www.southwales.ac.uk
“Our postgraduate courses have been designed in close consultation with industry and professional bodies ensuring that you gain the necessary skills to meet the latest demands of employers.“
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Why study a creative postgraduate award at the University of South Wales? The University of South Wales has a thriving and diverse postgraduate community of nearly 6,000 students across a wide variety of disciplines and levels, from part-time professional qualifications to full-time research degrees. With award-winning student support, affordable accommodation, excellent study facilities and an exceptional reputation for teaching and research, this is the ideal environment to get the higher-level qualification you need for the next step in your career or personal development. Our teaching is informed by an emergent research portfolio, which includes specialist projects in collaboration with some of Europe’s leading experts and companies. The strength and significance of our research is illustrated by the excellent outcome of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008. Specifically designed to nurture innovative and creative talent, the Faculty of Creative Industries encompasses the rich diversity of the creative industries in the UK, whilst preparing you for a career anywhere in the world. Our postgraduate courses have been designed in close consultation with industry and professional bodies ensuring that you gain the necessary skills to meet the latest demands of employers. If you are already in employment, we also offer the opportunity to gain credits towards your postgraduate qualification as a result of our Learning Through Employment framework.
You will be joining a faculty which has already produced an Oscar winner, and graduates that have gone on to work on numerous Hollywood blockbusters, including The Dark Knight, Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride and Spiderman 3. There are many reasons why postgraduate study may appeal – you could be fascinated with a subject area and want to continue learning about it, or you may be considering retraining or studying for the professional qualification required for the next steps of your career. Our postgraduate schemes are flexible and can be tailored to your needs, ensuring that your postgraduate education matches your lifestyle. At the Faculty of Creative Industries, we can help you achieve your goals in a flexible and encouraging environment. So come and join us.
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Image: Elizabeth Waterhouse
Contents Locations Our facilities An international focus Employability Learning Through Employment Common modules
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Courses MA Arts Practice (Fine Art) MA Arts Practice (Art, Health and Wellbeing) MA Graphic Communication MFA Contemporary Photographic Practice MA Documentary Photography MSc Music Engineering and Production MA Drama MA Scriptwriting MA Film MA Film Producing MA Animation MA Computer Animation MA Visual Effects MA by Research Media, Culture and Communication
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Meet the staff An excellent research culture Industry links and postgraduate study Entry requirements Fees and scholarships How to apply Welsh medium opportunities What next?
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Locations The University of South Wales offers postgraduate creative industries courses at four different campuses. These campuses are located across south-east Wales, and just two hours away from London. These handy guides will give you a brief introduction to the exciting locations at which you will study:
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Cardiff
Newport
Caerleon
Our Cardiff Campus is based right at the heart of the city centre in Wales’s capital city, and has all the facilities and sightseeing attractions you would expect from a major European city, including the Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff Castle. The city is home to a thriving music and arts scene, with venues including the Motorpoint Arena, St David’s Hall, the New Theatre, and Chapter Arts Centre. A prosperous media hub, Cardiff is the base for a number of local and national radio stations and publishers. The new BBC Wales Drama Village in Cardiff Bay means that world-famous shows like Doctor Who and Casualty are regularly filmed and produced here. Cardiff is a sports-mad city, home to the 75,000 seat Millennium Stadium, but also to Premiership football team Cardiff City, Cardiff Blues Rugby and a number of other major sporting teams and venues. As a green and cosmopolitan city, Cardiff is a major shopping destination, with the £750m St David’s development including all the major shops you would expect.
Our City Campus, is in the heart of Newport city centre. On the banks of the River Usk, it is adjacent to the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre and opposite many of the new developments in Newport’s current regeneration programme. The city has a strong industrial history, and is now home to major employers and Government agencies such as the Office for National Statistics and the Patent Office. There are also a number of small and medium-size companies based in Newport, particularly in the creative industries. Newport might be a small city but it has lots of brilliant attractions, such as a vibrant student scene, and fabulous sports facilities, including one of only five Velodromes in the UK and the Celtic Manor Resort, home to the Ryder Cup in 2010. The recently redeveloped Rodney Parade is based on the banks of the river opposite the City Campus, and is home to rugby teams Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport County FC.
