MA / POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ARTS
(Production and Direction)

Huston school of film & digital media

General

The MA in Production and Direction offers advanced training in film-making integrated with courses in film history and analysis.

Programme description

The programme is a full-time degree taken over a twelve-month period (September 2009 to August 2010). The year is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). The summer period will be used to complete a final short film. The programme offers training in film-making, integrated with courses in film history and analysis, supported by regular film screenings and workshops. The ethos of the programme is ’reflective practice’—that is, understanding production as a process informed by narrative analysis, cinematic traditions and creative discussion. Film criticism and theory will make up at least half of the course in addition to thorough discussion of production practice.

Students on this programme will work with teams from the MA (Public Advocacy) to realise short film projects and should be prepared to work flexibly in the various roles involved in the production process.

ECTS weighting

MA—90 ECTS
PDip—60 ECTS

Programme fee, academic year 2009–10

E.U. students: contact Fees Office. 
Non-E.U. students: €12,500*

*Subject to ratification

Please note: fees are correct at the time of online publication, but are subject to change (E&EO); non-E.U. fees must be paid in full prior to registration.

Application

Applications to this programme are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code above right.

Minimum entry requirements

The number of places is limited. You should have an honours primary degree (at least Second Class Honours in one subject, or a U.S. GPA 3.2). We also welcome applicants with substantial and relevant professional experience to apply. Such cases may be considered for exemption from the honours degree requirement, subject to appropriate arrangements such as a qualifying examination. These students will be required to register initially for a Postgraduate Diploma.

To supplement your online application you should include:

• a sample of film-making  (on DVD or VHS, accompanied
  with a precise description of your role in the production).
• two ideas (scripts or storyboards) for short films.
• two short critiques (200-400 words) of recent films or
  television programmes.
• An indication of your experience and preference for working
  in production, direction, camera, sound, and editing roles.

Selection criteria

Above all, applicants should be driven by a passion to make films that may influence attitudes or change opinions. Potential participants may also be invited to attend for interview.

Examination arrangements

The programme is assessed by a combination of exam, essay, and
project work.

Visitors and guest seminars

The Huston School hosts an extensive range of special events and guest seminars during the year, which students are expected to attend. Visitors since 2003 have included: John Boorman, Roddy Doyle, Colin MacCabe, Laura Mulvey, Howard Rodman, Mike Figgis, Peter Sheridan, Liz Gill, Paddy Breathnach, Alan Gilsenan, Maryann DeLeo and others. Over the last three years the Huston School has also hosted a series of international conferences: Early Cinema, Women in the Picture, most recently New Perspectives on the Quiet Man and New Scottish Cinema in November 2005.

Career opportunities

Production work in the film, television and audiovisual industries.

Programme content (subject to change)

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