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

German Abitur

A score of 12 or above in English.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70%

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

How to apply	You apply to Sussex using our postgraduate application system
Personal statement	Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. Find out how to write a personal statement

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

Pre-Masters

Need to boost your academic skills for your taught course? Find out about Pre-Masters routes

Application deadlines

1 August 2019 (International), 1 September 2019 (UK/EU)

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Course details

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and family life.

For details about the part-time course, contact us at mfm@sussex.ac.uk

How will I study?

As this is not a practice-based course, teaching is through seminars, screenings and tutorials. This MA investigates critical, theoretical and historical approaches to the medium.

Your understanding and skills are assessed primarily through essays. In the summer term, you write a dissertation that offers you the opportunity to undertake original research.

Modules

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Dissertation MA Film Studies
Film Analysis: Theories and Methods

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests.

Activist Media Practice
Approaches to Documentary
Approaches to Film Noir
Feminism and Film
Film Festival Studies
First Person Film (MA)
Gender and Representation
Global Cinemas
Global News Industries A
Independent Chinese Documentary: From the Margins to the Masses
Interactive Project Development
Media Audiences
Media, Culture and Communication
New Moving Screens
Promotional Culture
Queering Popular Culture
Race, Culture and the Media
Space, Place and Screen Media
Writing for the Screen

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Our experts

Film, gender and sexuality
Sussex is world renowned for its research into questions of gender and sexuality. This forms part of a broader focus on the politics of representation.

We look at feminist and queer interventions within cinema and film theory, and explore questions raised by cinematic representations of the body.

Dr Katherine Farrimond

Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies

Research interests

crime fictions, cultural studies, Feminist theory, Film, film noir, Gender and Sexuality, genre, girlhood, Gothic, horror, Media, Nostalgia, popular culture, representation, retro and vintage, television, The body, virginity

View Katherine Farrimond's profile

Dr Michael Lawrence

Reader

Research interests

Adaptation, animals and media, Bollywood, children and film, indian cinema, Stars and performance

View Michael Lawrence's profile

Mr Andy Medhurst

Senior Lecturer in Media, Film & Cultural Studies

Research interests

Genre of comedy

View Andy Medhurst's profile

Dr Niall Richardson

Senior Lecturer

Research interests

ageing and gender, body image in film and media, Disability Studies, Gay & Lesbian Studies, Minority Rights, representation of gender and sexuality in film and popular culture, Transgender politics and representation

View Niall Richardson's profile

Dr Luke Robinson

Lecturer In Film Studies

Research interests

Chinese-language cinema, Documentary theory and practice, East Asian cultural studies, Film History, Theory and Criticism, Queer studies, Transnational cinema

View Luke Robinson's profile

Prof Sue Thornham

Professor of Media & Film Studies

Research interests

Cultural Theory, Feminist theory, Film History, Theory and Criticism, Gender Studies

View Sue Thornham's profile
Film, history and popular culture
We explore the intersections between film, history and popular culture, focusing on topics such as genre, authorship and stardom. We address questions of audience and performance while examining the politics of films and film form (within both fiction and documentary).

Our research also touches upon intertextual and transmedial synergies as well as broader issues of cultural representation.

Dr Thomas Austin

Reader in Media & Film Studies

Research interests

Aesthetics and Politics, audience studies, documentary, european cinema, reception studies

View Thomas Austin's profile

Dr Katherine Farrimond

Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies

Research interests

crime fictions, cultural studies, Feminist theory, Film, film noir, Gender and Sexuality, genre, girlhood, Gothic, horror, Media, Nostalgia, popular culture, representation, retro and vintage, television, The body, virginity

View Katherine Farrimond's profile

Dr Frank Krutnik

Reader in Film Studies

Research interests

Comedy, contemporary television, film noir, radio, seriality, stardom, the Hollywood Left, US cinema and popular culture

View Frank Krutnik's profile

Dr Michael Lawrence

Reader

Research interests

Adaptation, animals and media, Bollywood, children and film, indian cinema, Stars and performance

