UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

  1. Awarding Institution / Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution
/ University of Central Lancashire
Preston Campus
  1. University Department/Centre
/ Journalism, Media and Communication
  1. External Accreditation
/ No
  1. Title of Final Award
/ BA Combined Honours Film Production (Joint)
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full and part time
  1. UCAS Code
/ Y003
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies, Art and Design
  1. Other external influences
/ ‘Skillset’ qualifications(s)
‘Apple’ qualification(s)
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ June 2010
  1. Aims of the Programme

  • To develop practical and creative film making skills necessary for graduates seeking work in the media

  • To develop technical and transferable skills that are necessary for graduates seeking work in the media industry

  • To develop aesthetic approaches related to the production of audio visual media.

  • To develop students’ ability to innovate, research and develop film work of high quality, based on creative use of narrative and experimental fiction and non-fiction film.

  • To enable students to acquire experience of studying and analysing a range of filmic texts.

  • To develop and apply practical and critical research skills.

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Demonstrate an understanding of Film Production and Practice techniques.
A2. Demonstrate a contextual understanding of the students’ own work and that of their peers in terms of current and historical practice (including the arts, social uses and the media and film industries) and to express this in written form, oral presentations and group discussions.
A3. Independent research around media and critical issues, to use these to understand, develop and apply complex arguments in formal presentations and written forms.
A4. Produce filmic work in the form of short fiction, documentary or experimental films to professional standard suitable for public and professional dissemination.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course combines a practical, creative and contextual approach to filmmaking with a critical and reflective approach to film theory and philosophy. Throughout all levels there is a strong emphasis on encouraging students to draw out their individual creative and technical strengths and experiences to in order to produce film work, at best innovative film practice. The approach to teaching both the practical, technical and critical aspects of film production is ultimately aimed at extending the student’s confidence and ability to fulfil this aim. The course aims also to mirror the high levels of competence demanded at industry level.
Assessment methods
Production of practice-based film work, including journals and supporting paperwork and documentation, peer observation, self-evaluations and marked oral presentations and screenings of work.
B.Subject-specific skills
B1. Demonstrate a professional level of ability to produce pieces of short film, documentary, fiction and experimental, with an emphasis on the creative process, ideas development, pitching ideas, key narrative and non-narrative structures, generic conventions (all routes) and the technical aspects of audio visual media production.
B2. Produce filmic texts to a professional level suitable for public dissemination
B3. Demonstrate the ability to contextualise one’s practice-based work in the wider arts and industry arena.
Teaching and Learning Methods
There is a structured progression of practice-based work from level 1 through to the final year practical projects for Major and Joint routes. Modules are designed to ensure that in the earlier part of the course each student explores a range of approaches, from which they can selectively build their own in-depth practice at later stages. The development of each individual student’s strengths will as a practitioner will lead to the production in the final year of a highly developed body of work for Major and Joint students,reflecting their own concerns. Minor students follow the same practice-based path as Major and Joint students, choosing fewer options, up to the final year, when they engage in a written critical piece as opposed to producing a body of filmic work. The teaching and learning methods mirror film and media industry processes, in order to introduce students to keep professional practices, including the understanding of audiences, funding, festival and competition opportunities and markets.
Assessment methods
Practical work, including the production of a filmic text or texts, journals and supporting paperwork and documentation, peer observation, self-evaluations and marked oral presentations and screenings.
C.Thinking Skills
C1. Actively research and explore context of practice-based work and apply practice as research methodologies.
C2. Research, explore, test and apply relevant theoretical ideas and methodologies.
C3. Develop ability to research and test a range of technologies and aesthetic approaches related to the production of audio visual media.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Theory is reflected in the practice at all levels of the course. Not only are there separate modules teaching theoretical methodologies of media and film structure, generic conventions and philosophy, but practice-based theory is incorporated into the practical sessions, as is film history and context.
Core theory modules explore issues of application to one’s practice as well as the exploration of key ideas in the wider historical, socio-political and geopolitical aesthetic contexts. Lecture based modules develop the link with critical ideas by including both formal lectures and student presentations about suitable contextual work and more informal group discussions about the students’ and other work in context.
Assessment methods
Written assignments and marked oral presentations.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Ability to evaluate ideas, work in progress and final work, in terms of expectations of the industry and to be able to approach the industry with confidence in their own practice-based work.
