PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION BA (Hons) Film and Television Production - Specialist BA (Hons) Film Production - Specialist BA (Hons) Documentary Production - Specialist BA (Hons) Screenwriting - Specialist 1. Awarding Institution York St John University 2. Teaching Institution York St John University 3. Programme(s) Accredited by (professional/statutory body) N/A 4. Faculty offering the Programme(s) Arts 5. Final Award(s) BA (Hons) 6. Interim Awards BA Ordinary Diploma of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education 7. Programme Title(s) BA (Hons) Film and Television Production 8. UCAS Code / GTTR / Other BA (Hons) Film Production BA (Hons) Documentary Production BA (Hons) Screenwriting 9. Approved Combinations (for Joint Honours programmes only) N/A 10. QAA Benchmark Group(s) Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies 11. Applicable to Year of Entry to the Programme(s) 2012 (final entry to level 1 for this version of the programme) 12. Date Produced/Revised June 2011 (new spec) July 2012 (changes to Level 1 sem of delivery) Oct 2013 (changes to level 2 delivery from both semesters to either semester for certain modules) Oct 2014 (no change) 13. Mode of Study The programme is offered in the following modes of study: Full-time: Part-time: Over 3 years Over 6 years 14. Introduction and Special Features 14-a Introduction A significant strength of the BA programmes is that there is no differentiation between equipment used at level one and three. This allows for effective workflow; technical and Health & Safety training undertaken at level one then remains pertinent at levels two and three. As forms of low budget film production and a great deal of television production require multi-skilled individuals, York St John University graduates benefit from this exposure to professional equipment. This approach also allows for an integrated technical and creative development of individuals within production roles at levels two and three. Those students who then wish to specialise have the opportunity to do so, aiding them in working on high end drama and documentary and in applying to 1
postgraduate programmes, particularly those at film schools and York St John University. Building on skills and knowledge of production methodologies and roles allows for tradition to be challenged without equipment use being an obstacle and with the required technical/aesthetic qualities to truly showcase their work. The most common form of outlet for student work is at festivals and the programme recognises the move to online exhibition in addition to the conventional conception of a festival. The most prestigious festivals are still those where physical exhibition is essential. Many of these festivals are now only accepting HD material. Many television companies will only accept particular forms of HD for broadcast and this can vary by station this is the case for terrestrial, digital and online broadcast. 14-b Special features of the programme At the end of the programme students have the opportunity to show their work to local clients, industry partners, friends, family, colleagues and the general public. The showcase takes place as part of the Faculty of Arts Create festival and works with other programmes shows such as the Art & Design Show. This proves a valuable occasion for students to network with potential clients and colleagues, as well as to celebrate their achievements over their time on the programme. The strengths of the programme as identified by students, are the practical nature of the learning activities, the constant contact and engagement with industry practitioners and organisations, the strong theoretical input and the support and encouragement they receive from the programme team. All students enrol onto BA (Hons) Film and Television Production and all students take all modules at level 1 and 2. Students will be offered appropriate advice and guidance and may then choose prior to the commencing of level 3 to undertake a particular named award. They will then take the appropriate level 3 modules. 15. Criteria for Admission Overview Entrance to the Film and Television subject area requires some specific subject knowledge. The programme adheres to the University s minimum entry criteria, and approved entry routes. Offers will usually be termed using tariff point scores. Specific requirements None Excluded qualifications/subjects/combinations None International requirements Applicants will be required to show evidence that their current study equates to the minimum entry requirements of the programme. Applicants will also be required to present evidence of their English language ability if their first language is not English. Special arrangements YSJ Foundation Degree Entry - York St John Foundation Degree (FTVP) students will be accepted on to the level three of the BA (Hons) Film & Television Production programme on the basis of successful completion of 100 credits including Global Audiovisual Cultures. This module is a level two cognate module with the FD Film and Television Production and is intended to develop research methodologies and prepare all students for the level three dissertation. APEL would be considered APL would be considered 2
