The aim of this module is to introduce and encourage you to make imaginative and inventive use of skills appropriate to a diverse range of media project work. The module will promote an experimental, risk taking creative outlook. You will be encouraged to develop reflective thinking, understanding personal creativity and how this relates to your intended degree route.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

This module encourages you to experiment with a range of creative approaches to media production. You will learn key techniques relevant to a range of production areas. You will also receive brief introductions to the range of subject areas in the department of Media Arts and Communications in the first few weeks of the module. You will be encouraged in the early weeks of this module to experiment with a range of different media techniques and formats

Sample topics could include:

• Storyboarding
• Sketching
• Scripting
• Mark-making
• Life drawing
• Researching locations
• Use of still and video cameras
• Use of microphones
• Storytelling and narrative techniques
• Colour theory
• Understanding visual language
• Writing for different media contexts
• Layout and design
• Basic editing techniques in sound, video, images and digital design
• Working collaboratively
• Ethics, health and safety, risk assessments and release forms

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the academic study of creative media practice. Students will be supported in developing skills of academic research, learning and communication to further their appreciation of the relationship between their own practice and its wider historical, social, cultural and industry contexts.

Indicative Content:

This module introduces students to thinking and writing about their work in relation to the wider media landscape. Students will learn to write in a critical, academic style, using a range of resources to support their arguments. They will be introduced to the idea of academic texts and how to read, analyse and use these sources in their writing. 

Students will be encouraged to engage in secondary research using a variety of library, gallery and media sources and think about their own production in relation to its social, cultural, historical and industry contexts.

This module will be delivered alongside the media project module and is designed to help students contextualise their practice. Students will be expected to research current and historical examples of the medium/genre they are specialising in and to show how their work relates to other examples of creative media practice. They will be introduced to some basic theoretical concepts and encouraged to think about issues in the wider media industry impacting on their practice such as regulation, copyright and distribution.

Students will cover topics such as:

• How to identify relevant literature (e.g. books and articles) to use in assignments
• How to read and understand academic literature
• Essay writing and structuring techniques
• How to use quotes and examples to illustrate a point
• Correct referencing, quoting and use of sources
• Use of libraries, databases, media archives, galleries and other resources
• Introduction to media regulation, codes and laws
• Histories of different media
• How to situate your own practice in relation to others’ work
• Identifying an audience for your work
• Analysing and critiquing arguments/messages in both academic and media texts

This module supports students in the development and production of self-directed creative media or communication project work, allowing them to demonstrate their skills across one or more media platforms. Students will produce a substantial portfolio of work relevant to their chosen area of creative media and communication, informed and supported through research and developed in consultation with a subject tutor.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

You will build on the skills you acquired in semester one to create a portfolio of media production in your chosen specialism. The nature of the work in this portfolio will be devised by you, in dialogue with your lecturers. You will be responsible for all stages of the project from idea generation and pre-production through to post-production editing and a final evaluation of your work.

Projects will be introduced by your tutors and grounded upon self-directed study and research; these form the basis of your practice work. Technical workshops and group tutorials will help you develop your skills and techniques. You will also spend some time in one-to-one supervision with a member of staff who specialises in your chosen area.

You will take part in small group peer review and critique sessions. During these sessions you will discuss your work and that of others, offering support, ideas and constructive critiques to help one another succeed.

During the module you will be encouraged to document your practical work in a research workbook using skills acquired last semester. The workbook can be presented in a format of your choice.

This module aims to support students in the development of independent learning, key study skills and attributes required for effective engagement with degree level study in the Media Arts and Communication subject areas. This module aims to help you to develop confidence in your ability to discuss and present your work clearly. You will be encouraged to reflect upon and gain an understanding of where your own strengths and weaknesses are with regard to your work, and begin to appreciate how to improve your practice and study skills. Through a range of activities and exercises you will be encouraged to take creative risks and to begin researching your ideas so that their potential can be explored. This module provides you with the necessary foundational skills from which all your future creative work can develop.

Indicative Content:

The module introduces the skills and techniques needed for university study and supports students in their development of a creative and reflective approach to their work.