D2. Ability to work to briefs and meet deadlines.
D3. Development of collaborative and communication skills.
D4. The ability to express different creative and aesthetic styles of filmmaking, demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness.
Teaching and Learning Methods
At each level the course focuses on professional industry approaches to independent and innovative work. Comparison with and analysis of professionally produced work is used to benchmark work against industry standards. Presentations and contextualisation of increasing complexity and professionalism in each level support the emphasis on employability. Guest lectures from renowned industry professionals, visits to festivals and external workshops will further enhance this.
Assessment methods
Practical work, including the production of a filmic text or texts, including journals, peer observation, self evaluation and marked oral presentations and screenings.
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 6 / AV3010
AV3030
AV3990/
FI3991
AV3991
AV3020 / Practical Project 3 (Compulsory)
Practical Project 4 (Optional)
Dissertation (Optional)
Short Dissertation (Optional)
A Critical Review (Optional) / 20
20
40
20
20 / Bachelor Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits including a minimum of 220 at Level 5 and 100 at Level 6
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 180 at Level 5 and 100 at Level 6
Level 5 / AV2070
AV2080
AV2050
FI2474
AV2020
AV2030
AV2041
FI2302 / Sound Design (Compulsory/Optional)
or
Experimental Film (Compulsory/Optional)
Social Issues Filmmaking (compulsory/optional)
Thinking Through Film (Compulsory/Optional)
Researching and Writing for Film and Television Documentary (optional)
Adaptations (compulsory/optional – dependent on route chosen)
Documentary Production (compulsory/optional)
Study of Non Fiction Film (Compulsory/Optional) / 20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20 / HE Diploma
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 180 at Level 4 or above and 40 at Level 5.
Level 4 / AV1031
AV1032 / Introduction to Video (Compulsory)
Introduction to Documentary (Compulsory) / 20
20 / HE Certificate
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 4 or above.
15.Personal Development Planning
The Personal Development Planning process is implemented at different levels: at personal tutor levels, at module level and at University level. In compulsory Personal Tutor tutorials, students’ strengths and weaknesses are identified and discussed at least twice per semester. The university student diary is instrumental in the implementation of the process at this level and students are encouraged to utilise their PDP to track progress, identify their own skills, qualities and capabilities. At module level all assignments contain a large proportion of self evaluation in either written or oral form and the normal feedback procedures are used to track development at assignment level. Tutors will compare the students’ self set targets with their actual achievements and the tutor’s assessment, out of this feedback loop new targets will be set and tracked again through the personal tutor system. Students are at all time encouraged to keep up to date with their learning and development by utilising the Student’ Union “I” facility.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
The University’s minimum standard entry requirements for degree level study is a 12 unit profile, made up from one of the following:
1.1 At least two A2 level subjects including
One A2 level subject plus one single award Advanced VCE
One double or two single award(s) Advanced VCE
Specific entry requirements for this course are:
GCE ‘A’ Level –220 points. Subjects should normally include at least
one of Media Studies, Film Studies, Art or Photography
Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate subject area - at least Merit overall.
BTEC in an appropriate subject areas - at least Merit overall.
Open College Stage B in an appropriate subject area - 60% or above
In addition, candidates should normally have GCSE English
at grade C or above, or equivalent.
International Students are required to have passed the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum of 6.5
Other acceptable qualifications include:
Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
International Baccalaureate
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
Kite marked Access Course
17.Key sources of information about the programme




18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / B1 / B2 / B3 / C1 / C2 / C3 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
LEVEL 6 / AV3010 / Practical Project 3 / COMP / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV3030 / Practical Project 4 / O / X / X / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV3990 / Dissertation / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV3991 / Research Project / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV3020 / A Critical Review / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
LEVEL 5 / AV2070 / Sound Design / COMP/O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV2080 / Experimental Film / COMP/O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV2050 / Social Issues Filmmaking / C / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV2006 / Thinking Through Film / COMP/O / x / x / x / x / x
FI2301 / Study of Non Fiction Film / COMP/O / X / X / X / X / X / x
AV2020 / Researching & Writing Film & TV Documentary / O / X / X / X / X / X / X / x / x / X / X / X / X / x
AV2030 / Adaptations / COMP/O / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / x
AV2040 / Documentary Production / COMP/O / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / x
LEVEL 4 / AV1031 / Introduction to Video / COMP / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV1032 / Introduction to Documentary / COMP / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x

Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification Programme Specification for Subject Film and TV Screenwriting.