View Michael Lawrence's profile

Mr Andy Medhurst

Senior Lecturer in Media, Film & Cultural Studies

Research interests

Genre of comedy

View Andy Medhurst's profile

Dr Matilda Mroz

Senior Lecturer in Film Studies

Research interests

art cinema, cultural memory, european cinema, Film, Film and the Holocaust, Film as philosophy, Film History, Theory and Criticism, Polish cinema, Temporality, the body in film

View Matilda Mroz's profile

Dr Niall Richardson

Senior Lecturer

Research interests

ageing and gender, body image in film and media, Disability Studies, Gay & Lesbian Studies, Minority Rights, representation of gender and sexuality in film and popular culture, Transgender politics and representation

View Niall Richardson's profile

Prof Sue Thornham

Professor of Media & Film Studies

Research interests

Cultural Theory, Feminist theory, Film History, Theory and Criticism, Gender Studies

View Sue Thornham's profile

Dr Dolores Tierney

Senior Lecturer

Research interests

Exploitation and Cult Cinemas, Latin American Cinema, race and ethnicity, Transnational cinema

View Dolores Tierney's profile

Dr Lawrence Webb

Lecturer in Film Studies

Research interests

American cinema, cinema and architecture, cultural geography and space, Film History, Theory and Criticism, US cinema and popular culture

View Lawrence Webb's profile
Global cinemas
Research collected under this theme addresses popular, art and documentary cinemas from Asia, Europe, Britain, the US, Latin America and the Middle East.

We explore debates about how cinema has been approached within national, regional and transnational production contexts and how such productions have been theorised in relation to shifting paradigms of film style, identity, intermediality and cultural representation.

Dr Michael Lawrence

Reader

Research interests

Adaptation, animals and media, Bollywood, children and film, indian cinema, Stars and performance

View Michael Lawrence's profile

Dr Alisa Lebow

Reader In Film Studies

Research interests

Activism and Documentary, Documentary theory and practice, Experimental Documentary, First Person Film, Jewish Culture and Film, Queer and Transgender Representation, Revolution and Film, Turkish and Middle Eastern Documentary

View Alisa Lebow's profile

Dr Matilda Mroz

Senior Lecturer in Film Studies

Research interests

art cinema, cultural memory, european cinema, Film, Film and the Holocaust, Film as philosophy, Film History, Theory and Criticism, Polish cinema, Temporality, the body in film

View Matilda Mroz's profile

Dr Luke Robinson

Lecturer In Film Studies

Research interests

Chinese-language cinema, Documentary theory and practice, East Asian cultural studies, Film History, Theory and Criticism, Queer studies, Transnational cinema

View Luke Robinson's profile

Dr Dolores Tierney

Senior Lecturer

Research interests

Exploitation and Cult Cinemas, Latin American Cinema, race and ethnicity, Transnational cinema

View Dolores Tierney's profile

Dr Lawrence Webb

Lecturer in Film Studies

Research interests

American cinema, cinema and architecture, cultural geography and space, Film History, Theory and Criticism, US cinema and popular culture

View Lawrence Webb's profile

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 877538
mfm@sussex.ac.uk

Find out about the School of Media, Film and Music

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Fees and scholarships

How much does it cost?

Fees

UK/EU students:: £8,500 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £8,500 per year
International students:: £16,750 per year

Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

How can I fund my course?

Postgraduate Masters loans

You can borrow up to £10,609 to help with fees and living costs if your course starts on or after 1 August 2018. Loans are available from the Student Loans Company if you’re from the UK or if you’re an EU national studying for a Masters.

Find out more about Postgraduate Masters Loans

Scholarships

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals.

Chancellor’s International Scholarship

There are 25 scholarships available to international postgraduate applicants who can demonstrate academic excellence

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Chancellor’s Masters Scholarship

Applicants with a First Class degree from a UK University can apply for one of these £3,000 scholarships, awarded as a tuition fee reduction.

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Chevening Scholarship

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

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Dr John Birch Music Scholarship

Four scholarships of £800 are available to reward talented musicians studying on any course at Sussex.

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EU Excellence Scholarship

Ten £3,000 scholarships, available to applicants from EU countries who have received an offer to study an eligible Masters at Sussex.

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Higher Education Scholarship Palestine (HESPAL)

Two full tuition fee waivers in conjunction with maintenance support from the British Council are available to residents of Palestinian Territories.