The emphasis of the module will be to encourage students to develop several possible Media solutions that creatively address specified problems or fulfil the criteria of a given brief. Students will be encouraged to explore different ways of generating ideas, and to experiment with creative techniques such as: drawing, writing, creating mind maps, curating material from different sources, collages and more. 

There will be introductions to essential skills in writing, drawing, IT and information gathering as well as techniques for project planning, time management and personal development planning. Students will receive training and guidance in using university resources such as the Learning Centre, student support services and careers services.

Students will be encouraged to set-up a blog or other form of online portfolio during this module that can both be used to reflect on their learning and display their production work not only on this module but throughout the course.

Other topics may include:

• Using the Library, your SHU email account and the virtual learning environment (Blackboard)
• How to access the range of student support services offered by the university
• Appropriate software and associated academic procedures
• Techniques for effective communication including the written word
• How to research effectively
• How to appropriately reference your research and acknowledge sources
• Planning and managing your time effectively
• Using the university careers and employability centre
• Getting the most from tutorials, and understanding the value of constructive criticism
• Working in teams and groups
• Evaluating your own and other people’s work
• Understanding assessment criteria
• Preparing for a presentation
• Speaking to a group
• Generating and selecting ideas
• Record-keeping

Module Aim: 

This module establishes the fundamentals you will need to understand and analyse films throughout your degree. You will explore notions of film form, narrative and cinematic technique, including cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing, sound, and post-production.  

Indicative content: 

• Understanding film codes, e.g. mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, sound, music, performance, special and visual effects

• Analysing of short and feature film narratives

• Writing film commentary and analysis

• Exploring A/V editing and voice over practices

• Attending lectures, screenings, seminars and IT workshops

Module Aim:  

This module introduces you to applied project work, providing you with authentic work experience with external partners.  You will continue to develop your knowledge of technical skills in camera, sound and editing through short film and television production and filming on location. 

Indicative content:  

• Short filmmaking within groups

• Directing and working with actors

• Applied film/TV project working from a live brief provided by an external charity or business

• Project development in workshops, studios, and technical labs

• Creative development through the analysis and synthesis of ideas and knowledge

• Preparation for the sandwich placement route and developing employability skills required

Module Aim:  

On this module, you will explore and decode the formal ‘poetics’ of film from a range of key perspectives, such as the construction, appreciation, and interpretation of cinematic realism, space, world-making, and affect.  

Indicative Content:  

• Study of a range of classic and contemporary films  

• Analysis of cinematography, sound, editing, and mise-en-scene 

• Consideration of genre, style and technique 

• Exploration of historical contexts and developments 

• Interrogation of theoretical concepts, debates, and issues 

This module will further develop your confidence in research, critical thinking, writing and communication, which will help prepare you for the next levels of study.    

Module Aim: 

This module introduces you to the practical skills and approaches of producing film and TV at degree level. You will undertake inductions to ensure safe working with(in) our technical spaces and equipment, and learn foundational techniques for camera, sound and editing. You will work individually and with your peers to produce a range of exercises and short film and television projects, taking inspiration from a variety of stimuli. 

Indicative content:

• Filming in the studio and on location

• Exploration of different roles in film and television production (e.g. cinematography, sound, editing)

• Technical exercises to develop production skills

• Project development workshops

• Ongoing formative feedback

Module Aim:

This module will incorporate an immersive, enhanced applied film and/or television project in collaboration with an employer / industry organisation. You will appraise your own values and motivations in the context of the world of work, considering inclusivity and industry standards. You will create a personal action plan, set goals, and develop knowledge of professional practices and procedures. You will develop and extend your knowledge of film and TV production through a range of creative applications and practical projects.  

Indicative Content:

• Industry focused talks and workshops

• Development of technical specialisms (e.g. Sound, Post-Production, Cinematography, Set Design and Building)

• Project development workshops

• Collaboration with peers and industry specialists

• Experience of the film and TV Production cycles

• Live TV project

• Preparation for sandwich placement

Module Aim:  

Through this module, you will be equipped with the creative and critical thinking skills to successfully experiment with your filmmaking ideas and practices. A risk-taking and ideas-led approach will be encouraged to create innovative new work.  You will engage with contemporary concepts and contexts in film, TV and media theory and will further develop your knowledge, research, and critical awareness to expand your perspective on moving image, and your confidence in taking an informed approach to film making.   

