Master of Arts in Film and Visual Media

Purpose

The purpose of this Master of Arts in Film and Visual Media qualification is to deliver learners who are able to critically view films in terms of both local and global, past and present cross-medial image traditions in the arts; to grasp the histories and theories surrounding film production and to self-reflectively integrate these forms of knowledge in their own research by producing a dissertation. Thus, it effectively integrates all the major strands of Film Studies: history, analysis, hermeneutics, theory and learners will mostly work independently, from planning the research project, taking the responsibility to regularly consult with the research supervisor, thus engaging in activities advocating mentorship and advancing scholarship.

Learners, with their acquired specialist knowledge, will be able to contribute, especially through their research, to the more sophisticated development of the growing film industry of South Africa.

Rationale

This qualification is interdisciplinary as it draws from the expertise of a range of disciplines from the departments of Art History and Visual Culture Studies, Drama and Theatre Arts, English, German, Afrikaans and Music. Academic staff from these departments will collaborate in the teaching of and research in this qualification. The combination of varied skills offered by this qualification makes this qualification at this level unique in South Africa.

An interdisciplinary qualification at Master's level had to be developed, as there is a need to contextualise the moving image among other theories of the image, of interpretation theory, performativity and of the philosophies and history of images at NQF Level 9. Equally important, an in-depth analysis of film and video as aesthetic and cultural texts, as offered by this qualification, will enhance the sophisticated development of the current boom in the South African film industry. With the Department of History of Art and Visual Culture Studies' existing connections with the Rijks University of Groningen in the Netherlands, it will expose learners to international research in the field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied according to the institution's RPL policy where applicants do not meet the prescribed minimum admission requirements. Non-Honours learners who have shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject equivalent to an Honours Degree may be permitted to register for the Degree, subject to the approval of the qualification committee.

Entry Requirements

Admission into the Master of Arts in Film and Visual Media is subject to the General Institutional Rules and Regulations for Advanced and Postgraduate Qualifications. Prospective learners also have to meet the additional requirements from the Faculty of Humanities.

For admission to the qualification

• Learners must be in possession of a cognate Bachelor Honours Qualification or equivalent NQF Exit Level 8 qualification.
• Candidates must have achieved a minimum of 65% for major field of study or specialisation at NQF Level 8 related to one or more of the following:

> Theatre and Film Criticism.

> Modern Theatre.

> Literature.

> Culture Studies and/or Visual Culture Studies.

> History of Art.

> Fine Arts.

This qualification is a Master's Degree by dissertation and comprises only one module, the research dissertation, at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, ethics, theories and analytical processes in relation to Film and Visual Media.
2. Access, analyse, organise and critically evaluate existing knowledge.
3. Engage in independent research and produce findings in the form of a research report from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the field of film and visual media.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• A clear understanding of the context (including policy, legislation and global issues), is reflected in discussions where appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in Film and Visual Media are applied.
• Appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the field is reflected through presentations.
• Critical analyses of written work within the field are displayed to show a degree of intellectual independence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Current literature and research are accessed, analysed, organised and evaluated systematically within film and visual media.
• Evaluations demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of research practice in film and visual media is applied.
• Conclusions and recommendations are justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The research inquiry is planned and conducted on the basis of a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.
• Research themes are appropriately identified and demarcated.
• Analyses of the research theme including a comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations is conducted.
• Selected research methods, techniques and technologies show evidence of a clear understanding of relevant research theory and practice is shown.
• Research reports of theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations is critically and coherently shown.
• Research reports in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions and making feasible recommendations is displayed.

Integrated Assessment

To successfully complete the Master of Arts in Film and Visual Media, applied competence will be assessed through a research study resulting in the production of a dissertation.