Film MA

This unit launches your Masters’ study experience at Norwich. It is designed to expand your research capabilities by exploring a range of ideas, issues, materials, and processes relevant to your discipline and career aspirations. You’ll delve into social, economic, environmental, technological, and ecological factors shaping the global landscape. Central to this unit is engagement with the UNESCO 17 Goals for Sustainable Development, which will inform your creative goals and practices. This research will serve as a foundation for exploring various filmmaking approaches—fictional, factual, and experimental. You’ll critically evaluate contemporary influences and their relevance to your practice, culminating in the creation of a Reflective Research Report. The learning experience is enriched through workshops, peer discussions, critiques, and evaluations, providing a collaborative environment for growth and innovation in film and screen media.

This unit addresses current and evolving issues in the film industry, including sustainability, new technologies, and inclusivity. It emphasises a creative, cross-disciplinary approach, encouraging students to experiment with a range of filmmaking techniques that challenge and expand their existing practices. Within a supportive environment, students collaborate on projects involving real-world scenarios aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals or live projects with external clients. The unit focuses on teamwork, critical thinking, and developing a distinctive directorial or production voice under the guidance of industry-experienced tutors. It culminates in a group submission and an individual reflective summary, with a strong emphasis on independent study, practical skills development, and engagement with the dynamic landscape of film and media.

This unit focuses on developing skills essential for designing and executing a creative or research project in the field of film. It provides a comprehensive toolkit for undertaking major projects and prepares students for further academic or industry research. Students will be introduced to a wide range of research methods from the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and will learn how to adapt these techniques to suit their unique film projects. The unit combines independent study with expert-led tutorials, enabling students to gain a deep understanding of project planning, ethical considerations, and the use of both digital and analogue tools. By the end of the unit, students will produce a contextual review, a detailed project plan, and an ethics review, laying the groundwork for their major project. This preparation helps students establish a distinct creative voice, preparing them for professional success.

This unit forms the culmination of your Master’s study in which you will design, develop, and execute a major project, individually or collaboratively. The Major Project unit is a self-directed study period where you will deeply explore your creative vision and articulate it to diverse audiences. This unit requires you to produce a professional-level body of work, demonstrating a deep understanding of your specialism and situating your work within broader socio-cultural contexts. You will be encouraged to push the boundaries of filmmaking offering new insights and employing innovative research methods. Your project includes all stages of production, with regular supervisor check-ins. The final outcomes should be persuasive and relevant in both local and global contexts, showcasing your professional relevance in today’s rapidly changing media landscape.