Screen and Media Studies (2022)

Screen based media (film, tv, animation, digital games, ICTs) form an essential and necessary part of life in the 21st century - they inform, represent, thrill, shock, disgust, shape our thinking, direct our work patterns and practices, and broaden our social and communication experiences. A BA or BSocSc degree, majoring in Screen and Media Studies, or a BDes, majoring in Media Design, provides students with valuable creative and critical skills, and transferrable body of knowledge necessary to achieve success in media-dependant occupations. Studying Screen and Media provides a multi-disciplinary education (film & cultural studies, philosophy, psychology, communication studies, sociology, political-economy and more) that equips students with the ability to think critically, apply theory and research to understand how different aspects of culture and society function, and professional skills in writing and production applicable to film, television, documentary, animation, sound and interactive media. Screen and Media Studies lecturers possess expertise in a diverse range of theoretical and research approaches, creative practices and medium-specific knowledge. During degree study students are encouraged to take advantage of a broad range of opportunities to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in telling their own stories and exploring their individual passions and interests. Screen and Media provides a supportive creative environment and research-empowering learning context for students to better understand human-media interactions.

Screen and Media Studies is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Screen and Media Studies may also be taken as a second major or minor, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Screen and Media Studies as a single major in the BA or the BSocSc, students must gain 135 points in papers listed for Screen and Media Studies, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete MEDIA100, MEDIA200 and MEDIA201.

To complete Screen and Media Studies as part of a double major for the BA, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points in papers listed for Screen and Media Studies, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete MEDIA100, MEDIA200 and MEDIA201.

To complete a minor in Screen and Media Studies, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Screen and Media Studies major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

Note: MEDIA102 is the prerequisite for MEDIA202, and MEDIA202 is the prerequisite for MEDIA302.

Note: Students are encouraged to contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office for programme advice.


On this page


  • Prescriptions for the GradCert(SMSt) and GradDip(SMSt)

    A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Screen and Media Studies at an advanced level in their first degree.

    To complete a Graduate Certificate, students must complete 60 points, including 15 points from MEDIA100 or MEDIA102 and 45 points from 300-Level MEDIA coded papers.

    To complete a Graduate Diploma, students must complete 120 points including 90 points of MEDIA coded papers, (15 points at 100 or 200-level and 75 points at 300-Level or above).

    For further details, contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office.

  • Prescriptions for the PGCert(SMSt), PGDip(SMSt), BA(Hons), BMCT(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MMCT

    Note that COMPX543 and DSIGN532 may not be taken towards the BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons) or MA in Screen and Media Studies.

    To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Screen and Media Studies, students must complete 120 points at 500 level in Screen and Media Studies, including at least 30 points in research, normally MEDIA591 or an equivalent approved by the Programme Convenor, and at least 30 further points from papers listed for Screen and Media Studies.

    To complete a BMCT(Hons) (China only) in Screen and Media Studies, students must complete 120 points at 500 level including MEDIA501, MEDIA591 and 60 points chosen from COMPX543, DSIGN532, GLOBE589, MEDIA504, MEDIA506, MEDIA507 and MEDIA508.

    To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA in Screen and Media Studies students must have completed either:

    a) a BA with a major in Screen and Media Studies (or equivalent) with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or

    b) a BA(Hons) in Screen and Media Studies (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or a PGDip (or equivalent) in a relevant subject with at least a B average, and

    c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.

    Completion requirements for the MA in Screen and Media Studies vary according to admission criteria:

    Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including MEDIA501, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation.

    Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.

    Candidates for the MMCT in Screen and Media Studies should normally have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in a relevant discipline and have achieved at least a B average.

    NOTE: Students applying for the MMCT will be required to submit a portfolio comprised of examples of written or practical work (film, animation, VR etc).

    Students can choose one of the following options to complete their MMCT in 1 calendar year, or 1.5 calendar years.

    Option 1: Creative Practice-Based MMCT - Students must complete 180 points at 500 level including: MEDIA501 and MEDIA508, and either 30 points from any other 500 level papers offered by the University and MEDIA593, or MEDIA594.

