Programme Specification

FORM B

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Please refer to the ‘Guidance Notes for the completion of required Validation documentation’ when completing this form.

Name of final award: MA

Programme title: MA Filmmaking - Directing MA Filmmaking - Screenwriting MA Filmmaking - Business & Producing MA Filmmaking - Post Production

Level: 7 Credits: 180

School: Art, Design & Media / Met Film School

Field: Media

Document Version: 2

Date Document Completed: 14.05.13

Document Completed by: Lisa Neeley, Director of Postgraduate Programmes Met Film School

Form B - Programme Specification – Oct 2010 Page 1 of 17

1. Awarding body/Institution University of West London

2. Teaching institution Met Film School

3. Admissions criteria The MA Filmmaking Programme would be open to candidates (20+ years of age) who possess a (relevant) undergraduate degree with a 2.1 minimum from a UK university or overseas equivalent. It is also possible for non-graduates to apply if they can demonstrate significant and relevant work experience, and if they can demonstrate an ability to complete and benefit from the course.

Each application is considered on its individual merits.

International students need to meet our English language requirement at either IELTS at 6.5 or above (including at least 6.5 in the written paper), TOEFL paper based test score at 575 or above, TOEFL computer based test score at 232 or above, TOEFL internet base test score at 90 or above. IELTS Score for International Students 6.5 or above (including at least 6.5 in the written paper)

4. Codes UCAS Code A Not Applicable UCAS Code B JACS Code Other

5. Professional / Statutory / Regulatory body accreditation (if applicable)

The course team will be seeking Skillset accreditation upon validation.

6. Career and progression opportunities Postgraduate Exit Awards:

Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits Postgraduate Diploma 120 credits Masters Degree 180 credits

The MA Filmmaking Programme is designed to give students industry relevant knowledge and specialist training in their chosen pathway in accordance with programme learning outcomes. Graduates of this programme will have the necessary creative, technical and industry skills needed for work in today’s film, television and new media industries. The global nature of the skills they will have developed will prepare them for a variety of career options, while also

Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 2 of 17 nurturing the cycle of on-going practice and a thirst for life-long learning. They will also possess the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and, the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development. Graduates of this programme would potentially be qualified to enter the industry in a number of roles, as follows:

Directing - Potential Industry Routes • Freelance director in Film, TV, commercials, music video, online content • Assistant Director • Well positioned for other non-directing crew roles Screenwriting - Industry Routes • Freelance screenwriter • Script Reader • TV story editor • Development Executive • Screenwriting Tutor Business & Producing - Industry Routes • Independent Producer • Entry level position with sales, distribution, or marketing companies • Entertainment business executive • Line Producer or Production Manager Post Production - Industry Routes • Freelance editor • Audio/Dubbin Assistant • Colourist • Trainee Assistant Editor • Post production runner

7. Location of delivery

Met Film School (including Ealing Studios, Warwick Road Shooting Block)

8. Mode of delivery (Copy and paste this symbol - )

Full-time  Part-time Distance learning Work-based learning*

Other If other, please specify:

9. Planned programme duration 1 year (12 months), Full-time (45 weeks taught + 7 weeks combined holiday/breaks)

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After the initial delivery we would hope to be able to consider options for part-time study and/or a possible distance learning strategy.

10. Sequencing within the academic calendar (Copy and paste this symbol - )

October only start February only start October and February start 

Other If other, please specify:

11. First date of delivery of the programme (month and year) 14 October 2013

12. Language of study English

13. Links with External Organisations, Industrial Partners

The MA Filmmaking Programme design incorporates the latest industry developments and debates in line with the broader discussion about the sustainability of the UK film industry. Creative Skillset, the licensed Sector Skills Council for entertainment media, has identified its current areas of focus to include craft and technical skills, production management, VFX, business support, and digital content. They identify the current need of the industry to “develop writers, producers and directors,” and recognize that the “existing craft, technical and production skills long associated with the film industry remain in demand.” They also recognize that “as the business model and technologies underlying the film industry become more complex, individuals will also need to develop a more sophisticated understanding of how the different sectors and functions of the industry inter-relate and of the impact of new technologies.”

