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At the beginning of the 21st century, the cultural sector was playing an increasingly significant role in public policies; politically, socially and economically. The cultural industries, such as the film industry, are now a particular focus of this attention because of their potential to bridge the perceived gap between culture and commerce, that is, their capacity simultaneously to enhance cultural life and generate wealth. In this context, there is a strong awareness of the importance of professionalism in cultural management.
The MA Film and Cultural Management is designed for students who wish to combine study of film at postgraduate level with a knowledge of cultural management. This course provides a framework through which the contemporary cultural sector can be analysed and understood; it situates the film industry in that context and at the same time provides theoretical knowledge of film and its industrial dimensions.
The programme aims to facilitate your engagement with contemporary debates of current concern in the cultural sector, to develop your critical awareness of issues and debates in film studies and cultural management, and to reflect upon different methodologies and their effective use in applied research. You will be encouraged to develop your own research interests, applying the skills and resources you acquire during the programme. At the same time, we foster a collaborative ethos in which students exchange knowledge and ideas. The emphasis is on progression towards shaping the direction of your degree yourself, rather than relying on your tutors to set the agenda for you.
A postgraduate degree from Humanities at Southampton offers you the wide and varied learning experience you should expect from a leading research university. We are committed to providing a relevant, modern and above all enjoyable experience which will ensure you graduate with the additional skills and understanding you need to start a career in any number of areas or to go on to further research.
How will you learn?
On a postgraduate taught programme teaching is led by academic staff, allowing you to engage with, and contribute to, the world-leading research carried out in Humanities at Southampton. You will complete a core programme of research skills development in tandem with a series of modules which you select according to your personal aims and objectives. Each programme offers a wide and fascinating range of modules related to our specialisms led by academics who are experts in their chosen fields of research and who wish to engage you with their experience.
Teaching and learning takes place through a variety of student-centred activities, mainly focused on seminar discussion, supported by one-to-one tutorial supervision. Thinking skills are developed through activities such as seminar discussion, oral presentations, tutorial consultations, and through the essays and dissertation. As well as the use of web-based resources, wide reading and evaluation of secondary sources indicated on module reading lists are actively encouraged.A large part of postgraduate study is independent learning. Programmes will develop your critical awareness, encouraging you to reflect on the methodologies employed in further study and to apply these to the reading and research you undertake as part of your degree.
Assessment
The primary assessment method for testing your knowledge and understanding is a 4-4,500-word essay or equivalent for each module, the topic normally decided in consultation with the module tutor. Oral presentations delivered as part of the Cultural Management andResearch Skills modules are also formally assessed. The 20,000 word dissertation is a core element in establishing the acquisition of appropriate skills and the application of research techniques. Your Masters tutor will be available to provide regular and supportive advice, guidance and feedback on your progress.
Professional development
A Masters degree will enable you to further develop the key skills employers seek such as: time management; problem solving; team work; deadline and project management; cultural awareness; working independently; using your initiative; relationship-building; critical thinking and research analysis. Above all, you will learn to communicate your ideas and enthusiasm to a wide range of audiences.
This programme is divided into 180 credits. 105 credits are obtained from taught modules with the remaining 75 credits relating to the dissertation.
Typical course content
The programme comprises six taught modules (four core modules and two options) plus a dissertation. Full time students will take all taught modules during two semesters and complete their dissertation by the following September. Part time students will take taught modules during four semesters, and complete their dissertation by the September of year two.
Year 1
Students can choose one option per semester from any MA module offered by the Faculty. Students wishing to choose non-Film modules must contact their MA Convenor in the first instance.
Students must take at least one of FILM6028 and FILM6032 as a compulsory module but can elect to take the other as an optional module in the relevent semester.
Students must also take FILM6034 Film Policy and FILM6033 Film Distribution and Exhitibition but can choose which module will be worth 30 credits and which module will be worth 15 credits.
