Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies and Communications
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies and Communications | Programme code | UFA3EGLEGL18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BA Film & Television Studies and Communications programme offers you the opportunity to combine study of a wide and exciting range of material in Communications and, film and television
Film & Television Studies modules offers the opportunity to study an exciting range of film and television from different periods and international contexts; you will watch films from American, European, and other World cinemas, as well as learning about the trends and technologies of television. You will gain a deep and wide ranging knowledge of film and television as cultural, social, industrial and global phenomena and familiarity with different conceptual and theoretical approaches to them. The range of materials studied will equip you to understand the complex histories of these media as well as how important issues of cultural difference are raised through them, giving you the tools and vocabulary to take a questioning attitude to your own media culture. We encourage you to make the most of the facilities available to broaden and enhance your study of film, not just on campus and in the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum but also through the lively film culture (art-house cinema, media facilities) in the city itself.
Communications modules allow you to develop deep knowledge and understanding of a variety of historical, theoretical, and methodological approaches to the study of communication technologies and the production, dissemination, and reception of media texts. From early print media, through the broadcast era, to the current era of networked digital media, these modules will allow you to interrogate the ways that communication technologies mediate social realities in specific historical and cultural contexts. Employability skills are embedded within the modules, and you will hone practical and professional skills that will prepare you for work across a range of jobs in the creative industries. Modules are taught by published experts in Communications and students benefit from access to world-leading resources, such as the Digital Humanities Lab, the Foreign Language Centre, and the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum.
Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme will offer you a structured framework of study in which you follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, with sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow an individual pathway of learning. The programme further aims to:
- provide you with opportunities to acquire and develop deep knowledge and understanding of the historical development, character, and content of a wide variety of communication technologies
- to equip you with the ability to critically evaluate and to synthesize a range of theoretical approaches and practices related to the study of Communications in a range of texts and contexts
- to develop an appreciation of a range of methodological approaches to the academic study of Communications
- to develop the necessary communication skills necessary for a variety of careers across the cultural sector, including the media, cultural, and heritage industries
- encourage you to develop a comparative understanding of the ways in which aesthetic judgements are constructed and aesthetic processes are experienced with regards to film and television.
- provide an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying, whilst encouraging a sense of the distinctive social and cultural importance of film and television.
- enable and encourage you to engage with current critical and theoretical debates relating to film and television
- to provide opportunities for you to reflect critically upon graduate career planning and strategies
- to foster critical and analytical skills, including graduate research skills
4. Programme Structure
The BA Film & Television Studies and Communications is a three-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme can also be studied part-time in up to six years. This programme is divided into three stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Media & Communications modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=comms
Film & Television Studies modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=film
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in any stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
60 credits of compulsory Film and Television Studies modules, 60 credits of compulsory Communications modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAF1501 | Major Debates in Film Theory | 30 | No |
| EAF1506 | Interrogating Screens | 30 | No |
| CMM1001 | Perspectives on Communications | 30 | No |
| CMM1002 | Communications Challenges | 30 | No |
Stage 2
60 credits of optional Film & Television Studies modules, 60 credits of Communications modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMM2002 | Communications in the Workplace | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
b - CMM2008 should be taken if you plan on choosing either of the Communications Dissertation modules (CMM3002 or CMM3003) in the final stage.
c - Choose 60 credits of Film and Television Studies optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media and Communications Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 | |||
| CMM2010 | Professional Writing | 30 | No |
| CMM2011 | History of Communications | 30 | No |
| CMM2012 | Communications and the Climate Crisis | 30 | No |
| CMM2013 | Introduction to Games Studies | 30 | No |
| EAF2505 | Spectacular Attractions: Cinema and Sensation | 30 | No |
| EAF2511 | Television: Times, Trends and Technologies | 30 | No |
| HUM2000 | Humanities in the Workplace | 30 | No |
| CMM2008 | Communications Research Methods [See note b above] | 30 | No |
| Film & Television Stage 2 Option modules 2024-5 [See note c above] | |||
| EAF2510 | Adaptation: Text, Image, Culture | 30 | No |
| EAF2515 | Contemporary Latin American Cinema | 30 | No |
| EAF2512 | European Cinemas: Art, Industry, Entertainment | 30 | No |
| EAF2500 | European Cinemas: Art, Industry, Entertainment | 15 | No |
| EAF2514 | Scrublands, Sanctuary, Screens: Co-creating Knowledges alongside Donkeys | 30 | No |
| EAF2502 | Shots in the Dark | 30 | No |
| EAF2511 | Television: Times, Trends and Technologies | 30 | No |
Stage 3
30 credits of compulsory dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules (including 30-60 credits of Film and Television Studies modules, and 30-60 credits of Communications modules).