Joint Route

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

1Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

  1. Awarding Institution / Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
/ University of Central Lancashire
Preston Campus
  1. University Department/Centre
/ Journalism, Media and Communication
  1. External Accreditation
/ No
  1. Title of Final Award
/ BA Combined Honours Screenwriting (Joint )
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full Time
  1. UCAS Code
/ Y003
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ Communication , Art & Design
  1. Other external influences
/ N/A
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ June 2011
  1. Aims of the Programme

To develop in students the ability to produce innovative work of high quality, in Film and TV Screenwriting that is based on creative use of narrative
To provide a course that encourages development in practical work and critical, technical and transferable skills that will be of benefit to graduates seeking work in the media industry
To provide a flexible course that will enable students to initially acquire experience of studying a range of screenwriting and related disciplines, to help identify their particular strengths and interests, and to offer, at higher levels, the opportunity to develop one area in sufficient depth to provide a sound grounding for professional and/or postgraduate work
To further provide a sound grounding in issues around writing for film and TV which will underpin post-university work and postgraduate study
To develop transferable skills of self evaluation, independent research and project management and development
  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1 Demonstrate an understanding of Film, Television and Radio Scriptwriting techniques.
A2. Demonstrate a contextual understanding of the students own work and that of their peers in terms of current and historical practice (including arts, social uses and the media industry) and to express this in written form, spoken presentations and discussions.
A3. Produce extended format work to professional standard suitable for public and professional dissemination.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The co The course combines a reflective, critical approach with practical work. Throughout all levels there is a strong emphasis on encouraging students to draw on their individual strengths and experiences in order to produce fresh and, at best, innovative work. All skills teaching and critical work is ultimately aimed at extending the student’s confidence and ability to fulfil this aim. The course aims also to mirror the high levels of competence demanded at industry-level.
Assessment methods
Practical work, including scripts and supporting documentation, and evaluations.
B.Subject-specific skills
B1. Demonstrate a professional level of ability to use Film & TV Screenwriting techniques, with an emphasis on ideas development, pitching, key narrative structures, generic conventions, characterisation, character development, dialogue and writing for visual media.
B2. Demonstrate a practical level of competence in translating the script from page to screen, through practical experience of producing a short film and/or other scripts and treatments.
B3. Produce more extended Film, TV and Radio scriptwriting work potentially suitable for industry or independent production
B4. Use industry-standard layout and conventions in writing screenplays and other key documents – including treatments, story outlines, step-outlines and TV formats. Make oral pitches to a professional standard.
Teaching and Learning Methods
There will be a structured progression of practical work from the introductory stages to the final year projects. Modules are designed to ensure that in the earlier part of the course each student explores a range of approaches, from which they can selectively build their own in-depth practice at later stages. The development of each individual student's strengths as a practitioner will lead to the production, in the final year, of a highly developed body of work, reflecting their own concerns. The teaching and learning methods mirror industry script development processes, in order to induct students into key practices based on script editing and rewriting.
Assessment methods
Practical work, including scripts and supporting documentation, evaluations and marked presentations.
C.Thinking Skills
C1. The student will actively test and explore relevant theoretical ideas as well as current industry ‘conventional wisdom’ in developing their own creative practice.
C2. Demonstrate more complex critical awareness of Screenwriting by critically discussing and appraising their own work and that of their peers.
C3. Develop the ability to reflect on critical feedback, assess its usefulness and apply it to strengthen successive drafts.
C4. Communication and the presentation of sustained and persuasive written (and oral) arguments
Teaching and Learning Methods
Theory should not be simply illustrated in the practice, nor become a prescribed straitjacket that students must adhere to. Active testing and exploration of relevant theoretical ideas play an important role in the development of creative practice. Core modules explore cultural theories of particular importance; some of these are generally offered to all students, others look more specifically at writing in particular. Modules will continue to develop the link with critical ideas by including both formal lectures and more informal group discussions about the students' and other work
Assessment methods
Written assignments and marked presentations.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. The ability to evaluate ideas, work in progress and final work, in terms of the expectations of the industry, and to be able to approach the industry with confidence in their own work.
D2. The ability to work to briefs and hit deadlines.
