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Term 1
Practice & Context
You will focus on the links between practice and theory, learning about artists classed as ‘experimental’, including Western canon artists and global filmmakers. This will enable you to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the possibilities within the experimental field.You will examine a wide range of filmmakers within the genre, from Maya Deren, Michael Snow and Dara Friedman to international video artists such as Bill Viola, Cao Fei, Tacita Dean and Pierre Huyghe. You will also look at the work of classic avant-garde narrative filmmakers like Jean-Luc Godard and Chantal Ackerman, as well as contemporary international pieces by the likes of Cyprien Clement-Delma and Wainaina.
Making Techniques
Exploring both digital and analogue forms, you will be challenged to create three one-minute films demonstrating your knowledge of different techniques.In addition to your films, you will compile a personal diary of your experiences using different techniques, reflecting on how the qualities of different tools affect your creative decisions.
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Term 2
Project Development and Distribution
You will learn how to frame your project and distribute it in traditional and non-traditional spaces such as galleries, online, festivals and street art. The assessment will comprise a portfolio, a critical essay and a pitch session.Form and content
You will be encouraged to critique your own work, articulate its intent to others, and reflect on your artistic approach. -
Term 3
Final Major Project
The conclusion of your studies is your final major project. Your work will be supervised by one of our team of internationally recognised practitioners and theorists and exhibited at UCA’s James Hockey Gallery at the end of the course. You will also write an essay that demonstrates your ability to reflect creatively and intellectually on your practice. -
Fees and additional course costs
Tuition fees
The course fees per year for 2021 entry are:- UK students full-time - £10,400
- International and EU students full-time - £17,500 (standard fee)
- International and EU students full-time - £16,800 (full early payment fee)
Additional course costs
In addition to the tuition fees please see the additional course costs for 2021 entry, these will be uploaded here shortly.Further information
Find out more about our course fees and any financial support you may be entitled to:These fees are correct for the stated academic year only. Costs may increase each year during a student’s period of continued registration on course in line with inflation (subject to any maximum regulated tuition fee limit). Any adjustment for continuing students will be at or below the RPI-X forecast rate.
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Fee discounts and scholarships
To support all of our current students and our recent UK alumni to progress to the next level of study, we have developed a new range of fee discounts across a range of courses.
Experimental Film* MA
UCA Farnham - 2021
Length of study:
One year full-time
Campus:
UCA Farnham
Course overview
If you want to explore moving image beyond conventional film, then our MA in Experimental Film at UCA Farnham will give you the chance to explore new and exciting avenues of the craft.
This one year, full-time course will support your development as a creative moving image expert, expanding the boundaries of your thinking and practice and advancing your visual and research interests.
Led by internationally-renowned staff and inspired by an exciting range of prominent visiting artists and theorists, you'll work with both 16mm equipment and digital techniques to produce the stylised films and moving image pieces you really want to make. Along the way, you'll build a deeper understanding of global perspectives on experimental film as you study the ideas, methods and works of some of the leading proponents of the craft.
You do not need to have prior formal filmmaking training to undertake this course – we welcome students whose creativity demonstrates visual, intellectual and emotional engagement, and who are open to experimental and unexpected ways of thinking.
*Course subject to validation
Course details
Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.
Facilities
Filmmaking facilities include purpose-built film studios with dedicated technical support from industry specialists. Sound editing and mixing suites which include software such as Avid Media Composer, Symphony Nitris and Pro Tools. Digital media suites with Macs and PCs with latest programs for film editing, and an on-campus media store with good supply of digital HD cameras as well as 16mm and super 16mm cameras and high-end sound recording equipment to hire.
Apply now
UK applications
Apply for full-time study - starting September 2021:
International & EU applications
Apply for full-time study - starting September 2021:
When to apply:
You can apply throughout the year but we recommend you try and apply as early as possible so you have time to arrange accommodation and visas, if required.
For more information visit our how to apply pagesEntry requirements
UK entry requirements
- An honours degree or equivalent qualification in the subject or a related discipline
and/or
- Relevant work experience, demonstrating your ability to study at postgraduate level.
Consideration will also be given to applicants who can make a strong case for admission in relation to a particular project and can demonstrate their potential to satisfactorily complete the course.
Don't meet the international entry requirements or English language requirements?
You may be able to enter the course through the following entry courses:
Pre-sessional English courses in the UK or China
Your portfolio
For this course, you’ll be required to submit an online portfolio via your UCA Applicant Portal. Further information on how to compile and upload your portfolio will be provided once you have applied. If you receive an offer, you’ll be invited to attend an Offer Holder Webinar where you can meet the course team and learn more about the course.
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