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Saïd Foundation Scholarships

Two scholarships available for Masters students from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria.

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Santander Scholarship

There are 4 scholarships, awarded as a £5,000 tuition fee reduction, available to applicants from specific American countries.

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Sports Scholarships Scheme (Postgraduate)

These scholarships are available to Masters students who have demonstrated sporting excellence prior to joining the University of Sussex

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Stuart Hall Scholarship

One scholarship is available to a student applying to study a full time Masters in the Department of Media and Film.

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Sussex Graduate Scholarship

Unlimited £3,000 scholarships for 2019 Sussex graduates, awarded as a fee reduction when progressing directly to an eligible Masters at Sussex.

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Sussex India Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Indian nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

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Sussex Malaysia Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Malaysian nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

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Sussex Nigeria Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Nigerian nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

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Sussex Pakistan Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Pakistani nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

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Sussex Vietnam Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Vietnamese nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

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The Asian University for Women Scholarship

This scholarship is available to two students currently studying at the AUW in Bangladesh and progressing on to an eligible Masters course at Sussex.

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USA Friends Scholarship

This scholarship, equivalent to $10,000, is available for nationals or residents of the USA on a one-year full time taught Masters degree course.

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How Masters scholarships make studying more affordable

Working while you study

Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

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Careers

Brighton offers one of the largest concentrations of film, digital and new media industries outside of London.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in:

the media industries
secondary education
sales and marketing
information services.

Some of our graduates have also gone on to further study.

Graduate destinations

92% of students from the School of Media, Film and Music were in work or further study six months after graduating. Recent graduates from the School of Media, Film and Music have gone on to jobs including:

journalist, The Independent
projects and campaigns coordinator, Long Run Works
media executive, All Response Media.

(HESA EPI Destinations of Post Graduate Leavers From Higher Education 2017 survey)

Dissertation MA Film Studies

60 credits
All Year Teaching, Year 1

The third term and the following long vacation are reserved for the research and writing of an 18,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choosing. Where the core and optional modules present a structured learning environment, with a schedule and bibliography prepared by the course leader, the dissertation constitutes an original and substantial project that is devised by the student themselves, in consultation with an academic supervisor. The dissertation allows you to pursue an independent, detailed investigation of a specific area of film studies to which you are personally committed, and to devise a research programme that will enable you to engage with appropriate scholarly methodologies and to frame and pursue pertinent research questions.

Film Analysis: Theories and Methods

30 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

This module presents you with a mapping of the intellectual histories, key approaches and theoretical debates within the field of film studies. You will begin with early debates around realism and auteurism, moving to genre theory and ideological and structuralist approaches. Later sessions deal with psychoanalytic and feminist approaches. The module finishes with contemporary critiques of both the textual focus of traditional film studies and the concept of representation itself. Throughout, the concern is to link theoretical approaches with methodologies inviting you to explore, critique and reflect on the discipline's intellectual history.

Activist Media Practice

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

Social movements have historically struggled to get their message reported clearly, accurately and effectively through the lens of mainstream media. This has lead to the rise of alternative media practices and strategies to break through or unsettle the corporate and state-run media systems around the world. In order to challenge hegemonic discourses, activist media seeks to circumvent and dismantle traditional media's communicative strategies either through a disruptive aesthetic or through a reconfigured mode of civic engagement. Whether through radical leaflets, pirate radio, graffiti, protest music, performance art, activist videos, political documentaries, or social media and the internet, today's media landscape has evolved into a range of complex transnational networks that can be activated by independent counter-hegemonic media practices and expressions.

This module asks you to learn about various forms of cultural resistance (through readings, screenings, lectures and discussions) in order to to formulate an effective form of activist media provocation. This piece of activist media may take the form of a video, a website, site-specific performance, series of photographs, media prank, etc. You will also be asked to write a reflective essay that contextualises the finished piece within the conceptual debates of the module.

Approaches to Documentary

30 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

You explore key issues and debates in the history and theory of documentary.

From a 'boom' in theatrical documentary to DIY footage posted online, recent years have witnessed significant changes in the commercial, aesthetic, technological, political and social dimensions of documentaries.

You will consider such developments in the light of earlier trends in documentary and ongoing debates about the purpose, form and efficacy of the mode.

