Film Theory for Teachers

Dates: January to April 2012

Cost: £817

The Long Day Closes

Who is the course for?

The course is for teachers of film in a specialized context to students aged 14 and upward.

What level of course is it and how is it accredited?

The course is a Masters Level module, worth 30 credits (or one-sixth) of the MA in Culture, Media and Communication at the London University, Institute of Education.

What does the course cover?

This is a one-module Masters level course organized around four subject 'clusters' each comprising reading extracts from key theoretical works from Film Studies, together with activities designed to enable close reading of the texts, and mastery of the ideas in them. The subject clusters are Narrative Theory, Audience and Spectatorship, Semiotics and Representation, and Genre (Horror). Participants choose one of these clusters to focus on in detail.

In addition there is a core unit on working with film theory in the classroom. It is run largely by distance learning with students writing essays based on the reading.

How long is the course?

The course starts on Monday 13 January 2012 and the Final Coursework submission date is Tuesday 29 May 2012.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is a mode of course delivery, which is particularly appropriate to personal professional development. The student maintains the advantage of not having to give up their work, while being engaged in a parallel learning activity, which is continually informing and being informed by that everyday experience. In addition, it will be a requirement of the course that students and tutors are linked electronically to a Virtual Learning Environment which enables students to discuss issues and ideas with each other, and to receive support, clarification and feedback from the course tutors. Virtual Learning Environment groups will be established at the beginning of the course and so students must have an e-mail address and access to both a computer and a modem, either through their institution or at home.

However, to avoid distance learning becoming an isolating experience, there is a one-day seminar at the beginning of the course in January and a two-day seminar is held at the beginning of March in London (see above for dates). In addition, it will be a requirement of the course that students are linked electronically to a Virtual Learning Environment to enable discussion of issues and ideas with each other which relate to both course content and management, and to receive support, clarification and feedback from the course tutors.

There are also three workshops held in London, one at the beginning of the course on Friday 13 January 2012, and two in the middle on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 March 2012. All take place from 10am - 4pm and are held in London at BFI Southbank (Waterloo).

How is the course structured?

The four theory clusters are presented in the course materials at the start of the course, and participants choose to focus on one. The work on this is collaborative, culminating in a group presentation, for assessment, at the face-to-face seminar days in March. At this seminar there is an assessed oral presentation for 30% of the total mark. This comprises Unit 1 of the module.

There is a choice of assignment for the second unit. Students can offer a 1,000-word Scheme of Work plus a 2,000-word commentary on one of the theory bundle areas, or a 3,000-word essay based on a piece of audience research.

How is the course assessed?

Throughout the course students complete tasks that relate to the set readings, participate in discussions and receive feedback from tutors using the online learning environment. Additionally, students attend 3 full days of seminars (or 'residentials') at the BFI Southbank. During these seminars, students meet each other and the tutors, present work, and take part in discussions and lectures. At the first residential on 14 January 2012 participants choose an initial area of theory on which to focus. This first section of the course culminates with group presentations at the second residential (3 and 4 March 2012) In part two of the course students choose a second topic on which to focus. Course assessment is by written assignment - either an essay, or a scheme of work.

What course materials are provided?

The course pack comprises a Course Book with activities and commentaries and the Course Reading which contains reading extracts plus a dedicated website.

What can I do when I finish the course?

The module is part of the London University, Institute of Education, MA in Media, Culture and Communication. There are other distance learning modules available as part of the MA. For more information on these and other aspects of the whole MA please visit the Institute of Education website.

How can I apply?

Please apply for your programme using the UK Postgraduate Applications System, via their website at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

You must submit your application at least 4 weeks before the module of your choice starts.

Using UKPASS is easy and will allow you to view the progress of your application online at any time. Instructions and guidance are available on the website, and we have provided some helpful tips below. It usually takes between 30-40 minutes to submit an application.

  • Choose Apply and set up your UKPASS account. This account will enable you to login and view the progress on your application, so please make sure you keep a note of your password and user name.
  • Select I30 - Institute of Education and choose P047917 BFI IOE Media Short Course Modules
  • You will see a summary of the application process. Once you have finished a section, simply tick 'section completed' at the bottom of the page. The system will tell you if there is any missing information you need to complete. The help text can be accessed by clicking the blue ? next to the section heading.
  • Personal Details (complete in full)
  • Further details (complete in full)
  • Course details: (this will be pre-populated with your course choice, please complete the other questions in full)
  • School / High School Details (complete as far as possible)
  • University / College Details (complete as far as possible)
  • English proficiency (only complete if you are a non-native English speaker)
  • Supplementary Information (Only complete if relevant please ensure you state your course choice as the title of the module you wish to apply for)
  • Passport OR Driving Licence copy: please scan and attach a clear colour copy of one of these documents if you are able to do so. Personal Statement (please write 'BFI PARTICIPANT')
  • Reference 1 and 2 – As we do not require a reference you have the option for these to be submitted under separate cover. Please select this option and we will not pursue references.
  • Once all sections of the application are complete click Submit. You will receive an email confirming successful receipt of your application to UKPASS.

You can expect to hear from the IOE within 4 weeks of applying. We may contact you if we require any additional information. We will also be contacting you with information regarding your enrolment.

We find that most problems are easily rectified by checking the help text, and responding to any error messages. If you require further help, UKPASS operate an advice line for applicants, details below:

  • UKPASS Customer Service Unit: (0)871 334 4447, Monday to Friday, 08:30-18:00 (UK time). UK BT landline calls will cost no more than 9p per minute. The cost of calls from mobiles and other networks may vary.
  • Alternatively, please email enquiries@ukpass.ac.uk for an automated response with general information and guidance on the UKPASS procedures.

If you require any additional information regarding the course please contact Brigitta Goedhuys at B.Goedhuys@ioe.ac.uk or by telephone on 020 7911 5344.

How much does it cost?

The course fee is £817 for UK and EU students and £1883 for overseas students.

Who tutors the course?

The course tutor is Dr. Diane Carr, Research Fellow in Media and Education Centre for the Study of Children, Youth and Media, Institute of Education.

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Last Updated: Mon 9 Aug 2010 13 Jan 2012