Met Film School has developed the MA Filmmaking Programme with industry expertise from a variety of sources, including current faculty members who are practising industry professionals, our industry partners and Met Film School’s Advisory Board, which includes the distinguished directors Sir Alan Parker and Stephen Frears.

Our programme is poised to offer students an industry relevant education that equips them with the skills and professional practice articulated by leading industry voices. The BFI’s recent paper in support of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee Report on the creative economy (November 2012) cites that “skills are the bedrock of the creative economy and the breadth and depth of the talent base is fundamental to the UK’s ability to compete internationally now and in the future.” The BFI’s new five-year plan, Forever Film, highlights the need for creative entrepreneurship by stating that “successful film businesses are run by people who understand how to reach and build an audience for their work…We need to encourage original entrepreneurs and help to fuse creative, technology and entrepreneurial skills.”

Met Film School engages with our industry partners and relationships in a variety of ways. Industry professionals teach on our accredited courses, and we invite distinguished filmmakers to give master classes at the school on a regular basis. Past guests have included David Yates (Harry Potter franchise), Asif Kapadia (Senna), Judy Morris (Happy Feet, Babe-Pig in the City), Chris Morris (Four Lions), and documentary filmmaker Kim Longinotto (Pink Saris). Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 4 of 17

We recently launched a new event series, entitled In Conversation With…, where industry guests speak informally, talk-show style, about their career experiences to an audience of students, staff, and faculty. Our first guests in this series have included Sir Alan Parker, Andy Serkis, Stephen Frears and Lord David Puttnam. In the coming months, planned guests include Tim Bevan, producer and CEO of Working Title Films, Liz Trubridge, Downton Abbey series producer, and film director, Kevin MacDonald.

In 2012, Met Film School was voted prestigious membership in CILECT (Centre Internacional de Liaison des Ecoles de Cinéma e de Télévision), the global organization of leading film and television schools, for its exceptional level of educational provision. Founded in 1955, CILECT now comprises over 160 audio-visual educational institutions from sixty countries across every continent. CILECT remains committed to maintaining the highest possible educational standards of audio-visual teaching and learning in its member schools, and strives to be a key factor in the contribution to the major cultural and communication processes around the world. Over 75% of the world’s award winning and highest box-office film and TV creators are graduates of CILECT member schools. Our relationship with CILECT offers us an arena for global engagement and evaluating academic quality and standards, but also includes the opportunity to submit our best student work in the annual CILECT PRIZE student film competition which is voted on by the full organizational membership.

We have an ongoing relationship with Creative Skillset, having established the Met Film School Skillset Writer’s Training Scheme in 2008, which supported ten emerging writers to develop a first draft of a feature film script whilst supporting their creative and professional development through an intensive training programme. In developing the MA Filmmaking programme we have sought information from the BFI and Creative Skillset, and would be keen to approach these organizations to explore potential collaborative opportunities or professional accreditation as we continue to develop the MA programme.

The Programme Leadership and Teaching Team is comprised of industry practitioners an educators with vast, award-winning experience across the disciplines of directing, screenwriting, producing, editing, post production, visual effects and animation, distribution, marketing and sales. Members of the teaching team also hold individual membership in a variety of leading external organizations such as PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television), BFI (British Film Institute), BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), GBCT (Guild of British Camera Technicians), BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematography and Theatre Union), BSC (British Society of Cinematographers), Women in Film, and a network that includes production companies, talent agencies, and broadcasters. The majority of tutors hold a Masters degree in relevant fields, have received various awards and critical acclaim for their work, and have at least 5 years’ industry experience.

Jonny Persey, the Met Film School Chief Executive, also sits on PACT’s Film Policy Group, is a member of ACE, and both he and the other key personnel in the development of the programme are all engaged in the practice of the business and arts they are teaching.

