The MA Film and Media Production program at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), United Kingdom, offers a distinctive postgraduate experience that blends intensive practical production skills with robust academic study and professional knowledge. Designed to equip students with the ability to navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape, the program provides comprehensive instruction in core filmmaking disciplines including cinematography, camerawork, sound recording and design, non-linear editing, scriptwriting, producing, and directing. While highly practical, it integrates a significant theoretical component where theoretical issues are explored through practice and complementary modules. The course is taught by a team of experienced educators with professional careers in the media sector and/or internationally recognized research profiles. Its unique design allows for an interdisciplinary learning experience, as it is delivered alongside other postgraduate degrees within the broader Creative and Cultural Industries subject areas, fostering collaboration and diverse professional networking opportunities.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Film and Media Production is structured around a combination of intensive workshop sessions, online interactive and self-directed teaching, as well as group and individual 1 tutorials. Key modules typically include "Collaborative Project," "Creativity, Culture and Community," "Professional Development," and a significant "Final Project" (60 Credits). There are also modules like "Pre-Production for Film and Media" and "Practical Production Skills for Film and Media" that provide hands-on experience. Students receive over 260 scheduled contact hours, supplemented by extensive independent study. Assessment is solely through coursework, including portfolio work, reports, essays, and presentations, allowing for the development of a wide range of practical, academic, and transferable skills crucial for the media industry. Students also have access to industry-standard equipment and facilities, including a fully-equipped Film/TV studio, green screens, TV and audio recording studios, and post-production suites.
Research Focus: Canterbury Christ Church University, particularly through its School of Creative Arts and Industries, demonstrates a strong commitment to research that underpins the MA Film and Media Production program. Faculty members teaching on the course are not only experienced practitioners but also active, internationally recognized researchers in their fields. Research interests within the school encompass various aspects of film, television, and digital media, often exploring themes related to innovative content creation, emerging technologies (such as 360 cameras, mobile gimbals, and motion capture), and their impact on the industry. While specific research projects for this MA are not extensively detailed, the program's theoretical component and the "Final Project" module encourage students to engage in their own research, critically examining theoretical issues through practical application. This research-informed teaching ensures that students are at the forefront of new trends and technologies in media production.
Industry Engagement: The MA Film and Media Production program at CCCU boasts significant industry engagement, a crucial aspect of its design and delivery. The course has been developed in collaboration with a group of non-academic partners and advisors who contribute through visiting talks, debates, discussions, and by helping to shape assignment briefs and offering networking opportunities. These professionals possess substantial experience as media creators, ensuring the curriculum's relevance to current professional practice. The university has strong links within the creative and cultural sectors, including extensive partnerships in Canterbury, embedding staff and students in the local musical and performance culture, and collaborations with professional partners in digital media and film. Students have opportunities to work on "client briefs" as part of their studies and can apply to be freelance creatives within the university's "Creatives Agency," directly applying their skills in industry-relevant scenarios.
Global Perspective: The MA Film and Media Production program inherently adopts a global perspective, reflecting the international nature of the film and media industries. The program equips students with skills that are globally applicable, preparing them for careers in a dynamic and fast-changing media landscape that transcends national borders. While specific international collaborations within the program itself are not explicitly detailed, Canterbury Christ Church University attracts a diverse international student body, enriching classroom discussions and providing varied cultural insights into global film and media trends. The focus on emerging and innovative production techniques places graduates at the forefront of new global trends and technologies. The skills acquired are highly transferable, enabling graduates to contribute to film and media production in an increasingly interconnected global market.