16. Programme Aims The BA Film & Television Production degree programme aims to: prepare students for entry into the film and television industries as reflective practitioners, for self employment, and for progression to further study or training; produce students who have a high level of subject specific vocationally relevant skills, a broad understanding of the creative industries and who can apply their knowledge and skills to a wide range of contexts; provide opportunities for students to develop a range of personal and professional skills including ICT, creative and entrepreneurial skills; offer opportunities for acquiring, applying and critiquing theoretical and practical knowledge in film and television; develop professional teamwork practices; develop an awareness of vocational possibilities within film, television and related industries; offer opportunities for professional experience via work placements, internships and industry linked visits; promote professional conduct and appropriate health and safety as an essential part of professional practice; connect to regional and national development in the industries through continuing liaison and partnerships; demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and professional principles involved in Film and Television Production; 17-1 YSJU Level 1 / NQF Level 4 / FHEQ C 17-1a Level 1 Programme Outcomes Students who gain the award specified will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes: Level 1 (Certificate of Higher Education) Integrate theory and practice in a practical context; Demonstrate knowledge of audience in relation to storytelling in each strand; Demonstrate articulate practice informed by historical and cultural contexts; Understand roles and processes in industrial production practices; Demonstrate an understanding of the function of reflective practice; Demonstrate composite skills via the production of film, documentary and script; Demonstrate appropriate research skills; Develop effective communicative skills; Develop skills in effective teamwork; Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate technique to form; Develop technical skills appropriate to specific production processes; Apply generic skills in film and television, such as project management, technological skills, creative practice, professional practice; Understand specific technical and creative theories and contexts; Understand business and commercial industry contexts; Demonstrate ICT skills, study skills, research, and academic writing and communication; Demonstrate knowledge of the application of technology and its theoretical basis; Critically reflect on their own skills and knowledge; Apply effective methodologies to direct their personal and career development; Apply appropriate Health & Safety guidelines in practical work. 3
17-1b Level 1 Programme Structure and Content The degree offers three pathways. Whilst these are intended as standalone pathways for possible future joint or combined honours developments there will be points of conceptual connection between the strands at level one. There will also be shared technical workshop and H&S throughout the degree. The integration of theory and practice is consistent throughout levels one and two in each strand. At levels one and two, all students take all three strands; this allows for consistent development of skills, concepts and theories and ensures a two year coherent experience. Whilst there are many benefits available to the separate strands in allowing time for skills and concept development and reflection there will be shared elements, in terms of screenings, technical demonstration, etc. Whilst cross-fertilisation at a conceptual and skills level is advantageous the modules will exist as discrete courses. As such, and for instance, the screenwriting modules are not designed to service the fiction production modules. However, an effective script developed at level one may be developed and produced at level three after continued development, but this form of integration would be down to the interests of the student rather than the constraints of the module. At level one, lectures in screenwriting will focus on narrative form and shape to inform storytelling structures across fiction and documentary forms. The similarities and distinctions between formal expression within documentary and fiction will be developed at level two, examining the problematic nature of representation. This follows the historical consideration of documentary form and technique at level one and the focus on realism within fiction. Theoretical and practical endeavour will then examine the ideological form and function of both forms as representational. s for the Programmes 1FT150 Documentary Production: Form and Context 40 1 or 2 1 & 2 (2011 entry only) C 1FT151 1FT152 1FT153 Screenwriting: Concept Development Screenwriting: Script Development Fiction Production: Encoding Reality 20 1 C 20 2 C 40 1 or 2 1 & 2 (2011 entry only) C 4
17-1c Level 1 Teaching and Learning and Assessment Strategies A key aspect of the programme is the importance of the composite production as a learning tool. Students engage in taking ideas to complete production at various staged points at levels one and two. For example, part of the level one fiction experience may be a lecture on the context of the close up (history and semiotic importance) coupled with a technical workshop on camera operation followed by practical technique and contextual workshop activity. This will link to other formal and conceptual aspects of fiction production as part of a composite and complete production. The programme seeks to employ a wide variety of assessment practices appropriate to the nature of the activity being undertaken. At all levels students will be encouraged to contribute to a group production blog to inform staff and each other of the issues they are encountering on a regular basis. This process should encourage students to continue with create risk taking; a complete focus on product having the effect of pushing ideas towards safe and easily attainable format driven work. The programme does not prescribe form beyond the broad headings identified in the pathway approach. Whilst tutors may prescribe form for exercises students are consistently required to generate original ideas for