Our Caerleon Campus is located in the small, picturesque village of Caerleon just a few miles from Newport city centre and is served by excellent transport routes. Caerleon is a real contrast from the city centre, offering a homely and welcoming environment. This provides you with the best of both worlds, a community atmosphere but on the doorstep of a busy city. Once home to thousands of Roman soldiers and horsemen, the village still retains a Roman amphitheatre amongst other relics. There are also lovely cafes, together with pubs, shops and restaurants, many of which have European street-cafe style outdoor seating. If you choose Caerleon, you can enjoy a vibrant arts scene, including an arts festival and outdoor theatre every summer.
Treforest Treforest is a compact campus with a friendly, close-knit atmosphere. Twenty minutes from Cardiff and surrounded by green rolling hills, Treforest draws students from all over the world. The campus has mostly modern buildings, but the beautifully restored Tŷ Crawshay, home to the University’s Law School, is a reminder of its proud past. Everything you need is right here on campus, from cafes, a shop, sport centre, health centre, bookshop and Chaplaincy. It is also home to a shiny new Students’ Union and Halls of Residence.
“I chose the University for its great facilities and outstanding student support. I’m based in the ATRiuM at the Cardiff Campus. It’s a modern building and the classrooms and equipment are excellent; they have everything you need to work on your projects. The location is great as it’s in the city centre and you have shops and nice restaurants where you can meet with your friends when you finish classes. I’m happy here; I was concerned about being an international student but people here are very helpful and caring.” Sara Osorio (Colombia) MA Graphic Communication student
For more information visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/location
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Our facilities The creative courses at each of our campuses provide students with the latest industry-standard equipment and specialist facilities, including:
Cardiff Campus Our ATRiuM building offers an exceptional range of creative facilities including a working theatre, drama studios, HD TV studios and a control room with an industry-standard mixing desk. It has radio studios, photography studios and editing suites, darkrooms, cinema featuring digital video, 16mm film projection and surround sound facilities. Students can also enjoy our purposebuilt postgraduate music recording and editing studios with analogue and digital consoles, stop-frame, cell animation and game art / computer animation suites.
Caerleon Campus The Caerleon Campus is home to outstanding photography facilities, including colour, black and white and digital darkrooms, digital ‘giclee’ printing facilities, digital C-type printing, traditional printmaking facilities and wet darkrooms. It also has photographic lighting studios, including a hi-glide wireless lighting system, location lighting equipment, portable lighting kits, black and white and colour film processing and industry-
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standard scanning facilities. Students will have access to high end digital cameras (including Nikon D700, Hassleblad H4D and Canon 5D Mark 2), HD video cameras, Flash Guns and extensive software, including video editing.
City Campus, Newport Opened in 2011, our award-winning City Campus in Newport is a stunning building with beautiful wooden ceilings and dramatic architecture. It has fantastic teaching spaces and library facilities. It is equipped with industry standard recording studios, a fully-sprung dance studio, black box studios, a green screen, an exhibition area and bespoke teaching area. The campus is situated next to the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, which is used by many of our courses for performances and exhibitions.
Treforest Campus Our Treforest Campus hosts an impressive array of facilities dedicated to art and design. There are generous art studios, eight design studios, computer suites, photographic darkrooms and lighting studios. There is a 3D workshop, kiln room, plaster room, and printmaking studios.