    Option 2: Traditional Research-Based MMCT - Students must complete 180 points at 500 level including: MEDIA501, and MEDIA507, and either 30 points from any other 500 level papers offered by the University and MEDIA593, or MEDIA594

    Option 3: School of Arts/Design MMCT - Students must complete 180 points at 500 level which must include: MEDIA501 and MEDIA592, and a further 90 points from MEDIA504, MEDIA506, either MEDIA507 or MEDIA508, MEDIA590 or any other 30 point 500 level paper offered by the University. Students cannot take both MEDIA507 and MEDIA508.

  • Prescriptions for the MPhil

    The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • Prescriptions for the PhD

    The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    MEDIA100Understanding Visual Culture15.022A (Hamilton) & 22X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    Our lives are dominated by still and moving images and visual technologies. This paper will constitute an important first step in learning to understand how images variously work to convey ideas, their impact and influence on our behaviour, thinking and culture. It draws on a broad theoretical platform from aesthetics, art history,...
    MEDIA101Media, Culture and Society15.022B (Hamilton)
    Do you ever pause to reflect on the media content that you engage with on a daily basis? Your product choices (e.g. smartphones), or practices (e.g. Googling)? Or how particular media structures are shaping our lives? In this paper students learn to understand the importance of developing a critical perspective on who owns and cont...
    MEDIA102Film Production 1: Telling Stories15.022B (Hamilton) & 22X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience capturing, constructing and manipulating both audio and moving image in the process of designing, shooting and editing digital short films.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    MEDIA200Acts of Representation15.022B (Hamilton)
    This paper establishes a conceptual awareness of acts of representation across visual, audiovisual and musical mediums, and facilitates the development of skills that allow us to analyse and engage with mediatised representational practices in critical and creative ways.
    MEDIA201Conducting Media Research15.022B (Hamilton)
    How do we convert our questions into knowledge? This paper explores research as a process of inquiry that can lead to different results. Media researchers employ a wide range of research techniques in order to understand individual and societal experience with all forms of media, as well as examining the roles of media creators. In...
    MEDIA202Film Production 2: Experimentation and Creativity15.022A (Hamilton) & 22X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    Students are challenged to extend their creative practice beyond the conventions of narrative film making. Working with moving image and sound, students work in teams to experiment with the affordances of the medium and extend their own creative thinking and strategies.
    MEDIA203Digital Arts and Cultures15.022X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    The 21st century has seen a fundamental shift from analogue to digital media systems. This paper will discuss some major aesthetic approaches and theoretical perspectives that have been developed as a means of explaining what is distinctive about digital media and its artistic and cultural applications (aka creative practices using...
    WRITE205Writing for the Screen15.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper explores foundational concepts in writing for the screen and develops practical skills in the application of these concepts during workshop sessions. The paper is organised around four main topic areas: world-making, characters, structures, and scenes/sequences. Students will produce a portfolio of writing, including pro...
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    MEDIA300Contemporary Television15.022A (Online)
    Contemporary television has drastically changed how we tell stories. Over the past two decades, the shift in long-form televisual narrative has resulted in an abundance of high-quality TV dramas that challenge cinematic storytelling. This paper reflects on these changes and asks students to evaluate the success of high-end producer...
    MEDIA301Animation15.022A (Hamilton) & 22X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    While providing a broad critical and historical context of animation and animated films, this paper introduces students to key principles, techniques, cultural expressions, aesthetic approaches and applications for animation. Students are encouraged to explore conceptual approaches, and apply these to innovative creative projects o...
    MEDIA302Film Production 3: From Concept to Screen15.022A (Hamilton) & 22X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    Do you want to create a festival-ready short film? Develop your creative practice in filmmaking and challenge yourself with a hands-on practical paper that builds on the skills acquired in MEDIA102 and MEDIA202. Students hone their craft in several areas, including: cinematography, sound design, scriptwriting and directing to produ...
    MEDIA304Documentary15.022B (Hamilton)
    Students explore documentary theory and practice by examining a range of forms associated with documentary culture, including documentary photography, feature film documentary, 'mockumentary', reality gameshows, and animated documentary.