D3. The development of collaborative and communication skills.
D4. The ability to express different creative writing styles, demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness.
Teaching and Learning Methods
At each level the course focuses on professional approaches to independent and innovative work. Comparison with and analysis of professionally produced work is used to benchmark work against industry standards. Client pitches and presentations of increasing complexity and professionalism in each level support this emphasis on employability. Guest lectures from renowned industry professionals, visits to festivals and external workshops will further enhance this.
Assessment methods
Practical work, including scripts and supporting documentation, evaluations and marked presentations.
13.Programme Structures Joint / 14.Awards and Credits
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating / Bachelor Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits including a minimum of 220 at Level 5 or above and 100 at Level 6
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 180 at Level 5 or above and 60 at Level 6
HE Diploma
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 5 or above
HE Certificate
Requires a minimum of 120 credits at Level 4
Level 6 / FI3991
PV3203
AV3990
AV3020
PV3004 / Dissertation (O)
SW Practical 4 (Comp)
Research Project (O)
Critical Review (O)
Script Analysis (O) / 40 credits
40 credits
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
Level 5 / PV2030
PV2031
PV2032
PV2034
FI2474 / SW Practical 1 (Comp)
SW Practical 2 (Comp)
Writing Comedy (O)
Scriptwriting For Radio (O)
Thinking Through Film (O) / 40 credits
40 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
Level 4
3 Subject Start-Up / PV1030
PV1031
PV1032
PV1033
PV1034 / Introduction to SW (Comp)
Script to screen (Comp)
Writing Comedy (O)
TV Drama & Serials (O)
Introduction To Radio Writing (O) / 20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
20 credits
Level 4
2 Subject Start-Up / PV1030
PV1031 / Introduction to SW (Comp)
Script to screen (Comp) / 20 credits
20 credits
15. Personal Development Planning
The Personal Development Planning process is implemented at different levels: at personal tutor level, at module level and at University level. In compulsory Personal Tutor tutorials, students strengths and weaknesses are identified and discussed at least twice per semester.
The university’s student diary is instrumental in the implementation of the process at this level and students are encouraged to utilise PDP to track progress, identify their own skills, qualities and capabilities. At module level all assignments contain a large proportion of self evaluation in either written or oral form and the normal feedback procedures are used to track development at assignment level.
Tutors will compare the students self set targets with their actual achievements and the tutors assessment, out of this feedback loop new targets will be set and tracked again through the Personal tutor system. Students are at all times encouraged to keep up to date with their learning and development by utilising the Students Union ‘i’ facility.
16.Admissions criteria
The University’s minimum standard entry requirements for degree level study is a 12 unit profile, made up from one of the following:
1.1.1.1.1.1.1At least two A2 level subjects including
One A2 level subject plus one single award Advanced VCE
One double or two single award(s) Advanced VCE
Specific entry requirements for this course are:
GCE ‘A’ Level –240 points. Subjects should normally include at least
one of English Literature, Drama and Media Studies or Film Studies.
Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate subject area - at least Merit overall.
BTEC in an appropriate subject areas - at least Merit overall.
Open College Stage B in an appropriate subject area - 60% or above
In addition, candidates should normally have GCSE English
at grade C or above, or equivalent.
International Students are required to have passed the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum of 6.5
Other acceptable qualifications include:
Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
International Baccalaureate
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
Kite marked Access Course
17. Key Sources




Mike Ward, Head of School, Journalism, Media and Communication

Alan Keegan Team leader, Media Practice, ME231 ext 3907
Bill McCoid Film and TV Film an Screenwriting ME330 ext 5991]

18.1Curriculum Skills Map Joint
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
LEVEL 6 / A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
PV3203 / SW Practical 4 / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
FI3991 / Dissertation / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV3020 / Critical Review / O / x / x / x / x / x / x
AV3990 / Research Project / O / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV3004 / Script analysis / O / x / x / X / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV2030 / SW Practical 1 / COMP / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
LEVEL5 / PV2031 / SW Practical 2 / COMP / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV2032 / Comedy Writing / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV2034 / Writing for Radio Drama / O
FI2474 / Thinking Through Film / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
LEVEL 4 / PV1030 / Intro to SW / COMP / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV1012 / Film Practice and Theory / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV1031 / Script to Screen / COMP / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV1032 / Writing Comedy / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV1033 / Writing TV Drama & Serials / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
PV1009 / The Short Film / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x

Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks