Film and Television Studies

Contents

Our contemporary society is increasingly image-driven and oriented, hence being characterized by a screen culture that is omnipresent. The specialisation in Film and Television Studies explores the societal role of this screen culture by introducing the students to theory on, analysis and practices of audiovisual media products in society.

The student acquires insights into the functioning of audiovisual media from the following perspectives: political economical, cultural, policy, with a heavy emphasis on (inter)national, historical, social economical and cultural aspects of film and television. Furthermore, students experience the practical dimension of film and television production by means of visits to the public broadcaster or through contacts with experienced professionals and hands-on training.

This specialisation is supported by the Centre for Cinema and Media Studies (CIMS) and prepares independent and critically-minded image professionals who are capable of working on an academic level in the broad audiovisual media sector.

Obligatory courses

Central to the Film and Television Studies specialization is the idea that audiovisual communication and media play an important and central role in the current media landscape and our wider society, which gives rise to a conceptualization of society as a screen culture. This emphasis on screen culture is translated into a program that focuses on a thorough knowledge and analysis of audiovisual products and on a critical insight into the social role of screen culture, with a focus on film and television.

 

The Master programme focuses on the following courses:

  • Development and aesthetics of film: students are introduced to the field of film history and visual culture. The central idea is that film as an art, expression and communication tool can only be understood in a broader social context.
  • Television studies: students are introduced to the development, theory and analysis of the broad domain of television. Furthermore, this course focuses on skills that make it possible to analyze a contemporary television phenomenon and to pitch an original idea for television content.
  • Screen culture and analysis: this course aims to bring students into contact with recent research approaches and developments in the field of film and television research through theoretical and empirical research. Students think critically and academically about the social role of visual culture.

The connection with the professional field is established in a more practical and technical way by the course on Audiovisual production techniques where students get to know and apply the various aspects of audiovisual production through their own experience and under the professional guidance of practice assistants.

To achieve this, the students go through three modules (script writing and research; production; filming and editing techniques) that are based on the different phases of a production process, from the assignment to the completion of their own audiovisual project.

To complete the Master programme, students have to write a Master’s dissertation.

Elective courses and internship

Apart from the obligatory courses, students can further customize their programme by choosing elective courses. Students can also opt for studies abroad or for an internship. The latter can be a research internship or an internship within the professional field of audiovisual media.

Labour Market

Graduates in Film and Television Studies are often employed by broadcasters or media companies that are involved with the production, distribution and exhibition of film and television products.. Outside of the media sector, employers in the cultural sector, education or in research are also often looking to hire our alumni.

More Info (Dutch)