Screen and Media Studies (2023)

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, either MEDIA200 or MEDIA207, 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, either MEDIA200 or MEDIA207, 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.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(SMSt) and GradDip(SMSt)
• Prescriptions for the PGCert(SMSt), PGDip(SMSt), BA(Hons), BMCT(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MMCT
• Prescriptions for the MPhil
• Prescriptions for the PhD
• 100 Level
• 200 Level
• 300 Level
• 500 Level
• 800 Level
• 900 Level

• 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, or 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
  MEDIA100	Understanding Visual Culture	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23X (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,...
  MEDIA101	Media, Culture and Society	15.0	23B (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...
  MEDIA102	Film Production 1: Telling Stories	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (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
  MEDIA201	Conducting Media Research	15.0	23B (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...
  MEDIA202	Film Production 2: Experimentation and Creativity	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23X (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.
  MEDIA203	Digital Arts and Cultures	15.0	23X (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...
  MEDIA207	Transmedia Storytelling	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This paper explores transmedia storytelling in a variety of contexts. Students will engage with narratives that are spread across multiple media platforms and develop a critical understanding of key concepts and frameworks.
  MEDIA220	Creative Media Production	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper will engage students with a client-based approach to media production. Students will be asked to produce creative projects adhering to strict criteria in a variety of media formats including film, animation, podcasts, audio-visual installations, and studio-based productions.
  WRITE205	Writing for the Screen	15.0	23A (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
  MEDIA300	Contemporary Television	15.0	23H (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...
  MEDIA301	Animation	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23X (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...
  MEDIA302	Film Production 3: From Concept to Screen	15.0	23X (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...
  MEDIA304	Documentary	15.0	23B (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.
  MEDIA305	Interactive Media Design	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (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.
  MEDIA309	Game, Play and Society	15.0	23G (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.
  MEDIA310	Human Interest Storytelling	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper will explore creative non-fiction audio-visual storytelling in a variety of contexts. Students will produce a portfolio of practical outputs within a human interest framework that focuses on specific social, cultural, and political issues.
  MEDIA320	Creative Media Project	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper provides an opportunity for students to develop and carry out a small scale creative media project with relative independence. Students will work with a supervisor to develop original creative content as a multi-platform experience.
  MEDIA330	Podcasting	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  Podcasting has become an increasingly popular way of telling stories, exploring issues and educating. This paper will explore this relatively new format introducing its emerging codes and conventions and developing scripts and production skills for producing podcasts.

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  MEDIA501	Critical and Creative Approaches to Research	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
  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.
  MEDIA504	Media Design and Aesthetics	30.0	23B (Hamilton)
  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 per...
  MEDIA507	Theory and Research in Action	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (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.
  MEDIA508	Creative Practice Research	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (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.
  MEDIA591	Dissertation	30.0	23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23D (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...
  MEDIA592	Dissertation	60.0	23X (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 ...
  MEDIA593	Screen and Media Studies Thesis	90.0	23X (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...
  MEDIA594	Screen and Media Studies Thesis	120.0	23X (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
  MEDIA800	Screen and Media Studies MPhil Thesis	120.0	23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.

• 900 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  MEDIA900	Screen and Media Studies PhD Thesis	120.0	23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.
  MEDIA901	Screen and Media Studies Creative Practice PhD Thesis	120.0	23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  No description available.