14. Student support arrangements

Students on the MA Filmmaking Programme will have access to a variety of support mechanisms during their programme of study. Pathway Leaders will oversee the delivery of their specific pathway in accordance with the Programme Learning Outcomes, and will ensure that academic and pastoral support exists for students within the pathway. Students will have periodic individual tutorials with their Pathway Leader and other relevant teaching staff to discuss their progress, learning and career objectives. Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 5 of 17

Additionally, there are various forms of welfare, wellbeing and learning support available for students on an individual basis, as needed; these services and programmes are coordinated through the office of the Director of Student Affairs and Postgraduate Programmes. Met Film School works regularly with external organizations such as Dyslexia Action, Mind, and Metanoia to provide resources to students and training to teaching staff.

During the first week of the programme (during Induction Lab), students will go through a formal orientation to Met Film School and the MA Filmmaking Programme. At this time, students will be given all relevant course materials, as well as an induction to school resources, staff and relevant departments.

There will be scheduled Programme Meetings during each phase of the MA Filmmaking Programme (3 times per year). The purpose of these meetings, which involve the entire cohort, is to share information about the programme, garner student feedback on specific aspects of the course, address any issues or concerns, and develop an action plan around the meeting outcomes. Students will also be able to elect 2 members of their cohort to sit on the MFS-wide Student Representative Committee, which meets monthly and involves student reps from each accredited course.

Students on this programme will be jointly enrolled with University of West London, and so will have access to the University-wide support framework, which includes the following support services:

• Careers and Employment Services • Advice Team • Disability Team • Accommodation Team • Chaplaincy • Counselling

15. Aims of the programme

The MA Filmmaking Programme seeks to:

• Provide a solid foundation of industry relevant skills, knowledge and practice needed to work professionally in today’s film, television and new media industries; • Promote a pro-active, self-directed and critical approach to filmmaking practice and learning; • Facilitate student work that demonstrates an advanced understanding of appropriate media forms and structures, audiences and communication means; • Encourage experimentation with form, convention, language, technique and practice to produce distinctive and original work; • Facilitate appraisal and evaluation of student’s own work with reference to relevant academic and professional issues, debates, and theories; • Prepare capable and professionally astute graduates who will contribute to the skill base of the film industry, both locally and globally; • Equip students to become life-long, independent and reflective learners.

Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 6 of 17 Further Programme Aims By Pathway Award:

MA Filmmaking – Directing further aims to enable students to:

• Provide a solid foundation of industry relevant skills, knowledge and practice needed to work as a director in the film, television and new media industries; • Examine the collaborative role of the director within the industry as it relates to other creative and technical roles in the filmmaking process; • Explore the working practice of a director within the filmmaking process, from initial idea through to delivery; • Facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the visual language of cinema and the role of the director’s creative vision to innovate and push creative boundaries; • Equip students to communicate effectively within a creative, conceptual and practical context, exhibiting the professional skills to lead a creative team and process.

MA Filmmaking – Screenwriting further aims to enable students to:

• Provide a solid foundation of industry relevant skills, knowledge and practice needed to work as a screenwriter in the film, television and new media industries; • Examine the collaborative role of the screenwriter within the industry as it relates to other creative and technical roles in the filmmaking process; • Equip students with the skills required to develop a filmic idea from concept through to a finished screenplay with appropriate market considerations; • Encourage critical awareness of the predominant conventions of screenwriting across a variety of moving image platforms; • Facilitate a professional approach to screenwriting and an advanced understanding of the importance of collaboration between writers, directors and producers.

MA Filmmaking – Business & Producing further aims to enable students to:

• Provide a solid foundation of industry relevant skills, knowledge and practice needed to work as a producer in the film, television and new media industries; • Examine the collaborative role of the producer within the industry as it relates to other creative and technical roles in the filmmaking process; • Facilitate an advanced understanding of the business of film and television, including development and commissioning structures, production, financing, marketing and distribution; • Equip students with core skills in creative project development, production management and business leadership models; • Examine the various ways to take an entertainment project to market, including a verbal and written presentation of concept, process and product.

MA Filmmaking – Post Production further aims to enable students to:

• Provide a solid foundation of industry relevant skills, knowledge and practice needed to work within post-production in the film, television and new media industries; • Examine the collaborative role of post-production within the industry as it relates to other creative and technical roles in the filmmaking process; • Encourage a critical understanding of the role of storytelling in the post-production process; • Facilitate an advanced level understanding of post-production workflows, processes and disciplines; • Examine an extensive range of post-production techniques across multiple creative platforms, facilitating a high level of creative and technical ability.