You will address aesthetics, power, the politics of representation and ethics across a range of documentary material from film, television and the internet.

Topics may include:

documentary modes (observational, ethnographic, auto/biographical, etc)
truth claims and trust
feminist documentary
documentary ethics
audiences for documentary
hybridity and re-enactment
the politics of documentary
documentaries online.

Approaches to Film Noir

30 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

Feminism and Film

30 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

The module begins with an exploration of the relationship between feminism, feminist theory and film theory, and feminist filmmaking.

Beginning from the assumption that feminism is first and foremost a politics, and its theories – its feminisms – must exist in that space, which Stuart Hall calls the ‘tension ... between ... political and intellectual concerns’, it traces a history, firstly of feminist film theory and criticism, and secondly of feminist film making.

In the first part, it explores issues of representation, asking what kinds of representations of women mainstream film constructs, how these representations function within wider social discourses and power structures, how film – through its representations – works to construct particular subject positions for its viewers, and how particular genres structure these positions differently through their specific play of realism, ideology and fantasy. In terms of a feminist film practice, it asks how far feminist film makers can intervene in film practices, and what such an intervention might/should look like.

In each session, a specific film text will be studied in the light of the theoretical issues raised.

Film Festival Studies

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

First Person Film (MA)

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

First Person Film examines the ways in which film can be used as a personal, subjective medium, whether in fiction or documentary. Autobiographical or analytical, abstract or essayistic, professional or amateur, the first-person modality is increasingly present in all filmmaking practices. This module seeks to introduce you to theories of subjectivity whether from psychoanalysis, post-structuralism and/or literary theory considering the multiple theoretical incursions on the unity of the subject from Lacan to Butler and Nancy, and even the outright denial of the author (Barthes). We will explore questions of subjectivity such as: what constitutes a subject? from what position does s/he speak? and what or who is the 'I' that speaks? From this will arise further questions regarding the address: to whom does s/he speak and to what avail? who is being interpellated as audience? and how is identification constructed? The module will survey a range of first-person filmmaking, including the fictional autobiography, artist's experimental films, first-person documentary, the essay film, the home movie and the proliferation of YouTube direct address.

Gender and Representation

30 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

This module addresses the gendered nature of both mainstream and minority discourses and representations in history and culture.

It introduces you to the conceptual and theoretical frameworks, which facilitate understanding of the production and reception of powerful representations of masculinities, femininities and sexualities, and how gendered discourses operate in different spheres.

The first part of the module concentrates on key issues in feminist and queer theories, focusing specifically on the concepts of gender, representation, and constructions of masculinities, femininities and sexualities.

The second part of the module considers these theoretical constructs within the frame of various media-centred case studies.

You also examine the way in which theories of gender and representation across a number of academic disciplines are located within specific cultural and historical contexts which themselves are both structurally and institutionally gendered.

Global Cinemas

30 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

You examine the forms and cultural contexts of a wide range of post-1945 non-Hollywood films and learn to analyse these films through studying theories of 'globalisation' and 'world cinema'.

Key topics may include:

the development of art cinema
New Waves
Third Cinema
postcolonial and indigenous cinemas
cosmopolitanism
the economics of film festivals
modern film industries
transnational cinemas.

You will study films from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Europe, as well as the relationships between these geopolitical regions and film movements.

Global News Industries A

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

This module explores the function, impact and current status of international journalism in an increasingly 'deterritorialised' media environment. The module will cover a comparative study of different news media systems in the world, the global news flow, institutional and professional issues in international news reporting, and the transformation in international journalism. It will also investigate the extent to which the audiences of global journalism might constitute alternative news networks and a putative global public sphere. New technologies from blogging to multiplatform television, twitter to online distribution, have also transformed the way news is made, disseminated and consumed. This module provides a critical consideration of the economics, culture, politics and sociology of journalism on a global scale. It examines fundamental issues in theories and practices of journalism and assesses ongoing developments in the area of journalism development, expansion, ethics and policies. The module aims to enable you to understand rapid technological changes and further internationalisation of journalism and the impact and consequences for future of journalism.

