Film, Radio and Television Studies (with pathways in Animation, Broadcasting, Film, Radio and Television)

Why Film, Radio and Television Studies?

This specialist media programme aims to enable students to understand, appreciate and participate in the media as a means of communication and creative expression. The programme offers an opportunity to develop and practise production skills in each of the three media, and to become familiar with appropriate critical and theoretical perspectives. The guiding philosophy of our programme is the integration of theory and practice where the emphasis is placed on understanding how the media functions institutionally and creatively.

The programme is located within the specialist production facilities of the Powell building on the Canterbury Campus, providing access to a wide range of production kit including a large wellequipped TV studio, digital video production equipment, 16mm film cameras, digital video editing systems, High Definition video and four digital and sound studios. The Department has formed links with both local and national radio, film and television companies. The programme’s Industry Advisory Panel is made up of industry professionals who offer advice, guidance and support to current students.

The programme has been running successfully for 30 years and can draw on a wealth of talent from former students and industry contacts working at all levels of the media industries for guest lectures, workshops and master-classes.

What will I study?

This versatile and exciting programme offers a range of specialist modules that enable students to combine practical media production with theoretical study.

For both single honours and combined honours students, there are practical and theoretical foundation modules which are compulsory. The practical modules introduce basic production skills and techniques related to the media and offer opportunities for individual and group production.

Students can do FRTV as an integrated programme, or can choose to focus their study through one of the programme’s pathways: Film, Radio, Television, Broadcasting or Animation. The specialist pathways are available in Year 2 after students have had the opportunity to experience all aspects of the programme.

Assessment in practical modules is based on coursework, which includes supporting documentation. Theoretical module assessment relies on coursework, seminar presentations and written examinations.

Learning and Teaching

lectures, seminars, tutorials, production boards, group critiques, pre- and post production, production dossiers, and directed independent study. Intellectual/cognitive skills are promoted through lectures, screenings, seminars and tutorials. The application of these skills is fostered in the thinking through of the theory/practice interchange. Subject specific skills are developed through the lectures, screenings, seminars, production boards, practical workshops and tutorials, and group critiques. Graduate skills are embedded into the programme. Development of graduate skills is supported, in particular, through tutorials and the use of PDP.

Assessment

Assessed via examination and coursework including essays, production dossiers, and practical productions. Intellectual skills are assessed through coursework and examination. The research and writing of the independent study at Level 6 provides the opportunity for the student to develop their cognitive/intellectual skills in a sustained and challenging way. Assessment of Subject Specific Skills takes place through coursework, written assignments, production dossiers, practical productions, and examinations. Feedback on graduate skills is provided during workshops and tutorials, and through other types of support provided for PDP.

What can I do next?

Although jobs in the media industry are competed for fiercely, students graduating from this programme have succeeded in securing positions such as producer, director, film and video editor, camera crew, sound recordist, researcher, and radio presenter.

Others have gained employment as media journalists and broadcasters, or teachers and lecturers. Usually further training or experience is required. Graduates may also go on to undertake higher degrees (MA or PhD) at Canterbury Christ Church University or elsewhere.

Special features

Thelma Schoonmaker-Powell, three-time Oscar winning editor of Martin Scorsese’s films, is an Honorary Fellow of the University and a guest lecturer on the Film, Radio and Television programme. The Industry Advisory Panel provides up-to-date contact with media industry professionals and enables close links to be established with potential employers.

Maria Filip
Film, Radio and Television Studies

I am very proud of the department I am studying in because they are very well organised and well equipped. They are very keen on developing our skills and encouraging the students to give the best they can. There are many guest speakers coming from the industry who give us a sense of what truly awaits us after university; I find that very useful.

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