production projects from level one. This approach priorities the concept and allows students ownership over their production work. This also echoes a real world situation by introducing students to pitching and affording them the opportunity to practice. In these terms, issues of Enquiry Based Learning are introduced. Students act as researchers, uncovering theories on which to base experimentation and from which to create new knowledge. The processes of inductive and deductive reasoning that are at the heart of these approaches also stand the student in good stead when applying process driven knowledge to their level three study. STRATEGY Reflection + self-reflective portfolio Essay Creative portfolio MODULE 1FT150, 1FT153 1FT151 1FT152 17-2 YSJU Level 2 / NQF Level 5 / FHEQ I 17-2a Level 2 Programme Outcomes Students who gain the award specified will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes: Level 2 (Diploma of Higher Education) Analyse current technologies in relation to specific issues of production, exhibition and distribution; Analyse and apply techniques appropriate to form; Analyse the relationship between technology and form; Produce advanced film, documentary and script; Apply reflective practice in the continual development of creative work via production activity; Research appropriate and relevant cultural and social theories; Understand issues relating exhibition and distribution; Contribute effectively to working discussions and practical group work as part of a 5
practical production process; Evaluate the importance of ethical and social issues involved in film and television production; Integrate a wide range of production processes in film and television production; Demonstrate growing autonomy in production; Analyse the relationship between collaboration and teamwork in the production of film and television; Apply appropriate academic and scholarly conventions; Critically analyse and apply effective sector specific development processes and project management; Identify and apply key skills, study skills, ICT, research methodologies and academic writing skills, as lifelong learners; Apply theories and principles in developing solutions to project and production work; Research, develop new approaches and apply techniques and technology; Evaluate skills and operate effectively as reflective practitioners; Make informed judgments about future progression and employment; Demonstrate an understanding of issues relating to Health & Safety Codes of Ethical Conduct and Codes of Professional Conduct in the workplace and apply them in practical work via the code of professional conduct 17-2b Level 2 Programme Structure and Content The degree offers three pathways. Whilst these are intended as standalone pathways for possible future joint or combined honours developments there will be points of conceptual connection between the strands at level one. There will also be shared technical workshop and H&S throughout the degree. The integration of theory and practice is consistent throughout levels one and two in each strand. At levels one and two, all students take all three strands; this allows for consistent development of skills, concepts and theories and ensures a two year coherent experience. Whilst there are many benefits available to the separate strands in allowing time for skills and concept development and reflection there will be shared elements, in terms of screenings, technical demonstration, etc. Whilst cross-fertilisation at a conceptual and skills level is advantageous the modules will exist as discrete courses. As such, and for instance, the screenwriting modules are not designed to service the fiction production modules. However, an effective script developed at level one may be developed and produced at level three after continued development, but this form of integration would be down to the interests of the student rather than the constraints of the module. At level two, all students undertake Global Audio-Visual Cultures. In addition to engendering a broader understanding of the global context of FTV, this module will further engage students in research methodologies to prepare them for their dissertation with their proposal emerging from here. s for the Programmes 2FT150 Documentary Production: 40 1 or 2 C Manipulating Reality 2FT151 Screenwriting: Appropriation and 20 1 C Development 2FT152 Fiction Production: 40 1 or 2 C Contextualised Practice 2FT153 Global Audio-Visual Cultures 20 2 C 6
17-2c Level 2 Teaching and Learning and Assessment Strategies A key aspect of the programme is the importance of the composite production as a learning tool. Students engage in taking ideas to complete production at various staged points at levels one and two. The programme seeks to employ a wide variety of assessment practices appropriate to the nature of the activity being undertaken. At all levels students will be encouraged to contribute to a group production blog to inform staff and each other of the issues they are encountering on a regular basis. This process should encourage students to continue with create risk taking; a complete focus on product having the effect of pushing ideas towards safe and easily attainable format driven work. The programme does not prescribe form beyond the broad headings identified in the pathway approach. Whilst tutors may prescribe form for exercises students are consistently required to generate original ideas for production projects from level one. This approach priorities the concept and allows students ownership over their production work. This also echoes a real world situation by introducing students to pitching and affording them the opportunity to practice. In these terms, issues of Enquiry Based Learning are introduced. Students act as researchers, uncovering