Introduction to Film Education

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Want to use film in the classroom, but unsure where to begin? Looking to put your filmmaking skills to use in educational settings, but don’t know where to start?

Funded by Screen Scotland, and aligning with their development of a Film and Screen Curriculum for Scottish schools, this Introduction to Film Education course will help you to answer those questions. Film, and the moving image more broadly, are central to the lives of young people, and this course develops the knowledge and practical skills of participants to be able to embed film in their practice and reflect on the ways film can be embedded within Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.

This short course is the first course of three which, on successful completion of all three, will enable you to attain a PgCert Film and Screen Education. The course must be completed in the following order:

1. Introduction to Film Education

2. Filmmaking in the Classroom

3. Film and Screen Education in Practice

"We were delighted that the first outing of this course went so well, with such a rich mix of teachers, professionals from independent cinemas and film access organisations, and freelance film education practitioners. Curriculum for Excellence includes film as part of literacy, but there are few significant opportunities to develop the professional practice of film education, or to qualify and specialise in it. This module is making a key contribution to the development and recognition of film teaching in Scotland, along with QMU’s forthcoming new module in filmmaking."

Scott Donaldson, Head of Film at Screen Scotland

Why QMU?

QMU’s expertise in education, film and media studies, and filmmaking offers a rich and stimulating setting for this course.
QMU have been supported by Screen Scotland to develop this course, so it is informed by industry standards.
The course has been developed in collaboration with teachers and filmmakers, offering a unique interdisciplinary perspective on film education.

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who wants to use film in an educational context. This may primarily be primary and secondary school teachers, but we also welcome applications from film practitioners seeking to work in educational settings, and youth and third sector workers who use film in their practice.

Introduction to Film Education: The course in brief

What will I learn on the course?

The course introduces students to some of the basic principles of film style and story. You will learn some of the key terminology involved in the study of film, such as narrative and mise-en-scene. You will then learn some of the foundations of filmmaking, and how to get started making films in your education settings. The course is underpinned by a social justice approach and explores how film is a uniquely suitable medium for raising literacy attainment and enacting social justice in the classroom.

By the end of the course what will I be able to do?

On completion of the course, you’ll be able to:

lead an educational workshop on film analysis;
run workshops on story development;
make use of practical filmmaking equipment;
link the use of film to the Curriculum for Excellence and SQA benchmarks;
speak confidently about film and social justice; and
achieve Professional Recognition by the General Teaching Council.

How will I be taught?

How is the course delivered?

You will be taught through a mix of live, online workshops, which take place every second Saturday (a total of 5 workshops) between 10am and 2pm. You will also be expected to contribute to online discussion boards with your peers in between the live workshops.

How long does the course last for and how much time will I have to spend on it each week?

The course lasts three months, and it is expected that students will spend 2 to 3 hours per week studying.

Does the course have an assessment and if so what sort of assessment will it be?

The assessment consists of the development of a unit of work, which you present to peers and write a 2500-word reflective essay about. Completion of the assessment is required to apply for Professional Recognition through the GTCS.

This course carries academic credit.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by Dr Robert Munro, Programme Leader in Film and Media; Patrick Boxall, Lecturer in Education and guest lecturers, consisting of teachers confident in using film in the classroom, and filmmakers confident in using film with young people. There may also be involvement from Screen Scotland’s Film Education Team.

What equipment will I need for this course?

You will require access to a computer or laptop, internet connectivity and a webcam.

Student support/access to facilities

For the duration of your course you will be able to make use of our on-campus learning resource centre as well as access to our full range of online resources, including e-books and academic journals.

You will also have limited, mainly online access to Student Services support. Students with particular support requirements can contact the Disability Service.

As you will be studying with us for less than a full academic year you will not be provided with a personal academic tutor (PAT). However, any queries regarding your studies should be directed to the staff member leading the delivery of your course.

Introduction to Film Education: Entry requirements, fees and application information

Entry requirements

The course is delivered at Master’s level and each applicant must decide if the level of study is suitable for them.

Applicants for Master’s level study would usually hold an undergraduate degree or have relevant professional experience that supports study at this level. Applicants that have previously studied outside the UK should check that their qualification has been taught at a suitable level to prepare them for Master’s level study.

You do not need to provide proof of your previous qualifications.

English Language requirements: This course is taught and assessed in English. Applicants do not need to provide proof of their English Language skills when applying for this course, but all applicants should consider whether they have sufficient English competence to study at this level. Applicants for this level of study would usually be able to demonstrate a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component score below 6.0

Fees

Fees: £910

Application

Apply for this course

Application deadline

13 January 2025