About this course
This hybrid MA enables students to develop practical and theoretical skills in film production and analysis.
- Combine practical filmmaking and film criticism
- Choose between practical and theoretical assignments
- Embed your learning within an academic and film industry-based context
- Study on a course that explores and promotes filmmaking in the city of Liverpool, capitalising on its cinematic history and its current and future production activity
- Learn from staff with a broad range of research specialisms, including practical filmmaking, academic writing, screenwriting and producing video essays
Studying on this new MA affords you the opportunity to study in one of the UKs most dynamic cities. Liverpool is the second most filmed city in the UK after London and has a vibrant media and cultural industry.
This forward-looking MA prepares you for bridging the traditional gap between theory and practice, by inviting you to both 'think' and 'do' film, thus bringing down barriers and forging new approaches to the analysis and production of films.
The MA Film promotes an experimental approach that considers film as a tool for research and a means for understanding, exploring and representing the world. The programme will build a cohort of practice-informed academics, and theory-informed practitioners, while offering the opportunity to study in a dynamic city with a burgeoning film industry.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Screening the City
30 credits
30 credits
This module affords students the opportunity to analyse how the city is represented in film with regard to its social, cultural, political, economic and ecological context, as well as how it acts as film location and a centre of production.
People in Film
30 credits
30 credits
The module examines different forms of human representation on screen. As such, the module deals with issues around stereotyping (race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, disability). It also introduces issues (ethical and otherwise) around representing the other as addressed by different research methodologies, such as audio-visual ethnography, narrative inquiry and ethno-fictions.
A distinguishing feature of the module is the delivery of different perspectives and specialisms to enhance equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and decolonisation.
Final Project
60 credits
60 credits
Undertake an extended research project, which can be either written or practice-based.
Introductory sessions will inform students of the requirements for the Final Project.
Students will be allocated a supervisor for one-to-one tutorials.
Exploring Film Festivals, Distribution and Exhibition
40 credits
40 credits
Exploring Film Festivals, Distribution and Exhibition examines the different ways in which film circulates. It considers the historical and contemporary significance of film festivals both in assigning value to film (through awards) and in providing an alternative distribution network, while also assessing the significance and function of film programming in festivals. The students are offered a unique opportunity to experience all stages in the organisation of an actual, outward facing film festival (online and in person) and use their reflective capacity and academic insights to critically reflect upon it
Researching Film
20 credits
20 credits
Equips you with the skills required to undertake research projects at postgraduate level. Areas of study will include approaches to archival work, research methodologies, interview skills, and craft skills.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Typically, full-time students will be expected to attend taught sessions on Tuesday afternoon for three hours, and Wednesday morning. Times will vary week to week and timetables will be provided to students upon enrolment.
Teaching methods
You will participate in a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and field trips. One-to-one supervision and independent learning form a major part of the day-to-day management of student time.
Applied learning
Over the duration of the programme you will craft skills and apply these in the field of filmmaking through practical modules and your final project. You will apply a range of theoretical concepts and historical context to your written work.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool 's growing Knowledge Quarter. Redmonds is shared by two Schools within the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies - Liverpool Screen School and the School of Law - and Liverpool Business School, making for a rich blend of student learning experiences. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, broadcast studios, news rooms, media production suites, social spaces and a café. It is only a short walk from LJMU 's Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Lydia Papadimitriou
Programme Leader
Whereas most postgraduate degrees in Film offer students the choice of exploring film through practice or theory, the MA Film at LJMU offers a dynamic opportunity to engage with both disciplines. We look forward to encouraging students to find their creative voice through film.
Whereas most postgraduate degrees in Film offer students the choice of exploring film through practice or theory, the MA Film at LJMU offers a dynamic opportunity to engage with both disciplines. We look forward to encouraging students to find their creative voice through film.
Keith is an award winning filmmaker. His area of expertise focuses on the relationship between theory and practice in documentary filmmaking, with particular emphasis focusing on the representation of the city within film. His A Film About Nice, a poetic documentary capturing the dawn-to-dusk daily life of the Cte DAzur, won first prize for Best Sound Design at The Maverick Movie Awards 2012 in Hollywood, USA, as well as being nominated for Best Editing, Best Cinematography and Best Chronicle.
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Graduates on this programme would typically be either working in or looking to move into careers in:
- Film Production
- Digital Content Production and Distribution
- Marketing and Communication
- Tourism
- Location Scouting
- Film Festivals
- Teaching
- Corporate Communications
- Cultural Management
- Further Postgraduate study (MPhil and PhD)
External engagement is central to the MA Film degree. Liverpool Screen School works with a range of national and regional organisations including: The Liverpool Film Office, BBC, ITV Northern Lights Partnership, Lime Pictures, Envy Post Production London, FACT, HOME Manchester, TATE Liverpool, Creative England, and the BAFTA award-winning companies Hurricane Films and LA Productions.
Twickenham Studios are due to launch a brand new film studio in Liverpool, and we are currently exploring possible partnerships that will offer employment possibilities to some of the MAs graduates.
Professional accreditation/links
The Liverpool Screen School is a BAFTA albert Education Partner and proud to be working with albert to arm students with the sustainability knowledge they’ll need when joining the screen industries. BAFTA albert is the leading screen industry organisation for environmental sustainability.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2:2 Honours degree in a relevant subject (Film Studies, Media Production, Computer Studies, Game Studies, Fine Art, Design, Architecture and Humanities based subject)
Further information
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Extra Requirements
Applicants may be invited to interview.
Applicants with professional or related experience but no formal qualifications will be considered on their individual circumstances.
Demonstrable potential to develop postgraduate level research skills.
Genuine interest and commitment to develop skils and knowledge in the academic and/or practical aspects of film studies.
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
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News and views
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.