Digital Documentaries (MA)

How will I be taught?

Most modules involve a mixture of lectures, workshops and practical demonstrations. In a lecture you will be given an overview of a particular aspect of the module content and will have opportunities to ask questions and be reflective.

Classes and workshops enable you to learn the practice of film-making using up to date camera, sound and editing technology. 

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods vary from module to module but, across your degree scheme as a whole, you can expect a mixture of coursework, essays, practical work, presentations, and individual and group projects. The dissertation project will allow you to develop a film and portfolio on a subject of your choosing.

How will I be supported?

The University offers a wealth of support for postgraduate students. These include:

Learning Central

Learning Central is the University’s virtual learning environment.  All programme and module materials are posted here for students to access before, during and after lectures.

Libraries

A variety of hard and electronic copies of books, journals and databases are available for participants on the programme. Many journals and books are also available electronically.

Personal Tutor System

You will be allocated a Personal Tutor. This member of academic staff will maintain an overview of your learning and educational experiences. If you are experiencing difficulties, your Personal Tutor will be there to listen and where possible provide professional guidance or else direct you to the appropriate source of support.

The Student Advisory Service

A free, impartial, non-judgemental and confidential service on a wide range of personal, financial and academic matters is available to you.

Disability & Dyslexia Service

Confidential advice and support is provided for you if you are disabled or have a specific learning difficulty (dyslexia) or long term medical condition.

Counselling Service

The Cardiff University Counselling Service provides members of the university community with an opportunity to examine issues that prevent them from maximising their full potential and to explore options for change. The Counselling Service is confidential and free of charge. It has had international recognition as a Centre for Excellence for individual and group counselling.

The Graduate Centre

The Centre is on the 3rd floor of the Students’ Union Building in Park Place, and serves all enrolled postgraduate taught and research students at Cardiff University, offering facilities and activities specifically designed for the postgraduate community

Feedback

At key production points you will receive individual feedback on your films and projects.  Workshops and group work also provide support from peers and input from tutors.

What are the learning outcomes of this course/programme?

Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• a professional sense of what a documentary is and the ability to evaluate and interpret the assumptions underlying it;
• an understanding of how to develop an idea from paper to screen and understand the requirements of different audiences and markets;
• an understanding of the need to achieve clarity and precision in the use of language and images, and the techniques by which this can be achieved;
•  an ability to use standard software packages and hardware in your chosen medium, and be confident about your ability to learn how to use variants
• a critical awareness of contemporary practices and theories of documentary film making

Intellectual Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• the critical ability to justify and rigorously apply appropriate methodologies, techniques and practical strategies; as well being sensitive in the context of this application.
•  competence in synthesising the complexities and unpredictability of researching and producing a factual programme.
• the capability to experiment with and critically evaluate documentary form with confidence and initiate this to a professional level
• a pro-actively ethical awareness in film-making through managing ethical dilemmas and finding solutions
• self-reflective learning in order to improve professional practice and develop autonomy. 

Professional Practical Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• the ability to identify and construct the building blocks for a narrative
• competence to write clear, precise, attractive proposals, treatments, and commentary that is appropriate for research, pictures and for all production requirements.
• capability to budget and to evaluate and apply the resources needed for making a documentary
• capability in scheduling a shoot taking into account risk and hazard assessment
• a professional approach in the conduct of interviews with and the ability to evaluate sources for research and on camera;
• competence to participate effectively in various roles within the production process;
• the necessary skills to edit video and to work to a broadcast standard;
• the ability to use a camera to shoot professional TV footage
• listening and viewing skills to judge and critique documentary output and relate it to your own practice.
• the ability to record, develop and understand the need for good quality audio in a production;

Transferable/Key Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• competence to communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and practical means
• an ability to evaluate quickly a large amount of information and opinion and to adapt this into an audio/visual piece of work
• an ability to work effectively in a team and as an individual
• capacity to work under pressure and to a range of timescales to fit the requirements of programme tasks and outputs.
• awareness of relevant health, safety and ethical guidelines for all media practice.