Learning and IT Resources In addition to our specialist facilities, the University also provides comprehensive learning and IT resources across all campuses, including: • A generous number of Mac and PC computer labs • Multiple fully-equipped lecture theatres and purpose-built teaching spaces fitted out with integrated instructional technology facilities and control systems • Laptops and MacBooks for loan throughout all campuses and free Wi-Fi internet access • Library facilities, including print, media and equipment loans, and access to a wide range of online resources
“The facilities here are fantastic. There are not many universities where you will find as many fully equipped music studios, video and photography labs, computer labs and loads more besides. That goes to show a lot about the campus and what it’s about.” Victor Odera Nwihim (Nigeria) MSc Music Engineering and Production Graduate
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An international focus The University has an established international reputation, welcoming nearly 4,000 overseas students to the University every year, from more than 100 countries. At the Faculty of Creative Industries, our dynamic courses and great student experience have meant that more international students are joining us year on year, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. We are active in visiting many different regions each year and meeting students in their home countries, providing advice and information to those who are interested in joining us, as well as establishing partnerships with universities across the world.
International Arrival Week International Arrival Week is a special orientation programme that runs prior to fresher’s week each September. It includes events, activities and information sessions to help new international students settle in, and become familiar to living and learning in the UK during the main University arrival period. In addition to making new friends, you will have an opportunity to explore south Wales and take in some of the tourist sites, in addition to the practical assistance, such as opening a UK bank account.
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For detailed information on International Arrival Week and the other services that the University offers our international students, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/international
International fees and scholarships The University of South Wales has always prided itself on its very competitive tuition fees, the financial support package given to international students, and the range of scholarships available. There are partial scholarships available to international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
For more details, including information on postgraduate international fees, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/money
Creative scholarships We recognise the talent of international students from all over the world. In 2013 we launched our first Creative International Scholarship campaign, where students holding offers were invited to apply for additional scholarships for subjects only in the creative industries. Students won scholarships ranging from ÂŁ1,500 to ÂŁ2,200, significantly reducing the cost of their tuition fees. Students from Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Taiwan and the USA won scholarships this year, and the scheme is now open for 2014. For more information about the admissions and entry criteria and the fees and scholarships relating to your country, as well as a list of the countries we will be visiting in the near future, visit the dedicated international section of our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/creativeinternational
“The MA Visual Effects is both fun and challenging. I have learned so many new skills already, including project management, and how to plan a film, which lasts only a few seconds on screen but takes so long to prepare. The lecturers are kind and always happy to provide help and support.� Paul Peng (Taiwan) MA Visual Effects Student
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“The application process for the creative scholarship was very simple, and when I got the email to confirm that I had been successful in winning a scholarship, I was on cloud nine. It gave me the additional confidence I needed before joining the University. My mother is really proud of me for winning the scholarship!� Prashant Verma (India) BA (Hons) Computer Animation Student and winner of a 2013 Creative International Scholarship
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An international focus Work experience / internships
Graduate careers / companies
We recognise that gaining practical skills and experience is a valuable element of your time at University, both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to learning from experienced lecturers, many of whom also have continued to run their own companies or have come directly from the industry, bringing years of insight with them, there may also be opportunities for you to put this learning in to practice yourself.
Between 93-96% * of our graduates have found employment or progressed to further study within six months of their course; a fantastic achievement across the sector, particularly in such a challenging economic climate. Careers have included local, national and international organisations, not to mention the large number of graduates who have established their own companies, armed with the skills from their course. Some of the organisations where our graduates are now employed include:
Many of our courses have the opportunity for students to take up periods of work experience, or undertake work placements, which can become a formal, assessed element of your course. Your tutor can help you access industry contacts, and assist you in finding a work placement related to your course of study. However, for many students, rather than working for a company, managed by someone else, they wish to start up their own company after graduation. We can help you here too. The majority of our postgraduate courses include a module on entrepreneurship, which is open to students from all backgrounds. Students can learn the core skills required to start up their own enterprises, they will learn business, marketing and budget skills, learn to write business plans, and start the journey to becoming their own Chief Executive.