Compulsory Modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
d - Select a Dissertation in either Communications or Film and Television Studies: CMM3002 or CMM3003 or EAF3514 or EAF3516 (you cannot choose more than one module from this group).
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMM3002 | Communications: Dissertation [See note d above] | 30 | No |
| CMM3003 | Communications: Practical Research Project [See note d above] | 30 | No |
| EAF3514 | Film Studies Dissertation [See note d above] | 30 | No |
| EAF3516 | Creative Film Dissertation [See note d above] | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
If you select CMM3002 or CMM3003 you must select a further 30 optional credits from Communications modules and 60 credits from the optional Film & Television modules.
If you select EAF3514 or EAF3516 you must select a further 60 optional credits from Communications modules and 30 credits from the optional Film & Television modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media and Communications Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5 | |||
| CMM3004 | Social Media and Society | 30 | No |
| EAF3515 | Something to See: War and Visual Media | 30 | No |
| EAS3128 | Writing the Short Film | 30 | No |
| CMM3006 | Digital Inequalities | 30 | No |
| EAF3519 | Cinema in the Anthropocene | 30 | No |
| HUM3003A | Hacking the Humanities: How to Plan and Run Successful Digital Projects | 15 | No |
| CMM3005 | Gender, Sexuality and Media | 30 | No |
| EAF3106 | Female Screens: Representation, Agency and Authorship | 30 | No |
| EAF3521 | Film Audiences | 30 | No |
| Film & Television Final Stage Option modules 2024-5 | |||
| EAF3501 | American Independent Film | 30 | No |
| EAF3513 | British Screens | 30 | No |
| EAF3519 | Cinema in the Anthropocene | 30 | No |
| EAF3106 | Female Screens: Representation, Agency and Authorship | 30 | No |
| EAF3521 | Film Audiences | 30 | No |
| EAF3515 | Something to See: War and Visual Media | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the historical development of a range of communication technologies and Film and Television Studies | ILOs 1-6 are acquired through lectures, seminars, workshops, study groups, tutorials and other learning activities throughout the programme. The degree of specialisation of subject knowledge increases during the programme, culminating in the dissertation. Modules at stage 3 are most closely related to the research specialism of the staff teaching the module. The precise method of teaching varies according to each module. On team-taught modules you will normally engage in both lectures and seminar groups. In smaller options you will normally spend most of your contact time in seminar groups and workshops. Your learning is further developed through engagement with assessments, following guidance from tutors and lecturers and through feedback on work submitted | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, annotated bibliographies, web-based assessments, audio-visual and written essays, exams, other written reports/projects, and a dissertation or large-scale practical project. Essays, exams, and presentations are especially significant within the programme because they assess each of the skills in ILOs 1-6. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Apply critical skills in the analysis of communication technologies, film and televisions and media texts | ILOs 7-11 are developed throughout the programme in all modules, with the emphasis becoming more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both in presentation and seminar discussion). They will culminate in the substantial and independent research skills demonstrated within the dissertation or large-scale practical project. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, annotated bibliographies, web-based assessments, written and/or audio-visual essays, exams, other written reports/projects, and a dissertation or large-scale practical project. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
12. Apply advanced literacy and communication skills in appropriate contexts including the ability to present sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments. | Personal and key skills are delivered through all modules, and developed in lectures, workshops, study groups, tutorials, work experience and other learning activities throughout the programme. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, annotated bibliographies, web-based assessments, essays, exams, other written reports/projects, and a dissertation or large-scale practical project. ILOs 12-17 are also strongly developed over the course of the portfolio of assessed essays and other audio-visual and/or written work produced through the programme. These assessments work on the principle of offering formative feedback to support the development of your work within as well as between modules. Feedback on one assignment is intended to inform the next piece of work you undertake on the module; the next piece of work on the programme, or the future learning of graduates. ILO 18 is associated especially with the range of group presentations taking place in modules during the programme. Group presentation assessment brings into focus an important range of skills for students, including sharing workloads, responsibility for tasks, team working, collaborative and communicative skills. Individual contributions to group work are also assessed individually, most often in the form of a reflective presentation report. ILOs 19-20 are also accomplished during the course of ‘real-time’ formal assessments such as presentations and end of module exams, which occur through the programme. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
All students within Film & Television Studies and Communications have a personal tutor for their entire programme of study and who are available for at least three hours a week at advertised ‘office hours’. There are induction sessions to orientate students at the start of their programme. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies and Communications
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 20/02/2020 |
Date of last revision | 16/09/2022 |
|---|