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16. Content of the programme

Summary of Modules by Pathway

Directing Pathway

Induction Lab 30 Credits 5 Weeks A combined learning experience across all four pathways covering key aspects of the filmmaking process, this module explores the life cycle of a film from conception to delivery. Through seminars and practical workshops, students will also engage with critical analysis of key theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and explore cultural, historical, ethical and aesthetic perspectives on filmmaking.

Directing Boot Camp 30 Credits 4 Weeks An immersive module that covers the key creative and technical skills that anchor the director’s craft and provide the foundation for more advanced techniques. Through seminars and practical workshops students will explore the working life of a director, fundamentals of dramaturgy and storytelling, narrative construction, historical approaches to directing, and how creative and psychological approaches inform the director’s process.

Advanced Techniques for Directing Actors 20 Credits 8 Weeks A practical survey of the key directing theories and analysis of the actor’s contribution to the creative process, improvisation techniques, breaking down a script, working with casting and talent agents, and various ways to explore text and subtext.

Director’s Craft and Creative Collaboration 20 Credits 8 Weeks An overview of the director’s role on and off set, which synthesizes knowledge and skills gained from the previous modules towards understanding the director’s collaborative role within the wider industry.

The Visual Language of Cinema 20 Credits 8 Weeks A module designed to develop the director’s craft through the core methodologies and techniques of visual storytelling, including point of view, dramatic tension, visual poetry and aesthetic principles, the Five C’s of Cinematography, mise en scene, principles of set design, the moving camera and performance.

Master’s Production or Research Project 60 Credits 12 Weeks This is a largely self-directed module during which students will work under the guidance of a faculty advisor towards the development and completion of their final production or research project. It is expected that students on this pathway will produce a Short Film OR a research project.

Screenwriting Pathway

Screenwriting Boot Camp 30 Credits 4 Weeks An immersive module that covers the key creative and craft skills a screenwriter needs in today’s entertainment industry, including fundamentals of dramatic structure, storytelling design and conceptualization, characterization and character design, and scene construction and analysis.

Genre & Audience 20 Credits 8 Weeks This module looks at genre as a key method for developing and classifying films, and the relationship between audience, genre and screenwriting. Students will gain an understanding of target audience, key genres, hybridization of genre, plot and character mechanics of genre, and audience psychology in relation to the film viewing experience.

Writing Across Formats 20 Credits 8 Weeks Students will explore the various screenwriting platforms and how the content and commissioning process varies across film, television, radio and online content. Topics covered will include formatting structures, narrative design, the development process for various platforms, and what screenwriters need to know about the range of visual formats available to them.

The Business of Screenwriting 20 Credits 8 Weeks Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 8 of 17 This module takes a step back to consider how screenwriters work within today’s entertainment industry, including the script development process, working with directors and producers, the role of agents, legal contracts and agreements, navigating festivals, competitions and writing schemes, and career opportunities for screenwriters.

Business & Producing Pathway

Business & Producing Boot Camp 30 Credits 4 Weeks An immersive module that covers the key organizational principles and knowledge, which inform the role of producing in today’s entertainment industry. Through seminars and workshops the module will cover topics, including: the structure of the industry, the roles of the producer, basics of film finance, marketing and distribution, the role of agents, festivals and media outlets, and pitching theory and practice.

Film Finance: Development to Delivery 20 Credits 8 Weeks This module offers a comprehensive analysis of how films are financed in today’s industry, including studio v. independent financing, the evolution of the Hollywood studio system, private equity models, international co- productions, the role of broadcasters and state support, and new models such as crowdsourcing and micro-finance.

Creative Producing & Entrepreneurship 20 Credits 8 Weeks This module synthesizes knowledge and skills gained from the previous modules towards understanding how the creative producer operates independently within the wider entertainment industry, focusing on core competencies in leadership models, negotiations and deal-making, networking and business development, project development and creative talent management, and innovative problem solving and troubleshooting.

