BA (Hons) Independent Filmmaking (Sept 2016)

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UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

1. Awarding Institution / Body University of Central Lancashire

2. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery Futureworks

3. University School/Centre School of Journalism and Media

4. External Accreditation N/A

5. Title of Final Award BA (Hons) Independent Filmmaking

6. Modes of Attendance offered Full Time

7. UCAS Code

8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s) Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject- benchmark-statement-Communication-media-film-and- cultural-studies.pdf

9. Other external influences N/A

10. Date of production/revision of this form June 2015

11. Aims of the Programme

 To create the next generation of independent filmmakers  To equip each individual filmmaker with the skills and knowledge to create a range of independent productions in a professional working environment  To develop and nurture an awareness of roles and responsibilities within the independent film and media industry as an individual and/or as part of a team  To produce filmmakers with the skills to investigate, analyse and present visual information as well as generate original work related to the independent film and media industry  To equip filmmakers with the capability to focus on their personal and professional aspirations

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12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A. Knowledge and Understanding

On completion of the programme students will be able to:

A1. Use fundamental production theory to inform their practical work A2. Use historical and contemporary developments to interpret the practice and significance of the film production industry in society today A3. Identify and select from a range of production techniques to inform their personal work-style A4. Display a competence within a specialist area of independent filmmaking A5. Employ visual language in the creative process

Teaching and Learning Methods

Knowledge and understanding is traditionally gained largely through lecturer input. Whilst lecturer input will be important on this programme a significant proportion of knowledge and, particularly, understanding is gained through screenings, student-generated learning, research, directed and self- directed learning, structured tasks and assignments, and project work. Tutorials will facilitate exchange of knowledge, exploration of subject boundaries and provide a forum for building on the knowledge base and enhancement of understanding.

Assessment methods

Knowledge and understanding is assessed using a variety of methods. The principal methods of assessment for this skill area will be:

Essays Presentations, individual and group Pitches Video and audio artefacts Projects Project plans Storyboards Portfolios Scripts Showreels

Formative assessment supported by tutor feedback will be employed throughout the programme and will aid the development of knowledge and understanding. Feedback will be a crucial component of summative assessments.

B. Subject-specific skills

B1. Develop an idea from conception through to a final outcome B2. Generate and employ creative ideas to produce distinctive work B3. Use a variety of contemporary techniques to produce professional video and audio artefacts B4. Employ professional practices and procedures to produce and present work

For subject-specific skills the teaching and learning methods will focus on practical workshops, projects and self-learning, supported by tutor input and directed study. The challenge of developing creative skills will be addressed by cultivating a variety of creative techniques drawing on a critical appreciation of the visual and narrative heritage underpinning the independent filmmaking industry. Students will gain a working knowledge of creative possibilities, exploring their own creative potential in a critical and supportive environment.

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Assessment methods

Subject-specific skills will be primarily assessed through practical outputs, specifically:

Video and Audio Artefacts Projects Project Plans Showreel Scripts Treatments Pre-production materials Authored Media Portfolios Storyboards

Formative assessment supported by tutor feedback will be employed throughout the programme and will aid the development of subject-specific skills. Feedback will be a crucial component of summative assessments.

C. Thinking Skills

C1. Research and interpret material and stimuli in order to synthesise informed ideas C2. Critically analyse and evaluate a variety of complex information C3. Formulate evidence-based arguments and engage in debate C4. Identify and solve a range of multifaceted problems C5. Synthesise and refine visual and verbal ideas and concepts as a part of the creative process

Students develop thinking skills through the challenge of undertaking set tasks and assignments supported by significant tutor input throughout the programme. For example, research techniques are taught in contextual-based modules and then developed through completing assignments and receiving feedback on the results. Students will be closely supported in the process of synthesising ideas and concepts and translating them into creative artefacts.

Assessment methods

Assignments which primarily assess knowledge, understanding and subject-specific skills implicitly contain a thinking skills component; thus, every assignment will assess thinking skills to varying degrees.

Formative assessment of thinking skills, supported by tutor feedback, will be employed throughout the programme. Feedback on written and oral assignments will include comment on the employment of thinking skills.

D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development

D1. Communicate complex ideas and arguments confidently and effectively using oral, visual and written methods D2. Work successfully in groups and interact with others in a variety of professional contexts D3. Implement time management techniques to plan and execute complex projects D4. Perform critical self-analysis, identify skills gaps and plan personal development to maximise employment potential

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As this is a vocationally focused course employability skills are central to the whole student experience. The challenge for the programme delivery team is to ensure that the employability benefits of the subject-specific skills are complemented by the parallel development of personal skills such as communication and team working.

This will be achieved through the design of tasks and assignments that demand skills beyond those that are technical and subject-based, and call for a broader personal skills set. Tutor input and feedback in a supportive context will help students to build on their positive traits and address gaps and weaknesses in their profile.

