Experimental Film MA
Course overview
If you want to expand your understanding of moving image beyond conventional film, then our MA Experimental Film course at UCA Farnham will give you the knowledge, insight and tools to create exciting new work.
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.
| Length of study | 1 year full-time |
|---|---|
| Campus | Farnham |
| Entry requirements | Honours degree and/or relevant work experience |
| Course entry options | Sept 2021, Sept 2022 |
Course details
Practice & Context: History of Experimental Film
You will be introduced to the key work, ideas and debates in experimental film, linking these filmmaking and critical practices to contemporary issues in visual and material culture.
You will learn the critical, analytical and evaluative skills needed to prepare you for the development of your major project and to start to situate your practice and your filmmaking voice.
As part of this unit, you will research a topic in experimental film practice that speaks to your personal interests and enhances your understanding of both your practice and its contexts. You’ll present your findings as a portfolio of visual research work that aims to support the development of your practice.
The specific content of lectures, seminars and workshops will vary from year to year in order to reflect changes in subject approaches and discourses. A variety of artists and teachers will contribute to the teaching of the unit to ensure that you are exposed to current debates and practitioners.
Making Techniques
You will be challenged to develop your curiosity, knowledge and technical ability within your own filmmaking process. A series of practical workshops will offer opportunities to explore various methods and approaches used in contemporary practice.
You will produce short experimental works exploring using both analogue and digital forms. Developing your skills in research and development will be a part of this unit, requiring documented evidence to be presented alongside your films in the form of a reflective research journal or blog.
Project Development & Distribution
This unit is built around the creative, organisational and technical processes of the first steps in developing your major practical project. You will embark on this with a project proposal and development plan.
You will also be expected to research and evidence an understanding of dissemination strategies for contemporary moving image media working with people and institutions outside of the university. Your research experience of onsite and online events, festivals, street art and gallery installations, will enable you to refine your projects contextual setting and contemporary site.
Final Major Project
In this unit, your investigation and interrogation of critical discourse, practice and research will contribute to the formulation of your major project, continuing from Project Development & Distribution. Your voice as an artist and filmmaker and the context your work creates are the key attributes of your final project.
You will be expected to reach beyond the current boundaries/notions of ‘experimental film’ and look forward to developing technologies and dissemination strategies in the pursuit and realisation of your project. Developing agility and versatility alongside your practical skills, continuing to develop your reflective practice with an informed and decisive approach. This practice will address the intellectual, aesthetic, social and technical processes involved.
The unit will also prepare you with learning and skills development around your preparation for a career in the creative industries, exhibition of the final work will be undertaken in a venue/setting appropriate for the form, ending the course being confident in your position as a filmmaker and artist.
Tuition fees
The course fees per year for 2021 entry are:
- UK students full-time - £10,400
- EU students full-time - £10,400 (see fee discount information)
- International students full-time - £17,500 (standard fee)
- International students full-time - £16,800 (full early payment fee)
The course fees for 2022 entry will be available here shortly.
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.
To support our students and alumni to progress to the next level of study, we have developed a new range of fee discounts across a range of courses.
Course specifications
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.
Film studio, UCA Farnham
Editing suite, UCA Farnham
Film & Media centre, UCA Farnham
Library, UCA Farnham
Our Staff
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.
To view the equivalent entry requirements for your country please select it in the list below.
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
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.
Apply now
UK applications
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Apply for full-time study - starting September 2021:
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Apply for full-time study - starting September 2022:
International & EU applications
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Apply for full-time study - starting September 2021:
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Apply for full-time study - starting September 2022:
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 pages
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