Entertainment Business Models and Practices 20 Credits 8 Weeks This module provides a foundation for later modules through a survey of comparative business strategies, the role of planning and analysis, organization behaviour, principles of marketing, globalization and digitalization, and core financial, legal and accounting practices.

Post Production Pathway

Post-Production Boot Camp 30 Credits 4 Weeks An immersive module that covers the key creative and technical skills, and the workflow processes that form the bedrock of current post-production practices. Through seminars, lectures and practical workshops the module will cover topics, including: leading software skills development, workflow management, audio and video editing techniques, and post production process management

Advanced Editing 20 Credits 8 Weeks This module highlights the creative and technical approaches to the editing process, and explores the relevant workflow considerations for integrating audio, visual FX and colour grading when working in an

Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 9 of 17 offline editing environment.

Specialist Post Production: VFX and Animation 20 Credits 8 Weeks This module allows students to learn how to create and integrate visual effects and add motion graphics into their digital media projects. This will include working with green screen, creating title sequences and implementing a variety of compositing and paint-out techniques, in order to “fix it” in post.

Audio and Video Post Production 20 Credits 8 Weeks Students will be taken through the finishing and delivery stages of the life cycle of a film, focusing primarily on colour grading and advanced audio mixing techniques. Topics will cover working with codecs, compression, streaming, ADR, audio mixing, colour grading, and all aspects of digital media delivery, including both legacy and contemporary formats as well as emerging digital media delivery standards.

17. Module list and pre-requisites Module Title Code Level Credits Pre-requisites Core Optional Induction Lab 7 40 N/A  Boot Camp 7 20 N/A  Directing • Advanced Techniques 7 20  or Working with Actors Induction Lab • Director’s Craft and 7 20 Boot Camp  Creative Collaboration • Visual Language of 7 20  Cinema Screenwriting • Genre and Audience 7 20 Induction Lab  • Writing Across Formats 7 20 Boot Camp  • Business of 7 20  Screenwriting Business & Producing • Film Finance 7 20  • Creative Producing and 7 20 Induction Lab  Entrepreneurship Boot Camp • Entertainment Business 7 20  Modules/Practices Post Production • Advanced Editing 7 20  • Specialist 7 20 Induction Lab  Postproduction: VFX Boot Camp OR Animation • Audio and Video 7 20  Postproduction Master’s Production or 7 60 All PgCert and  Research Project PgDip Modules

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18. Programme Learning Outcomes

On Completion of the degree students will be able to demonstrate:

Level 7 Relevant modules A - Knowledge and Understanding • An advanced and comprehensive • Induction Lab understanding of the language, practice, • Boot Camp business and scholarship of film, • Advanced television and new media production; Techniques for • Originality in the application of Directing Actors knowledge, together with a practical • Visual Language of understanding of how established Cinema techniques of research and enquiry are • Genre and Audience used to create and interpret knowledge • Writing Across in the discipline; Formats • An understanding of how the boundaries • The Business of of knowledge are advanced through Screenwriting research; • Film Finance • The ability to critically discuss and • Advanced Editing address issues associated with personal • Specialist Post and professional development. Production: VFX and Animation • Audio and Video Post Production

B – Intellectual Skills • A conceptual understanding that • Induction Lab enables the student to: • Visual Language of - Evaluate critically current research Cinema and advanced scholarship; • Genre and Audience - Evaluate methodologies and develop • Entertainment critiques of them and, where Business Models appropriate, to propose new and Practices hypotheses. • Advanced Editing • Synthesise research underpinned by • Video and Audio practice into cogent academic or Post Production industrial arguments supported by carefully considered viewpoints; • MA Production or • Display the ability to develop and adapt Research Project professional practice through critical reflection; • Articulate and communicate creative ideas with awareness of local and global industries; • Engage critically with contemporary industry practice across the filmmaking spectrum, recognising how creative and aesthetic choices impact on business and exploitation of entertainment content in today’s marketplace; • Make an informed approach to practice based theory, utilising the theoretical and conceptual frameworks as well as current cultural, political and ethical perspectives to create innovative content. Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 11 of 17 C – Subject practical skills • Systematic understanding of knowledge, • Induction Lab and a critical awareness of current • Boot Camp debates in the film industry; • Advanced • A comprehensive understanding of Techniques for creative and industrial techniques Directing Actors applicable to film development, • Director’s Craft and production and post-production; Creative • Advanced level technical skills Collaboration appropriate to the relevant programme • Writing Across pathway undertaken; Formats • Ability to complete to a professional • The Business of standard film production projects utilising Screenwriting advanced creative, technical and • Film Finance industry relevant tools and techniques; • Creative Producing • Ability to work to a professional and standard, both individually and in Entrepreneurship collaboration with others. • Advanced Editing • Specialist Post Production: VFX and Animation • Audio and Video Post Production