theories on which to base experimentation and from which to create new knowledge. The processes of inductive and deductive reasoning that are at the heart of these approaches also stand the student in good stead when applying process driven knowledge to their level three study. STRATEGY Essay + self-reflective portfolio Essay + portfolio of script development Portfolio + research presentation MODULE 2FT150, 2FT152 2FT151 2FT153 17-3 YSJU Level 3 / NQF Level 6 / FHEQ H 17-3a Level 3 Programme Outcomes Students who gain the award specified will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes: Level 3 (Ordinary degree) Synthesise knowledge of production process in establishing the constitution of a production crew; Articulate the opportunities and challenges inherent in approaching employment; Analyse funding opportunities within film and television production; Synthesise knowledge of techniques appropriate to advanced film and television production; Utilise appropriate health and safety issues specific to the context of production; Utilise advanced academic and scholarly conventions; Demonstrate innovation in the production of original film, documentary and/or script; Demonstrate responsiveness to specific production contexts; Employ methodologies which evidence responsiveness to production contexts; Relate theory to practice in the development of creative projects; Develop a professional portfolio related to project work and career aspirations In addition the level 3 learning outcomes above and in order to achieve the award with 7
honours, students will be able to: (Film & Television Production Honours Degree) Apply skills, concepts, theoretical and empirical knowledge of methods appropriate to the study and practice of documentary and fiction production to initiate, design, plan and execute research; Apply advanced research skills in identifying opportunities for career progression. (Film Production Honours Degree) Apply skills, concepts, theoretical and empirical knowledge of methods appropriate to the study and practice of fiction production within film and/or television to initiate, design, plan and execute research; Apply advanced research skills in identifying opportunities for career progression. (Screenwriting Honours Degree) Apply skills, concepts, theoretical and empirical knowledge of methods appropriate to the study and practice of screenwriting within film and/or television to initiate, design, plan and execute research; Apply advanced research skills in identifying opportunities for career progression. (Documentary Production Honours Degree) Apply skills, concepts, theoretical and empirical knowledge of methods appropriate to the study and practice of documentary production within to initiate, design, plan and execute research; Apply advanced research skills in identifying opportunities for career progression. 17-3b Level 3 Programme Structure and Content Level three presents students with option choice for their named award. Students can undertake two stranded modules or take two modules from a different strand, one in each semester. Professional and Reflexive Practice provides theoretical and practical contexts for the production work that they are undertaking in their 20 credit modules and culminates in the production of analytical material and a professional portfolio to aid in career aspirations. The internship modules allow students to engage in extended work placement activity based on the embedded vocational practice in each strand developed at level two. The generic award of Film and Television Production is predicated on the module choices students undertake at level three. Unlike the specificity generated by the strands detailed below the generic award title is confirmed where students undertake projects in two different production areas at level three plus the generic film and television dissertation (3FT991). This could be a combination of any of the modules in two different areas, but only one in each semester. Eg: 3FT150 and 3FT155 or 3FT152 and 3FT157. The generic award allows students to reflect broad interests across film and television production rather than the specificity allowed with the specific named awards below. s for the BA (Hons) Film & TV Production Programme 3FT150 Documentary Production: 20 1 O Broadcast Contexts 3FT151 Documentary Production: 20 2 O Constructing Reality 3FT152 Fiction Production: The Cinematic 20 1 O Experience 3FT153 Fiction Production: Small Screen 20 2 O Fictions 3FT154 Screenwriting: Writing to Order 20 1 O 8
3FT155 Screenwriting: Special Project 20 2 O 3FT156 Internship 1 20 1 O 3FT157 Internship 2 20 2 O 3FT158 Professional and Reflexive 40 1 and 2 C Practice 3FT991 Dissertation (Film & TV) 40 1 and 2 CA Level 3 (Film Production) The Film Production degree award is predicated on the following module choice at level 3. This focuses all activity around fiction film, whilst maintaining flexibility in the content of the dissertation and the production projects. Whilst 3FT158 remains a generic module it will inevitably relate to the award title as the module seeks to engage to students in their own practice and career aspirations. Students will then undertake a dissertation on a fiction related topic. Production activity is focussed on original and independent short film with a clear goal of the work being seen by an audience. In the case of both fiction modules, this is the festival market. In 3FT152, this is the traditional notion of the festival with physical presentation. In 3FT153, students produce work with a view to alternative forms of exhibition and distribution. In both modules creative choices are made with exhibition as the backdrop. s for the BA (Hons) Film Production Programme 3FT152 Fiction Production: The Cinematic 20 1 C Experience 