Teaching
The two main forms of teaching on the Film Studies programme are the lecture and the seminar class. Lectures typically run 45-50 minutes each, and expose the student to a consistent argument constructed by the lecturer either introducing the student to key theoretical debates or applications of theory to a body of cinema texts. Seminars, which tend to be 2-hours in length, enable students to discuss the theoretical principles and applications made in the lecture. Seminars may feature small -group discussion, further application of theory to different films, or other research-led projects as befits the topic and the cohort of students. While lectures tend to be rather formal in structure and organisation, seminars can be more loosely structured and tailored to the specific students on a given module in any given year.
In addition, meetings with Personal Academic Tutors are scheduled on at least four occasions in the first year and three occasions in each of the other years of a course.
The University places emphasis on enabling students to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip them for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement. A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support from Student Services and Library Services, and also the Personal Academic Tutoring system enables students to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will help them to flourish and be successful.