FINAL MASTERS PROJECT - 2023/4

Module Overview

Developed cumulatively over the course of the programme, this module enables students to focus on their final output from the Film, Animation and Digital Arts Masters programme. Project outputs can take many different forms and formats drawn from the multitude of media production techniques explored and developed over the previous stages of the course. Students can also choose to do a practice-based research study, informed by both theoretical and practical aspects of the programme.

Module provider

Music & Media

Module Leader

WEINBREN Jon (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 90

ECTS Credits: 45

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

• Review session on applying specialist skills and techniques in film, animation and digital arts.


• Workshop sessions on creative project development and interdisciplinary working methods


• Update sessions on latest creative and practical media production tools and techniques


• Group Critiques


• One-to-One mentoring


• Technical support


• Script and story development sessions


• Production coordination and technical assistance per project

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to develop a creatively excellent and technically innovative project output drawing on an array of skills and techniques learned over the previous 2 years.:

1. to realise a creative project idea to its completion


2. apply an array of skills and techniques developed over the previous stages of the course


3. articulately reflect on their processes


4. engage with peers, tutors, experts and guest advisors for the betterment of their creative practice


5. experiment with and extrapolate new techniques and new approaches to film, animation and/or digital arts practice

Summative assessment for this module consists of:

Creative Project Portfolio (100%)
This comprises several complimentary and interlinked elements, including the audio-visual artefact itself in exhibition or presentational context accompanied by reflective commentaries as appropriate.

Formative assessment and feedback is provided on a frequent basis during the development of these projects. In particular, depending on the form and format of each project, specific written feedback is provided on work-in-progress submitted at key ‘mile-stone’ points in the project’s schedule the mentoring process ensures that projects are both monitored and supervised, the style and frequency of which is a matter for individual negotiation.

Module aims

• Apply methods of critical analysis in creating a thoughtfully developed creative project
• Fully implement knowledge, practical skills and contextual understanding developed over the previous stages of the programme
• Facilitate partnerships with peers, collaborators and external specialists
• Develop expertise and confidence in project leadership and creative direction
• Develop a range of industry and research-ready transferable skills
• Form the basis of individual and collective creative and/or research portfolios
• Consolidate student development in readiness for next career steps as creative practitioner and/or practice-led researcher.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

In this module, students are supported in the creative and technical development of their final master’s project. The specifics of this support will be dependent on the nature, form(s) and format(s) of the individual project undertaken.

In the previous stages of the programme, students will have already made progress in defining the direction of their project, at least in terms of an outline proposal, and in some cases to a fuller degree of specification. This final module builds on the practice portfolios and/or prototyping work that has preceded. The teaching element therefore transitions into a more mentored approach, calling on tutors, specialists and experts to help guide the student towards their final output which will be presented at a publicly facing showcase and exhibition. The learning element thus coalesces around ‘experience building’: when and how to solicit advice and feedback from multiple resources including tutors and experts; how to critically evaluate self-progress; and how to iterate and improve upon creative outputs.

This is delivered through a combination of

• Group Creative Exercises and Seminars


• Tutorials and Co-Development Sessions


• Specialist Talks and Presentations


• Critiques – Group and Individual

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: DMAM005

Other information

N/A

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.