Independent Chinese Documentary: From the Margins to the Masses

30 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

Since the late 1980s, non-fiction filmmaking outside the formal state media industries has emerged as one of the most widespread forms of media production in the People’s Republic of China.

A response to both rapid social change and the growing accessibility of production equipment, what was once a marginal film practice has become increasingly widespread, changing significantly in the process.

This module will address the emergence and metamorphosis of independent documentary in the PRC, giving students an overview of significant trends over time, while introducing them to key debates in the field.

Topics covered may include: the emergence of independent documentary from the Chinese TV system; debates around what ‘independent’ signifies in the PRC in relation to non-fiction filmmaking; the influence of direct cinema in the 1990s; the impact and theorisation of digital technology; the emergence of new genres (e.g. personal documentary, activist documentary, experimental/artist’s documentary, participatory documentary) and new topics (e.g. ‘demolition and relocation’ film, the social/sexual/ethnic subaltern, historical memory); independent documentary’s relationship to film festivals abroad and independent film festivals at home; ethical debates; the emergence of Pan-Chinese/Asian networks of production and circulation.

All reading material for this course will be in English, and all films screened will be subtitled in English.

Interactive Project Development

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

The module focuses on the methods, processes and research techniques involved in the development of interactive media projects from initial concept to distribution -- with close analyses of how the different stages of a project are related, planned and connected to other media.

You will learn how to identify original sources and subjects with a view to creating a distinctive style and approach through practical exercises and the creation of a test or pilot project. The module will aid you in the development of the tools required to conceptually frame your interactive practice and help them communicate clearly and critically. During the module you will be given time to explore media projects in a variety of media and to consider the implications of those projects for your own work. You will be asked to study and discuss a number of different methods for the critical appraisal and theorisation of creative media projects across genres and will be expected to show initiative in undertaking a wide range of research to help develop your ideas and skills (viewing, listening, reading, observing, testing of techniques, etc).

The module is taught through a combination of presentations by the module tutor as well as individual students, group-critiques and one-on-one critiques.

The module uses an application form containing questions drawn from industry and research council funding and commisioning calls as a structure for you to focus and present your work. At the end of the module, you will produce a proposal in the form of a contextualising essay answering all the questions on the application form, a work plan, a pilot project demonstrating the style and forms of itneraction in your project and a journal demonstrating how you have thought through you ideas, what has emerged from the discussion and in-class critiques. This combination of essay and pilot will be the framework for you self-directed project.

Media Audiences

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

On this module you will explore and evaluate the broad tradition of critical research into media audiences which has developed over the past two decades. You will consider, through an exploration of this tradition, how we should understand the nature of media texts, and in particular how meanings, uses, (dis)pleasures and responses are produced in the complex interactions between audiences and texts, in specific social settings. This module gives you the chance - and to develop the skills to be able - to carry out a small piece of original audience research. Key methods encountered on the module include interviews, semi-structured focus group discussions, open-ended questionnaires, respondents' letters, and participant observation.

Media, Culture and Communication

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

The module offers you the chance to explore at an advanced level a number of principal theories and methods within a cultural studies approach to media studies, and to consider how these shape the ways we might think about and research particular media industries, forms and issues. The module begins with a focus on questions concerning media production, distribution and consumption. In the latter part of the module, we pay attention to a variety of methodological approaches which draw attention in particular to different ways of conceptualising the relation between the media and concepts like subjectivity, identity, perception and experience.

The theory element aims to introduce you to the key thinkers, traditions and debates in media and cultural studies and contributing disciplines. You will investigate media as institutions and systems of representation and explore problems of production and consumption in a variety of social and geo-political contexts. You will be encouraged to prepare informal presentations and to engage in discussion with other members of the seminar group. Each week there will also be a short introduction to the following week’s topic in the lecture given by members of the Media and Film faculty. The research element aims to develop a systematic and critical understanding of the practical, epistemological and ethical issues involved in conducting different kinds of media and cultural research. It also aims to make you methodologically self-conscious in your own research and written work.