• Walt Disney Animation Studios • Sky • BBC Wales • Vivienne Westwood • Benefit Cosmetics • Positions in governments both in the UK and internationally • Lecturers or academics at further and higher education institutions *HESA 2011-2012 Performance Indicators
We also have a dedicated initiative ‘Bright Ideas’ which will help students set up their own business. Visit www.southwales.ac.uk/brightideas
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Employability The faculty has excellent links with leading UK and international employers, including Apple UK, Hewlett Packard, BBC Wales, and Sony, as well as smaller local and national companies. We can help you find a way to advance in your chosen profession. As a student on one of our postgraduate courses, you will have numerous opportunities to work and interact with potential employers – from industry visits and working on live briefs to fully integrated industry partnered projects and work placements. Recent industry partnerships include projects with international organisations such as the BBC and Saatchi and Saatchi. We also work with Government agencies, the National Health Service and local companies and charities including the National Theatre Wales and Wales Millennium Centre. The University also has an established Careers and Employability Service, with a team of experienced advisers to help with all aspects of your career, from advice on writing CVs and application forms to one-to-one guidance. Our staff can also help alumni with career issues after they have graduated.
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Learning Through Employment Learning Through Employment is a University of South Wales framework that offers students who are already in employment the opportunity to gain credits towards a postgraduate qualification. The programme is structured so that the majority of learning takes place through active and reflective engagement with your work activities, underpinned by the appropriate academic knowledge and skills. A number of Faculty of Creative Industries postgraduate courses offer students the opportunity to undertake a 60 credit Learning Through Employment research project as an alternative to a traditional final dissertation, major project or production. The focus of the project is an individual, organisational problem solving, knowledgebased approach. As such, it has been designed for practising professionals to provide them with the tools to succeed in the workplace. This truly flexible approach means that projects can be based on an agreed area of work, benefiting students and employers, and, because the majority of the project is carried out in the workplace, it can potentially be undertaken anywhere in the world. For full details, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/celt
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Common modules The faculty understands the importance of a strong grounding in research knowledge and skills, enterprise and innovation as part of a balanced postgraduate education. We also recognise that each student has different requirements for their postgraduate experience. Students on the majority of our postgraduate courses can choose to study one of the following three, 20 credit common modules. Each of them has a different focus, enabling you to select the module that will be most beneficial to you.
Creative and cultural entrepreneurship This module aims to develop your knowledge of the methods to identify, develop and manage enterprise and innovation in the creative sector. It will then help you apply this to your own entrepreneurial project.
Research and practice in the creative industries The focus of this module is on the development of research knowledge and skills, while also encouraging critical engagement with approaches to creative practice. You will also explore ideas, debates and issues in the creative industries.
Research and paradigms This module focuses on research paradigms and their theoretical underpinnings. It also looks at key conceptual tools drawn from a wide range of subject areas relevant to postgraduate research in the creative industries. For more information on common modules and individual course modules, visit www.southwales.ac.uk
“The MA Film Producing course directly prepared me for working in the film industry at a professional level. Since leaving the University, I have started my own production company, in Nigeria and employ 5 members of staff. We were recently awarded a contract by the United States Ministry of Agriculture, to produce a film on biotechnology in Nigeria.� Emmanuel Okolo (Nigeria) MA Moving Image Graduate 17
Locations
Cardiff
Newport City
Caerleon Treforest
Arts Practice (Fine Art) MA Arts Practice (Arts, Health and Wellbeing) MA Our graduates are advanced practitioners who go on to develop challenging bodies of work at national and international levels, having gained a grounding in the professional and critical skills required to progress in this field. Through the Fine Art pathway, you will focus on developing your art practice by refining skills to evaluate, critique and implement methodologies, and gain the ability to articulate sound arguments relevant to your practice.
• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years
For those interested in the relationship between art and health, most notably artists, health managers, community workers and teachers, our Arts, Health and Wellbeing pathway aims to support and develop innovative practice and research in this vibrant and expanding sector. You will be encouraged to engage in creative dialogue, collaboration and interdisciplinary working.