Assessment methods

The centrality of vocational skills throughout the programme, and the nature of independent filmmaking results in all assessments being directly or indirectly related to employability and personal development.

Throughout the programme feedback on formative and summative assessments will help students develop their employability and personal development skills.

13. Programme Structures 14. Awards and Credits

Level Module Module Title Credit Code rating Level 6 PV3441 Independent Production 3 40 Bachelor Honours Degree PV3442 Personal Professional 20 Requires 360 credits including a Development minimum of 120 at Level 5 or PV3443 Scriptwriting 3 20 above and 120 at Level 6 PV3444 Honours Project 40 Bachelor Degree Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 120 at Level 5 or above and 80 at Level 6

Level 5 PV2441 Independent Production 2 40 Diploma of Higher Education PV2442 Contemporary Independent-Film 20 Requires 240 credits including a Production minimum of 120 at Level 5 or PV2443 Scriptwriting 2 20 above PV2444 VFX for Independent Film 20 PV2445 Audio Production 20

Level 4 PV1441 Independent Production 1 40 Certificate of Higher Education PV1442 History of Independent Film 20 Requires 120 credits at Level 4 or Production above PV1443 Scriptwriting 1 20 PV1444 Editing for Independent Film 40

15. Personal Development Planning

Introduced at induction, the purpose and process of Continual Personal Development (CPD) will be explained and students will be provided with on-going tutor guidance as to how this integrates with the course. Within modules tutors will discuss the on-going CPD process on a one-to-one basis, helping students to build on their strengths and identify and address gaps in their skill set. The Level 6 module “Personal Professional Development” specifically requires students to research and use analytical techniques relating to personal development and employability, and develop a high-level approach to CPD.

Throughout the learning process students will be encouraged to identify and evaluate their personal

4 APPENDIX 6 - CDG development activity. While practical work and tutorial sessions are an excellent vehicle to promote and monitor progress, to assist students in this process evidence of development can also be provided in written work, central to or accompanying module assessment. 16. Admissions criteria Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information. Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.

Standard Entry: Once applications have been processed, offers will be made and letters will be sent stating what will be required of applicants. Except in exceptional circumstances, UK applicants must attend an Applicant’s Day and portfolio review. Invitations will be sent once applications have been processed. If they are based outside of the UK, application and portfolio reviews may be conducted via telephone or over the Internet.

In addition to attending an applicant’s day, all successful candidates must achieve 240 UCAS tariff points or above at A2, BTEC National Diploma or equivalent qualifications. They must also hold a C in Maths and English at GCSE level or equivalent qualification.

International Entry: Equivalent international qualifications will be considered towards meeting the entry requirements for standard entry. Additionally, International students, for whom English is not their first language, will be required to evidence an IELTS score or 6.0 or equivalent. Equivalences include:

. TOEFL written examination score of 550 plus a test of written English (at 4) . TOEFL Computer Equivalent score of 213 plus a test of written English (at 4) . Proficiency in English (Cambridge) at Grade C or above

Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience will be equally considered.

Accreditation for Prior Learning: UK and International applicants with qualifications or professional experience equivalent to the knowledge and skills developed during years one or two of this programme may be granted Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL), and be exempt from certain modules. In some cases they may be allowed to join the course at year two or, exceptionally, year 3.

If an applicant thinks they may be eligible for APL they should contact our Admissions team on 0161 214 4602. Please note that APL will not exempt applicants from the selection process, or, for International students, the IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) requirement.

17. Key sources of information about the programme

 www.futureworks.co.uk  http://www.uclan.ac.uk/partnership/futureworks_training.php  www.ucas.ac.uk  www.unistats.ac.uk

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18. Curriculum Skills Map Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed Programme Learning Outcomes Other skills Core (C), relevant to Compulsor employability and Module y (COMP) or Knowledge and Subject-specific personal Level Code Module Title Option (O) understanding Skills Thinking Skills development

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 D1 D2 D3 D4 PV3441 Independent Production 3 COMP X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 Personal Professional L PV3442 COMP E Development X X X X X X X X X V

E PV3443 Scriptwriting 3 COMP X X X X X X X X X X X L PV3444 Honours Project COMP X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X PV2441 Independent Production 2 COMP X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

5 Contemporary Independent-Film PV2442 COMP L Production X X X X X X X X E

V PV2443 Scriptwriting 2 COMP X X X X X X X X X X X X X E

L PV2444 VFX for Independent Film COMP X X X X X X X X X X X PV2445 Audio Production COMP X X X X X X X X PV1441 Independent Production 1 COMP X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 4 History of Independent Film L PV1442 COMP E Production X X X X X X X X V

E PV1443 Scriptwriting 1 COMP X X X X X X X X X X X X X L PV1444 Editing for Independent Film COMP X X X X X X X X X X

Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks