Course summary
Explore film philosophy, find out how images create meaning in experimental modes, and discover how we can think through the moving image on this eclectic Masters.
- This theory-led MA Film and Screen Studies course goes beyond the borders of a traditional film studies degree. We go back to the beginning of film history to explore what it means to fashion yourself in a moving image, or for society to see itself reflected.
- You’ll explore how images gain meaning from the past, to consider where they’re going next in terms of digital aesthetics, AI, and immersive interfaces.
- We’re interested in the cultural evolution of the moving image through the historical avant-garde, cinematic technology and culture, in both mainstream and underground filmmaking, to then contextualise contemporary and emerging screen cultures.
- You’ll engage deeply with philosophical approaches to film, where moving images represent, reflect and refract established ideas, but also generate a form of non-verbal thinking of their own. How do screen technologies impact on perception, feeling, and memory? How can we experimentally use them to think differently (or do they experiment on us)?
- This is not a film-making course, but as audiovisual media constitute more and more of our communication, you will have the opportunity to put your thoughts into audio-visual form on several modules.If you take this MA’s Media Arts Pathway, you can make your own DIY work and submit it as part of your assessment. Production values are not the focus–we’re interested in what you do with an idea.
- As part of the University of London, you will also have the chance to explore one option from the MA Film & Media programmes at other universities.
- You'll study in one of the top Media, Communications and Cultural Studies departments globally. We are ranked second in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (REF, 2021) and 16th in the world (third in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings by Subject.
Modules
The MA offers two pathways: Moving Image Studies Pathway The moving image media today are a concentrated form of culture, ideas, socialisation, wealth and power. 21st-century globalisation, ecology, migration and activism fight over and through them. How have the media built on, distorted and abandoned their past? How are they trying to destroy, deny or build the future? This pathway explores new critical approaches that address the currency of moving image media in today's global context – their aesthetics, technology and politics. It seeks to extend the boundaries for studying moving images by considering a wider range of media and introducing students to a wider range of approaches for investigating moving images' past and present. The programme will be structured as follows: 60 credits of option modules 60-credit dissertation 60 credits of compulsory modules The compulsory modules are: Archaeology of the Moving Image Politics of the Audiovisual Media Arts Pathway The most intense and extreme forms of media, experimental media arts, test to breaking point our established ideas and practices. From wild abstraction and surrealist visions to activist and community arts, they ask the profoundest questions about high art and popular culture, the individual and the social, meaning and beauty. This pathway explores these emerging experimental practices of image making and criticism. Students on this pathway are encouraged not just to study but to curate and critique past, present and future media arts by building exhibitions and visual essays of their own. Short practical workshops will enable you to make the most of the skills you bring into the course. The programme will be structured as follows: 60 credits of option modules 60-credit dissertation 60 credits of compulsory modules. The compulsory modules for this pathway are: Archaeology of the Moving Image Experimental Media Optional modules We offer a wide range of optional modules each year. Intercollegiate options Students can also take one option from the MA Film & Media programmes at other University of London colleges. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
The MA is assessed primarily through coursework essays and written projects. Practical modules may require audiovisual elements to be submitted. It will also include a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject. You might also be considered if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. We accept a wide range of international qualifications. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW