MRes Film Studies

Summary 2012/13

• Immerse yourself in a unique and student-driven research experience in a Film Studies subject of your choosing;
• Join a highly flexible Masters degree that will provide you with a detailed understanding and experience of research methodologies and approaches;
• Become part of a vibrant research community and receive support and supervision from research-active experts in Film Studies.

This Masters by Research (MRes) programme combines taught modules and independent study to give you a firm grounding in the critical approaches to postgraduate study as well as the philosophies and methodologies of research in the humanities. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of literature in the field of Film Studies before the culmination of the MRes, which is the opportunity to undertake in-depth and extended research in a specific Film Studies area of your choosing.

An innovative student-led approach means your individual research interests are truly at the heart of studying for this MRes award.

2012 Entry Requirements

To join this programme you should have a first or upper second class honours degree. In exceptional circumstances, students with a lower second and demonstrable knowledge of their subject matter may be admitted at the department’s discretion.

A sufficient command of the English language is required to complete the programme satisfactorily and to prepare and defend your thesis. Applicants whose first language is not English, or who originate from countries whose national language is not English, are required to demonstrate English language proficiency to a minimum standard of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.

Each applicant will be required to submit a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words detailing the focus of their MRes studies and demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment towards the proposed subject.

A formal registration interview/viva will be held for each candidate. The interview will be conducted by at least two members of staff, including the likely MRes supervisor.

Summary 2013/14

• Immerse yourself in a unique and student-driven research experience in a Film Studies subject of your choosing;
• Join a highly flexible Masters degree that will provide you with a detailed understanding and experience of research methodologies and approaches;
• Become part of a vibrant research community and receive support and supervision from research-active experts in Film Studies.

This Masters by Research (MRes) programme combines taught modules and independent study to give you a firm grounding in the critical approaches to postgraduate study as well as the philosophies and methodologies of research in the humanities. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of literature in the field of Film Studies before the culmination of the MRes, which is the opportunity to undertake in-depth and extended research in a specific Film Studies area of your choosing.

An innovative student-led approach means your individual research interests are truly at the heart of studying for this MRes award.

2013 Entry Requirements

To join this programme you should have a first or upper second class honours degree. In exceptional circumstances, students with a lower second and demonstrable knowledge of their subject matter may be admitted at the department’s discretion.

A sufficient command of the English language is required to complete the programme satisfactorily and to prepare and defend your thesis. Applicants whose first language is not English, or who originate from countries whose national language is not English, are required to demonstrate English language proficiency to a minimum standard of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.

Each applicant will be required to submit a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words detailing the focus of their MRes studies and demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment towards the proposed subject.

A formal registration interview/viva will be held for each candidate. The interview will be conducted by at least two members of staff, including the likely MRes supervisor.

Details

Who is this course for?

If you are looking for a unique and student-driven research experience, tailored largely to your own interests, then this MRes award could be for you. The programme is ideal for self-motivated and committed students who desire a high level of flexibility.

What will I gain from this programme?

As a platform for entry into MPhil/PhD study, this programme will provide a strong foundation for a career in research. In addition, you will develop a range of transferable skills that are relevant to a range of careers in education, the media and cultural industries. The programme will hone your communication, critical analysis and presentation skills and you will gain experience of conference attendance and working with large bodies of complex material.

How we will support you

You will be supported and guided by an academic supervisor, with the programme manager also overseeing your studies. An induction will introduce you to the methods of study, the content and administration of the programme, and the nature of the supervisor-supervisee relationship. In addition, you will receive training in using the University Library and Virtual Learning Environment. You will be provided with access to Blackboard which contains subject resources, administrative information, study guides, submission deadlines and a discussion forum.

What will I study?

If you join the programme on a full-time basis you will undertake a taught module and independent study in the first semester. The taught module will examine critical approaches to postgraduate study in the humanities, while a further module will involve working independently to facilitate the construction of a literature review, commentary and initial bibliography.

During the second semester, full-time students will complete a second taught module, focusing on research philosophies and methodologies, and begin work on a dissertation which will be due for submission in August.

If you study on a part-time basis over two years, you will complete the taught modules and literature review across three semesters in year 1 (including over the summer months) before concentrating on your dissertation in year 2, ready for submission the following August.

How will I study?

This programme is designed to allow considerable flexibility with a focus on independent and student-driven study. Taught modules require attendance at face-to-face sessions for one evening per week during semesters one and two. The literature review and dissertation will be taught through one-to-one sessions with an academic supervisor arranged at mutually convenient times.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme provides a flexible and student-driven approach to Masters level study. Therefore, both the dissertation and the module on constructing a literature review will be taught largely through one-to-one meetings with supervisors.

The academic supervisor you are allocated will have subject expertise in your chosen field of research, as such they will be ideally placed to support you in developing knowledge and skills specific to your chosen dissertation topic.

The two taught modules on the programme, which explore critical approaches to postgraduate study in the humanities and research philosophies and methodologies, are taught by a team of experienced academic staff who have a range of methodological and research skills. The department also runs regular research conferences and hosts lectures by visiting speakers to which students will be invited.

How will I be assessed?

A range of assessment methods will be used on the programme. The dissertation is predominately assessed based on the 25,000-word written thesis, followed by viva examination. The dissertation topic will also be the subject of a conference paper which will be given within the department. Presentations as well as essays will be undertaken as part of the taught modules on research approaches and methods. You will also be asked to write a personal development plan which will ask you to consider your rationale for undertaking the MRes award and outline your future career and/or study plans.

What are my career prospects?

An MRes qualification will significantly enhance your CV and improve your future employment prospects. It could be a crucial step towards a career in areas including the creative industries, education, publishing, the media and heritage industries. The skills and experience acquired through an MRes programme also provide essential preparation for progressing to higher research qualifications, such as MPhil and PhD.

Further study at Edge Hill University

The MRes provides a stepping stone for research leading to an MPhil or PhD.

Related Programmes

Taught Masters Degrees

• MA English
• MA History and Culture
• MA Popular Culture

Research Degrees

• MRes English Language
• MRes English Literature
• MRes History
• MRes Humanities

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry-standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision.

How do I apply?

Apply online at www.ukpass.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyukpass for more information on the application process.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees are £4,320 per annum for full-time study on this programme in academic year 2012/13. Part-time postgraduate students in academic year 2012/13 will pay £250 per 10 credit module, £500 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 60 credit module. Information for UK and EU students only. Full-time fees for international postgraduate students are £11,500pa for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you are a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradopendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many postgraduate study fairs taking place across the UK and Ireland.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Dr Alyson Brown, Department of English and History, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657175
• Email: browna@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should contact the Centre of International Education by calling +44 1695 584489 or emailing international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries.

Modules

Critical Approaches to Postgraduate Studies in the Humanities introduces you to shared concepts and themes in studying language, literature, history, film and culture. The module will place these themes and concepts in a historical context and introduce you to relevant issues concerning them (for example, debates around postmodernism and postfeminism). You will be encouraged to recognise and explore the social relevance of differing approaches and perspectives. The module will also introduce you to the wider significance of taught postgraduate study and the humanities through personal development planning.

Research Philosophies and Methodologies introduces you to the importance of research for advanced study. The module examines the different ways in which the concept of research can be understood in relation to the humanities; the key concepts, themes and terms employed in literary, language, historical and cultural research; and what is meant by, and involved in, undertaking interdisciplinary research. You will be directed to key resources such as libraries, archives and online databases. The module is underpinned by the recognition that advanced students need guidance in organising, structuring and managing their research as well as carefully honed analytic skills which enable assessment of the relevance and value of primary materials.

Literature Review, Commentary and Initial Bibliography facilitates early engagement with critical material relevant to individual research topics. You will undertake a survey of the scholarly work published in your area and assess the topics, trends and approaches that categorise the specific critical discourse. The module will engage you with definitive and contemporary theoretical texts and respond to these by formulating a commentary that explores key approaches and methodologies.

Dissertation provides the opportunity to undertake in-depth and extended research into your chosen subject matter. An appropriate supervisor (or team of supervisors) will guide you in developing a detailed and sustained line of analysis that is personal to your research interests. Developing both oral and written skills, the module will foster guided independent inquiry that will culminate in a critical work of substantial length and sustained inquiry which will be subject to a viva examination. Students will also be required to present a conference paper, within the department, on their chosen research topic.