MA/PgDip/PgCert Film Studies
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time – one year
Each module of the taught course is one semester long (normally September to December and January to May). The dissertation is prepared in the summer (June to August).
Students normally complete the diploma in two semesters and the MA in one calendar year.
At a glance
About this course
This course provides graduates who have a specialist interest in cinema and television the chance to
• develop a high degree of competence in the formal analysis of film
• relate such analysis to broader historical and theoretical considerations
• investigate, at an advanced level, issues and problems related to the development of film studies
• explore a number of specialised areas of film studies with staff internationally renowned for their expertise in these fields
Films are shown in our purpose-built film theatre, the Void. It combines new technology, including Blu-ray and DVD through an HD digital projector, with older technology, including 40-year-old Westrex 7000 35mm projectors. These projectors can show both recent and rare, culturally valuable films in their original cinema format, including silent films at the correct speed.
We are one of the few universities in the country that have these capabilities. You can view films as they were originally meant to be seen, an experience that cannot be replicated through DVD alone. The Dolby 5.1 surround-sound system enhances your viewing experience.
The Void also hosts extracurricular activities such as the Student Union Film Society and was used as part of the international documentary film festival, Sheffield Doc/Fest, in November 2009.
You have access to our learning centre which has
• thousands of films on DVD, Blu-ray and videotape
• a large collection of cinema books and journals
• individual viewing facilities for private study with access to the British Film Institute's SIFT database
Funding
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) awards studentships to UK and EU students. These awards are highly competitive and based on merit so careful preparation of your application is essential.
To give enough time to make an appropriate application we strongly recommend applying for the course before the end of January. Up-to-date details of the AHRB studentship scheme can be found at www.ahrb.ac.uk
Associated careers
There may be opportunities for research registration at MPhil/PhD level within the Cultural Research Institute.
Specific potential exists for film-related, academic and teaching careers, but the analytical skills and understanding gained from this course will benefit a wide range of careers including
• the arts, media and entertainment industries
• the teaching profession
• community development
• the cultural industries sector
• public sector management and administration
• events management
• programme scheduling
Course content
The course offers a combination of textual and contextual approaches to the cinema through studying various cinematic forms, critical approaches and case study material. For those who wish to proceed to an MA, the dissertation offers the chance to choose an area of cinema to study in depth, drawing on the material studied in the taught part of the course.
Core modules
• textual analysis: narrative and style • studying and researching cinema
Case studies
Choose two from • adaptation reloaded • Hollywood and popular culture • a year in cinema
Modules offered vary from year to year. Other topics may be added in the future.
Assessment
• coursework
Entry requirements
You need to hold a good honours degree in the humanities, the fine arts, or social sciences, preferably with some element of film and/or media studies, though this is not essential.
We also consider graduates from any discipline who can demonstrate a serious and committed approach to the subject.
If English is not your first language you typically need an IELTS 6.5 score with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Full-time – typically £4,590
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,980 for the course
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 for the course
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form