Indicative content:      

• A group project in a genre of your choice (e.g., Documentary, Experimental, or Drama)  

• Workshops to explore creative practice, approaches, the production cycle and workflow 

• Screenwriting and idea development  

• Critically informed frameworks for understanding moving image from diverse experiences, perspectives, and approaches (e.g. Feminist, Queer, and Environmental Film Theory)  

On this module, you will develop your critical engagement with film and social justice to become responsive global citizens. You will explore key social concerns, their position and voice within the film industry, as well as broader interdisciplinary and global contexts. Through your assessment project, you will be encouraged to create real world change, instigate debate and raise awareness of contemporary global issues.  

Indicative Content:

• Knowledge of human rights-based topics 

• Study a range of perspectives to develop curiosity, personal voice, and argument 

• Global issues such as human rights, displacement, migration, racism, climate justice, etc  

• Ethical approaches and practices, including accountability and equality, diversity and inclusion

Module Aim:   

In this module, you will extend your knowledge of film and TV production techniques, developing specialisms in key areas of interest. You will experiment with, practice, and reflect on your craft through a range of creative applications and practical projects.   

Indicative Content:

• Analysis of how specific techniques contribute to creating narrative and communicating meaning in moving image making

• Practical skills workshops in studios and technical labs

• Development of specialisms (e.g. Sound, Post-Production, Cinematography, Set Design and Building)

• Problem solving and decision-making skills

• Contextual study of contemporary and historical practitioners

• Critical reflection on your technical skills and contributions

Module Aim:

This module takes the form of an enterprise residency project, which enables you to develop knowledge of professional practice and freelance work. You will research, develop, design and apply a marketing and exhibition strategy for your Major Project film or TV production. You will identify and explore a number of different approaches to freelancing, marketing, exhibition, distribution, audience building and profile raising for creative project work and develop organisational, professional and networking skills. You will critically reflect on your skills and values in the context of employment, considering inclusivity and industry sector values.     

Indicative Content:

• Evaluate examples of existing exhibition and distribution strategies for media projects 

• Work with employers and build a community of practice  

• Document your process through the production of career ready online content  

• Present findings and evaluate learning  

• Build your CV and networks  

• Collaborate with SHU’s Enterprise support 

Module Aim:   

This module enables you to refine and further develop your technical specialism(s) as you undertake exploratory work to inform your major project film or TV production. You will engage with an industry standard research and development, pitching and feedback process to produce and screen a bespoke ‘proof of concept’ project negotiated with a supervisory tutor.  

Indicative content:     

• Collaborative working in production groups   

• Skills development in cinematography, sound, editing, directing, producing and screenwriting 

• Pitching, screenings and formative feedback  

• Communication and presentation skills  

• Idea development and problem solving 

• Critical and analytical consideration of existing media, potential audiences and own work 

Module Aim:  

This module enables you to realise and complete your major project film or TV production, whilst undertaking a specialist role or roles with that production process. You will critically reflect upon your production process and final product, situating your work within appropriate professional and cultural contexts.  

Indicative Content:

• Collaborative work in production groups  

• Specialist contribution in an area or areas of film or TV production (e.g. cinematography, sound, editing, producing, directing, production design or screenwriting) 

• Exhibition of work at a public screening 

• Idea development and problem solving  

• Project management  

• Ongoing formative feedback from tutors and peers 

• Critical and analytical articulation of relationship between existing media, potential audiences and own work 

• Development of distinctive creative and professional identity ready for graduation and finding employment in the industry 

Module Aim: 

This module will provide you with advanced level research skills and training and support you to choose and develop a substantial piece of enquiry-based independent research, through which you will develop your critical and analytical skills. 

Indicative Content: 

• Conceptualising research questions 

• Research methods  

• Literature reviews 

• Planning and structuring a research project 

• Developing a proposal 

• Advanced academic writing 

• Referencing and bibliographies 

• Research ethics 

This module will be taught through introductory lectures, group workshops and self-directed study under the guidance of a nominated supervisor.