module specification

This module gives postgraduate students the opportunity to devise, plan and produce a major film or interactive digital project in the documentary / factual genre that brings together their knowledge and skills to serve as a cornerstone of their postgraduate portfolio. Alternatively, students can elect to devise, plan and complete a postgraduate-level academic dissertation.

The major project undertaken on this module will be of a professional standard. It will also leave room for experimentation, enhancing skills, offering the chance for a student to define and make their mark.

Students originate their project proposal, research, production schedule and brief, developing film or digital work (or an academic dissertation) from initial concept through to completion in a format and to a length / duration agreed by an individually appointed specialist supervisor.

The major project will be a labour of love, yet the student will also be aware of the market for their work and other cultural contexts.

Film and screen-based interactive projects can engage with a variety of formats and genres including (but not limited to): Documentary intended for Television, Cinema or Online / Digital output, Interactive and VR content, Experimental Film.

Students are encouraged to engage with new and emerging practice, to work at the cutting edge, preparing for entry into the industry as it is today.

The module aims:
1. Give students the opportunity to work independently to originate, plan and produce significant films or interactive digital works to a professional standard, or to plan, research and write a masters-level academic dissertation.
2. To provide students with the opportunity and capacity to bring together their intellectual ideas and practical skills, learning from experimentation and through practise-based understanding.
3. To support and encourage students to make work that is challenging and innovative, preparing them for the industry as it is now and in the future.
4. Make critically informed work that shows knowledge of audience and industry expectations.
5. To encourage and enable students to think reflexively, critically appraising their own work.

An exhibition of creative work produced on the course takes place each year.

This module focusses on the production of a substantial major creative project or academic dissertation. The nature and form of the project is negotiated with a specialist supervisor who offers individual feedback and support throughout the module. The syllabus is structured towards independent study, with supervision provided over three semesters, alongside group seminars which enable students to offer peer feedback and opportunities for creative collaboration.

Semester One:
Initial supervision meeting
Group seminar 1
Proposal research
Supervision meeting 2
Proposal preparation

Semester Two:
Proposal submission
Supervision Meetings
Group seminar 2: Proposal pitch
Research and development of major project

Semester Three:
Production phase: major project
Supervision Meetings
Group seminar 3
Submission of major project

Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 6

The Major Projects module focusses on independent study, research and creative endeavour.

Students are assigned an individual subject-specialist supervisor who will support and advise in all aspects of the planning, research and production / writing up of their major project work.

The supervisor will offer tutorial guidance and feedback on work in progress across three semesters. Formative feedback is delivered in various forms: in-class (as part of a series of structured seminars) individually and electronically via the course Weblearn site (VLE). Summative feedback is also provided via Weblearn.

Regular support is provided via scheduled individual tutorials. Students can also maintain a dialogue with their supervisor via email and Weblearn. Students attend three group seminars in which they present work in progress to their peers to encourage reflection, peer feedback and collaborative opportunities.

A range of electronic / physical resources and access to appropriate equipment / labs / post production studios are provided to support learning and the independent production of major project work.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

LO1 Present clear and well researched plans for an extended, original film / interactive digital project that meets professional expectations, or an academic dissertation.

LO2 Select and justify chosen form and methodologies

LO3 Choose and evaluate key research sources in depth, showing an appreciation of research ethics issues.

LO4 Produce a substantial, extended; film / interactive digital project that meets expected industry standards, or a masters-level academic dissertation.

LO5 Reflect critically on the creative and technical processes required to engage in the planning, research and production of a substantial creative practice-based project or on aspects of writing, media, communication or the creative industries.

LO6 Work independently on a major creative project or masters-level academic dissertation for the purposes of continuing professional development.

The assessment consists of two parts. The first is a Project Proposal (1,000 words) outlining plans (including main content and themes, style, form, anticipated schedule and key research sources) for a major film or interactive digital project.

The second part, based on plans outlined above, is a major film or interactive digital project, duration, form and content to be agreed individually as part of a negotiated learning agreement.

Alternatively, if the student elects to write an academic dissertation as their major project the Project Proposal should present their plans including research question, format, structure and key research sources (1,000 words).

The second part, based on plans outlined above, is an academic dissertation, format and content to be agreed individually as part of a negotiated learning agreement (12,000-15,000 words).

See link to reading list resources here: https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/59506AF9-6A0F-65DE-E2BB-626421F9A3EF.html?lang=en-GB&login=1