3FT153 Fiction Production: Small Screen 20 2 C Fictions 3FT158 Professional and Reflexive 40 1 and 2 C Practice 3FT995 Dissertation (Film Production) 40 1 and 2 CA Level 3 (Documentary Production) The Documentary Production degree award is predicated on the following module choice at level 3. This focuses all activity around documentary, whilst maintaining flexibility in the content of the dissertation and the production projects. Whilst 3FT158 remains a generic module it will inevitably relate to the award title as the module seeks to engage to students in their own practice and career aspirations. Students will undertake a dissertation focussing on issues relating to documentary. Project activity at level 3 centres on production activity examining the differences and similarities between television and film documentaries. In 3FT150, students produce documentary for broadcast which may involve utilising existing formats and considering issues of scheduling. Students will also need to consider the nature of broadcast as it develops and as such this may include ideas developed for web broadcast. 3FT151 seeks to engage students in documentary production for festivals. In both cases, audience have to be considered in relation to form. s for the BA (Hons) Documentary Production Programme 3FT150 Documentary Production: 20 1 C Broadcast Contexts 3FT151 Documentary Production: Constructing Reality 20 2 C 9
3FT158 Professional and Reflexive 40 1 and 2 C Practice 3FT994 Dissertation (Documentary Production) 40 1 and 2 CA Level 3 (Screenwriting) The Screenwriting degree award is predicated on the following module choice at level 3. This focuses all activity around screenwriting, whilst maintaining flexibility in the content of the dissertation and the production projects. Whilst 3FT158 remains a generic module it will inevitably relate to the award title as the module seeks to engage to students in their own practice and career aspirations. Students are required to undertake a Screenwriting topic for their dissertation. 3FT154 seeks to engage students in the real world contest of having to write for a specific audience and/or a specific employer. 3FT155 seeks to engage students in the process of original writing. In both cases, these scripts are written as scripts in their own right and not to service film or documentary production modules. In this way students are free from the constraints of production timescales. s for the BA (Hons) Screenwriting Programme 3FT154 Screenwriting: Writing to Order 20 1 C 3FT155 Screenwriting: Special Project 20 2 C 3FT158 Professional and Reflexive 40 1 and 2 C Practice 3FT996 Dissertation (Screenwriting) 40 1 and 2 CA 17-3c Level 3 Teaching and Learning and Assessment Strategies The programme seeks to employ a wide variety of assessment practices appropriate to the nature of the activity being undertaken. At all levels students will be encouraged to contribute to a group production blog to inform staff and each other of the issues they are encountering on a regular basis. This process should encourage students to continue with create risk taking; a complete focus on product having the effect of pushing ideas towards safe and easily attainable format driven work. The programme does not prescribe form beyond the broad headings identified in the pathway approach. Whilst tutors may prescribe form for exercises students are consistently required to generate original ideas for production projects from level one. This approach priorities the concept and allows students ownership over their production work. This also echoes a real world situation by introducing students to pitching and affording them the opportunity to practice. In these terms, issues of Enquiry Based Learning are introduced. Students act as researchers, uncovering theories on which to base experimentation and from which to create new knowledge. The processes of inductive and deductive reasoning that are at the heart of these approaches also stand the student in good stead when applying process driven knowledge to their level three study. STRATEGY Group produced documentary/artefact with a reflective report MODULE 3FT150, 3FT151, 3FT152, 3FT153 10
Presentation Reflective report Portfolio Screenwriting to brief, analysis and selfreflective commentary Dissertation 3FT156 3FT157, 3FT152, 3FT153 3FT158 3FT154, 3FT155 3FT991, 3FT994, 3FT995, 3FT996 18. Progression and Graduation Requirements The University s general regulations for undergraduate awards apply to this programme. These can be found in the Document Directory via the homepage. In addition, the following specific programme regulations apply in respect of progression and graduation: 3FT991 is compulsory for the award of BA (Hons) Film & Television Production To be eligible for the award of BA (Hons) Documentary Production students must take the compulsory modules 3FT150 and 3FT151 and must pass the compulsory for award module 3FT994 To be eligible for the award of BA (Hons) Film Production students must take the compulsory modules 3FT152 and 3FT153 and must pass the compulsory for award module 3FT995 To be eligible for the award of BA (Hons) Screenwriting students must take the compulsory modules 3FT154 and 3FT155 and must pass the compulsory for award module 3FT996 19. Internal and External Reference Points This programme specification was formulated with reference to: University Mission Statement QAA subject benchmark statement National Qualification Framework Professional and Statutory bodies 20. Further Information Further information on the programme of study may be obtained from: Admissions Entry Profile (Admissions) Programme validation document (Registry Academic Standards) Regulations (Registry Academic Standards) Student programme handbook (Faculty) handbooks (Faculty) 11