D – Key / Transferable skills • Self-direction and originality in tackling • Director’s Craft and and solving problems, and the ability to Creative act autonomously in planning and Collaboration implementing tasks at a professional • The Business of level; Screenwriting • Transferable skills and qualities • Film Finance necessary for employment requiring the • Entertainment exercise of initiative and personal Business Models responsibility; and Practices • Decision-making in complex, • Creative Producing unpredictable situations utilising a range and of creative, professional, and ethical Entrepreneurship considerations; • Advanced Editing • Ability to deal with complex issues both • Audio and Video systematically and creatively; Post Production • Independent, self-directed learning ability required for continuing professional development. • MA Production or Research Project

19. Graduate attributes and employability skills

Graduates of this unique programme will be able to demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current debates within the film industry; a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to interpret knowledge; and the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively. The programme is firmly based in the practical application of filmmaking practice and, therefore, emphasises the overall creative nature of film and television, as well as the central role of storytelling within the creative media industries.

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Graduates of this programme will have the necessary creative, technical and industry skills needed for work in today’s film, television and new media industries. The global nature of the skills they will have developed will prepare them for a variety of career options, while also nurturing the cycle of on-going practice and a thirst for life-long learning.

They will also possess the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and, the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development. As part of Met Film School’s consistent belief in blurring the lines between education and industry, students on the MA programme will be well positioned to take advantage of a range of career opportunities upon graduation, including participation in our Graduate Opportunities (MetGO) programme with a variety of our industry partners and relationships.

Further, students graduating from this programme will possess the following attributes:

• A creative and enterprising professional that has the ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate career management skills; • A reflective and life-long learner with the ability to plan and reflect, and the ability to base judgement on research and evidence; • A globally literate citizen with awareness of cultural differences, and the principles of equity, fairness, and equal opportunity.

20. Teaching and learning strategy

The teaching and learning strategy for the course centres on active participatory, critical and reflective learning embedded in the unique delivery of this course, which strategically combines curriculum within the chosen pathway (directing, screenwriting, business & producing, and post- production) with orchestrated opportunities for collaborative work across the pathways. This dynamic approach to specialist training incorporates the inter-relatedness of filmmaking practice within the wider industry. Not only do students gain valuable skills and knowledge in their specialist area, but they also gain insight and professional practice from working alongside students from other pathways.

Students in each pathway will have the opportunity to either direct, write, produce or post-produce collaborative projects through defined integrated filmmaking labs. This cross-pollenisation affords students the opportunity for greater networking, enables them to see collectively produced work at key intervals across the course, and facilitates a broader understanding of the collaborative nature of filmmaking. This enhances professional development in that it replicates industry practice of working alongside one another in clearly defined roles. The teaching team comprises experienced, practicing industry professional across a range of filmmaking disciplines, which ensures that modules are always up-to-date and reflect current industry practice and debate.

New students have the opportunity to complete a 5-week Pre-Induction Course online via Moodle (our virtual learning environment). This gives students the opportunity to meet each other virtually, set up online identities, engage in discussion forums, and explore reading and viewing mini-assignments. Formal induction and enrolment of students will take place at the school during the first week of the programme during which students will be assigned a personal tutor, meet the teaching team and key staff, and learn about the school’s facilities.

The Induction Lab offers students a dynamic introduction to the programme by bringing together students from each pathway into an interactive learning experience that is specifically designed to create a common skills base and conceptual framework around filmmaking practice amongst

Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 13 of 17 different levels of learning. Knowledge and experience gained during the Induction Lab will provide a foundation for further specialist learning in Boot Camp and the specialist modules beyond.