    MEDIA305Interactive Media Design15.022B (Hamilton) & 22X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    Create your own interactive projects that expand your creative practice. Students will engage with contemporary arts practices to devise audio-visual installations, evaluate the rise of interactivity in gaming and VR, and create projects that blend different media formats.
    MEDIA309Game, Play and Society15.022G (Online)
    This paper examines interactive digital gaming as a technological, aesthetic and social phenomenon that constitutes a distinct form of expression and discrete category of cultural activity. Students will understand the affordances of games and explore key principles of game design.
    MEDIA390Directed Study15.022A (Hamilton), 22B (Hamilton) & 22D (Hamilton)
    Students who have a passion for a particular topic or issue, or who wish to further explore scholarly questions raised during their degree papers can opt to complete a supervised independent research dissertation. Students will get to work closely with a staff member from Screen Media, who will guide them through the research proce...
  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    DSIGN532Information Visualisation15.022A (Online)
    This paper aims to provide an awareness of the potential offered by information visualisation techniques, a familiarity with the underlying concepts, and an understanding and ability to effectively design and apply information visualisations in a given context.
    MEDIA501Critical and Creative Approaches to Research30.022A (Hamilton), 22A (Online) & 22B (Online)
    This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and processual activity as well as the roles of interdisciplinary projects in creating unique methodological and conceptual media research.
    MEDIA504Media Design and Aesthetics30.0No occurrences
    Audio-visual media are undergoing continual transformations that question the roles of makers and audiences alike. Students are encouraged to experiment with sensory perception in order to question current notions of aesthetics in relation to cultural practices and media creations. This process of reflection encourages critical perspectives on existing and potential design practices, and contributes to re-evaluating the relationships between the self, digital media, audio-visual technologies, and aesthetics.
    MEDIA507Theory and Research in Action30.022B (Hamilton)
    Have you got a topic you are passionate about to research? This supervised paper provides students the opportunity to engage with primary texts in preparation for writing their dissertation. You will explore research design frameworks which will support the completion of a robust dissertation.
    MEDIA508Creative Practice Research30.022A (Hamilton) & 22B (Hamilton)
    Are you a creative practitioner that wants to experiment with practice-led research? This supervised paper offers a site for experimentation and development of a practical project to be included in a final dissertation.
    MEDIA590Directed Study30.022A (Hamilton), 22B (Hamilton) & 22H (Hamilton)
    Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a research topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and supervision of a lecturer from the programme. The output may be entirely a written report or a balance of creative practice and written report. This paper offers a sound first step ...
    MEDIA591Dissertation30.022A (Hamilton), 22B (Hamilton) & 22D (Hamilton)
    Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and supervision of a lecturer from the programme. The outcome is a report of approx 10,000 words or equivalent on the findings of a theoretical, empirical or practice-led investigation in the fi...
    MEDIA592Dissertation60.022I (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton)
    Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and supervision of a lecturer from the programme. The outcome is a report of approx 15,000 - 20,000 words or equivalent on the findings of a theoretical, empirical or practice-led investigation ...
    MEDIA593Screen and Media Studies Thesis90.022X (Hamilton)
    Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and supervision of a lecturer from the programme. The outcome is a report of approx. 30,000 words or equivalent on the findings of a theoretical, empirical or practice-led investigation in the f...
    MEDIA594Screen and Media Studies Thesis120.022X (Hamilton)
    This paper provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and supervision of a lecturer from the programme. The outcome is a report of approx 40,000 - 50,000 words or equivalent on the findings of a theoretical, empirical or practice-led inv...
  • 800 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    MEDIA800Screen and Media Studies MPhil Thesis120.022X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
  • 900 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    MEDIA900Screen and Media Studies PhD Thesis120.022I (Hamilton), 22J (Hamilton), 22K (Hamilton), 22L (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
    MEDIA901Screen and Media Studies Creative Practice PhD Thesis120.022I (Hamilton), 22J (Hamilton), 22K (Hamilton) & 22X (Hamilton)
    No description available.

2022 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 7 December 2023 9:06am

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