Autumn, Term 1
Statement of Intent (20 credits)
Major Project (60 credits)
Term 1 begins with the Statement of Intent, which is designed to prepare you for both the Dissertation and the Major Project. This will help you to position your work within the wider filmic environment.
This unit combines guest lectures and student-led seminars on your specific discipline or field of practice. You’ll be encouraged to develop a strong dialogue within your groups and contribute shared and individual creative visions ahead of the Major Project.
Once the term is underway, you will begin the Major Project and undertake a Head of Department role, with a chosen specialism, on a fiction film of a prescribed length (max 30 minutes).
The Major Project provides an opportunity to sharpen your skills in one of six chosen specialisms (identified at application) on an ambitious production that spans the four terms of the course.
The specialism roles are:
- Producer
- Production Designer
- Director
- Director of Photography
- Editor/VFX
- Sound Mixer/ Designer
As a Head of Department, you will further develop team leadership skills, and balance individual and shared creative visions.
Spring, Term 2
Major Project (continued)
Dissertation (40 credits)
Collaborative Unit (20 credits)
In Term 2, the Collaborative Unit offers students the opportunity to engage in a specific collaboration with a related course at University of the Arts London or external partner, or in the form of a work placement.
UAL collaborations could provide opportunities to:
- Work with London College of Communication courses MA Documentary Film or MA Television in technical roles on documentary or television formats.
OR - Develop a funding and promotional strategy for the Major Project.
External collaborations could include:
- Site-specific experimental work, developed in conjunction with a gallery or public body.
- An agreed commission or campaign film for a charitable or commercial organisation.
- A work placement in the relevant discipline.
Summer, Term 3
Major Project (pre-production proper and production)
Secondary Roles (40 credits)
Dissertation (40 credits)
In Term 3, you will also undertake two Secondary Roles on course productions. These roles will enable you to explore associated aspects of your specialism, enhance your skillset and learn what it takes to effectively support a Head of Department.
The Secondary Roles are:
- Production Manager
- Locations Manager
- Casting Director
- Assistant Director
- Set Dresser/Props
- Camera Assistant
- Gaffer
- Script Supervisor
- Sound Recordist/Boom Operator
Autumn, Term 4
Major Project (post)
Dissertation (40 credits)
The Dissertation is a significant piece of research-based academic writing, designed to help students locate their work within the wider filmic environment.
Running throughout Terms 2 and 3 with a submission in Term 4, the 10,000 word Dissertation encourages you to reflect on your current practice/s, identify trends in the professional sphere and explore the production process.