The Programme Learning Outcomes inform the delivery of each separate pathway and, in turn, the teaching and learning on each module is informed by the module learning outcomes, and is linked to the assessment criteria. The programme delivery will comprise a variety of teaching and learning methods appropriate for each pathway module in order to meet the needs of a variety of learners with different backgrounds and varying levels of previous experience. Evaluation and tracking of student progress will also allow flexibility through a variety of formative and summative assessment methods, which may include written and practical work, in class presentations, written tests, and peer review. Met Film School has experience in accommodating reasonable assessment requests for students who may need additional support. In the past this has included the provision of individual examination rooms, additional time to meet deadlines, or the option to record a spoken piece to video in lieu of a written essay.

The Met Film School Student Handbook offers a range of resources and support for our diverse student body. We recognize that many of our international students may come from different teaching and learning traditions. We have experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds, and the MA Filmmaking Induction programme before the start of the course will further complement these resources.

During the programme, students will develop knowledge across various elements of filmmaking theory and practice, and assemble a portfolio of practical work within their specific pathway designed to enhance their technical and craft skills, as well as sharpen their ability to think critically, evaluate research methodologies, propose new hypotheses, problem solve both creatively and pragmatically, work independently and collaboratively, reflect on the process and product to an advanced degree. The modules are designed within a progressive framework, where the skills, knowledge and practical application acquired in each module is consolidated and leads to more advanced levels of proficiencies, knowledge, and professional practice. The learning, research and practical work on these modules will culminate in the final MA Production or Research Project.

Each module in Phase I of the programme is worth 30 credits. Each Module in Phase II of the programme is worth 20 credits, and the Master’s Production or Research Project (Phase III) is worth 60 credits. Students must successfully pass 180 credits in order to receive the MA award. A Postgraduate Diploma may be awarded upon passing 120 credits, and a Postgraduate Certificate may be awarded upon passing 60 credits.

The programme and assessment strategy is designed with flexibility so that students can progress at their own pace and receive individual tutorial support as needed. Each student will have access to Met Film School equipment and post-production facilities based at our campus on the historic Ealing Studios lot.

The Programme Team consists of the Programme Leader and four Pathway Leaders, who oversee the individual delivery of each pathway. Along with programme tutors, the teaching team are experienced industry practitioners or academic teaching staff or, in some cases, both. The teaching team also holds individual membership in a variety of leading external organizations such as PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television, BFI, BAFTA, GBCT (Guild of British Camera Technicians), BECTU, BSC (British Society of Cinematographers), Women in Film, and a network that includes production companies, talent agencies, and broadcasters. The majority of tutors hold a Masters degree in relevant fields, have received various awards and critical acclaim for their work, and have at least 5 years’ industry experience.

The Leadership Team will hold Programme Committee meetings three times a year to discuss curriculum, assessment, module delivery and improvements, and student feedback. There Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 14 of 17 will be one student representative from each pathway invited to sit on the Programme Committee.

21. Assessment strategy

Assessment is a fundamental part of the teaching and learning process within the MA Filmmaking programme, and is constructively aligned alongside the programme learning outcomes. Both formative and summative assessment methods are interwoven throughout the programme. The assessment criteria for each module will be clearly communicated to students at the start of each module, and will be further detailed in the relevant module study guide. The assessment criteria guide the teaching and learning strategy for the module and are informed by the module learning outcomes. The programme and assessment strategy is designed with flexibility so that students can progress at their own pace and receive individual tutorial support as needed.

Formative Assessment

Students on the programme receive on-going formative assessment throughout each module, which is designed to help students learn more effectively and find ways to maintain and improve their progress. The formative assessment is embedded into the programme learning in a variety of ways, including in-class discussion and feedback, 1:1 tutorials, peer review and written feedback. Formative Assessment is also built into the assignment structure for each module. Formative feedback is a valuable tool to monitor student progress, but also make students more consistently aware of their own practice and progression on the course. The formative assessment on each module is linked to the individual student’s personal and professional development.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment measures student learning at specific points along the programme, and provides students with reliable indicators of their progress as well as school monitoring information towards the formal assessment of student awards. There is a summative assessment point at the end of each module. During Phase I of the programme (Induction Lab and Boot Camp) students will have two assignment elements to submit. During Phase II of the programme (specialist modules) there will be typically three assignment elements to submit for each module (e.g. project proposal, filmed or written exercise, a critical reflective essay, or digital media deliverables).