New Moving Screens

30 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

Looking at the evolution of mobile and location-based technologies, this module investigates the emergent fields of pervasive media and locative media. You will investigate the ways that mobile technologies and portable media have evolved to become defining elements of pervasive and locative media. You will explore cultural and creative activities in the fields, including (but not limited to) artistic practice utilising mobile phones and gps devices, and you will create your own projects utilising pervasive and/or locative media. While leading to the production of a creative project, work done on this module will be heavily informed by study of the key critical debates and historical moments surrounding the evolution pervasive and locative media.

Promotional Culture

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

This module is not about advertising per se or the marketing 'tools' usually suggested by the term promotion but an exploration of 1) how advertising has crossed over into domains beyond the commercial with an alleged collapse of boundaries, and 2) how branding seems increasingly to take over aspects of the lifeworld. According to Andrew Wernick, from whom the term promotional culture is borrowed, advertising 'has come to shape not only culture's symbolic and ideological contents, but also its ethos, texture and constitution' (1991: viii).

The module is about understanding contemporary promotional culture via a grasp of historical developments. These include the development of the capitalist market, the rise of a sign-culture and women as key consumers.

The module opens up theoretical ideas and debate via a series of case studies which may include 'the department store', 'spin', 'celebrity politics', PR journalism, 'the spectacular university', 'the branded self'. The questions it is concerned with include: does it matter that commercial advertising has been overtaken by branding and promotion extending into politics, public services, the arts and charity organisations? Does this mark a problematic undermining of a 'public sphere'? Or can the 'inauthenticity' of promotional culture be democratically enabling in so far its practices lay open the malleability of social life? Do the developments of other modernities (eg. South/East Asia) suggest we should think about the rise of the market, branding and promotion in different ways than is suggested in a Western literature?

Queering Popular Culture

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

This module offers you the chance to explore lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer contributions to, and perspectives on, the key fields of popular culture, including film, television, the press, popular music, fashion and style. Topics for detailed study will include lesbian representation in mainstream television genres; cinematic homosexualities and their historical context; lesbian and gay 'community television'; contemporary lesbian and gay magazines and newspapers; queer pop from David Bowie to the Pet Shop Boys and beyond; sexuality and style politics; and the pleasures and problematics of camp.

You will investigate issues of representation, consumption and interpretation; unravel debates over stereotyping, subcultures and sensibilities; and ask whether a specifically 'queered' critique of the existing academic discourses used in the study of popular culture is conceptually feasible and/or politically desirable. You can expect to sharpen and deepen your skills in interdisciplinary cultural analysis, and there will be a particular emphasis on a self-reflexive examination of (y)our own popular cultural tastes and practices, exploring the connections and contradictions between theoretical accounts of popular images and forms and our experiential investments in them as consumers located in (or interested in) sexual minorities.

The approach on this module is unrepentantly interdisciplinary - there is no overarching theoretical model to which you will be obliged to subscribe. Students with or without backgrounds in cultural studies will be made equally welcome.

Race, Culture and the Media

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

This module explores the intersection of race, culture and analogue/digital media.

It begins by looking at the origins of these debates and introduces how their transformation can be approached through discourse and performance.

It then moves to explore key theoretical lenses through which this module’s topic can be engaged, including a discussion of:

whiteness
class
gender
post-colonialism

Following this conceptual grounding, the course explores a number of contemporary debates that highlight different transformations of race, culture and the media.

These include explorations of the War on Terror, drone warfare, urban multiculture (sound systems, pirate radio and YouTube music videos), #blacklivesmatter, and debates on post-race. Through these means the module complements the School’s offerings in the areas of media, digital media, culture and social change in addition to complementing Global Studies options.

Subjects may include:

origins and transformations: race, culture and media
whiteness
race and class
race, gender and difference
post-colonialism and orientalism
the War on Terror: Twin Towers to Jihadi John
drone warfare
urban multiculture: from analogue to digital
#blacklivesmatters
post-race and rehumanistion

Space, Place and Screen Media

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

Writing for the Screen

30 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

The module will cover topics including:

The essentials of storytelling: what do all stories have in common?
What is a Screenplay?: is it a Blueprint? Literature? How is it formatted?
The restorative act structure
Alternatives to the restorative act structure
Creating convincing characters
What is motivation?: how does it manifest?
Dialog and the art of subtext
Writing visually: writing stage direction for spec scripts
Script reports: how to analyse a script
Script readings and feedback

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