Feedback to Students

Feedback to students is a crucial part of the assessment process. Accordingly, tutors will ensure that:

• Feedback is given on all assessed work. • Feedback includes evaluative commentary and guidance; • Feedback and assessment guidance are related to marking criteria; • Students are informed of the feedback procedures, including submission and return dates (end of module assessments normally within 3 to 4 weeks).

Tutors will prepare students for assessments through such means as guidance on assessment criteria, consideration of previous papers, 1-1 tutorials, creative assignments, essay plans, discussion, and peer-assessment.

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22. Opportunities for work-based learning and employer engagement

In addition to the core teaching team, guest speakers from various industry sectors will deliver individual colloquia, seminars and/or master classes throughout the programme. This also might take the form of industry panels where students have an “as real” opportunity to pitch their projects to experienced professionals as part of the formative and summative assessment structure. For students on the Business & Producing and Post-Production pathways, there will be opportunities for site visits to external production companies and businesses.

The design and delivery of this programme has involved our core faculty and educators, most of which are current industry practitioners, as well as external industry relationships and the Met Film School Advisory board. As a result, the programme content is very much in line with current industry practice and the learning outcomes are aligned with current industry employer needs.

23. Personal Development Planning (PDP)

The MA Filmmaking Programme is based on a student-centred model in which students are mentored by tutors to take active responsibility for their personal growth, development and learning. Through interaction with personal tutors, the Programme Leader and peer-to-peer learning, students will actively engage with their learning journey, set independent goals and objectives, as well as plan for their future career development and life-long learning.

In addition to the personal tutorials, students are encouraged to reflect on their personal growth and development through assessed work, such as written critical reflections in which they explore their learning and practice throughout the course. Personal tutors can also review this written work in order to help students contextualize their learning experience. We are not currently users of PebblePad; however, we are in the process of re-designing our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) platform, which will expand student interface capabilities when it launches.

Personal development is aligned with professional development through the MFS Personal Tutorial Programme, as well as being integrated into the assessment structure across the programme through formative and summative evaluation.

24. QAA Subject Benchmarks As there are no suitable postgraduate benchmarks for film, initial development of the MA Filmmaking Programme has been mapped against the QAA Master’s Degree in Business and Management subject benchmark statements (2007):

5.1 Master's degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated during their programme:

• A systematic understanding of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed

• Application of relevant knowledge to a range of complex situations taking account of its relationship Form B - Programme Specification - Oct 2010 Page 16 of 17 and interaction with other areas of the business or organisation

• A critical awareness of current issues in business and management which is informed by leading edge research and practice in the field

• An understanding of appropriate techniques sufficient to allow detailed investigation into relevant business and management issues

• Creativity in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge in business and management

• Ability to acquire and analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity, and to synthesise a range of information in the context of new situations.

Conceptual understanding that enables the student to:

• Evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations

• Extrapolate from existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised approaches to practice

• Ability to conduct research into business and management issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using a range of media

• Operate effectively in a variety of team roles and take leadership roles, where appropriate.

5.2 Once they are in professional practice, master's graduates should be able to:

• Consistently apply their knowledge and subject-specific and wider intellectual skills

• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to a range of audiences

• Be proactive in recognising the need for change and have the ability to manage change

• Be adaptable, and show originality, insight, and critical and reflective abilities which can all be brought to bear upon problem situations

• Make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations

• Evaluate and integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations

• Be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels

• Take responsibility for continuing to develop their own knowledge and skills.

25. QAA Qualification Descriptors

The MA Filmmaking Programme design has incorporated the relevant QAA descriptors for a qualification at Level 7: Master’s Degree into the Programme Learning Outcomes in Table 18.

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