• For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/art
Course content The course is well structured and pushes you creatively and theoretically. You will be encouraged to work in unfamiliar ways, and question and appraise techniques. You will learn about systems of enquiry, and how to understand and engage with objects and issues that affect your domain. You will develop skills in your chosen discipline, and challenge genre and context to develop an original body of work in either a studio context or on a placement.
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Main image: Matthew Britton Supporting images: Matthew Britton, MA Art Practice exhibition in Kidwelly Building, Treforest Campus
• Location: Treforest
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Locations
Cardiff
Newport City
Caerleon Treforest
Continued...
Arts Practice (Fine Art) MA Arts Practice (Arts, Health and Wellbeing) MA How you will study You will have access to specialist facilities in our postgraduate studios, which are available seven days a week. Course teaching is through lectures, talks by guest speakers, workshops, demonstrations and tutorials, field trips and visits. There are also a number of opportunities to work on live briefs, directly contributing to your industry experience. You will have weekly workshops or seminars, and regular group and individual tutorials. In addition, you will be expected to develop your area of practice independently. Career opportunities The course acknowledges the value of experience and partnerships to enable employability. While studying with us you will have the opportunity to exhibit your practice at a professional level and gain valuable curatorial experience. Depending on your specialism, you will be encouraged and supported to pursue your practice through internships, residencies and placements with arts organisations and galleries, NHS Trusts, social services, charitable trusts, schools, colleges, care homes and commercial companies. In addition to the development of your personal area of art practice, the course will provide you with opportunities to extend your professional skills and explore other areas of professional practice. The course will enable you to develop your arts practice alongside research, critical and professional skills. As an Arts Practice graduate, you may progress your career as a practising artist creating work for exhibition or within the public realm or community contexts. Our graduates also progress to careers in education, the field of arts and health, arts administration and curatorships.
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Main image: Tiffany Oben
“You are free to develop wherever your creativity and imagination takes you.� Tiffany Oben MA Arts Practice Student
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Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
Graphic Communication MA
This postgraduate course examines all aspects of contemporary graphic communication. It is an ideal opportunity to develop your skills and interests by exploring the creative issues and technical aspects of graphic design. For designers working in industry, it offers a platform for career development by revising, developing and updating your skills. This practical element is strengthened by an enhanced critical understanding of contemporary professional design debates, issues and trends, plus a greater understanding of research methodologies and how to apply them effectively. Studio and workshop tutorials are supplemented by lectures, seminars, integrated case study analysis, discussion groups and multimedia presentations. All staff are active in research and / or consultancy, and are often joined by a range of visiting designers and practitioners. During the course, you will develop the practical, analytical, technological and problem solving skills needed to meet the complex and changing role of the graphic designer. Your studies will culminate in either the completion of a major project, or a Learning Through Employment research project.
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Main image: Anje Schettler, Kylie Stansfield Supporting images: Mumtaz Jafri, David Burrows
• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years • Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, please visit www.southwales.ac.uk/design
“The MA Graphic Communication helped me to develop the skills and contacts necessary for a career as a professional graphic designer. I really enjoyed the course, there are numerous opportunities to gain experience and work on live briefs with industry. You also get to work with excellent facilities and taught by staff that are current industry experts.“ Alice Hawthorne MA Graphic Communication Graduate and Account Executive / Designer at Golley Slater
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Locations
Cardiff
Newport City
Treforest Caerleon
Contemporary Photographic Practice MFA
In collaboration with Fondazione Studio Marangoni (FSM) in Florence, this course will develop your critical understanding within the broader debates of art, social documentary and wider culture. This unique programme allows you to challenge and explore the many uses of photography in today’s world. With teaching for this course spanning across both the University of South Wales and Fondazione Studio Marangoni in Florence, students will be able to truly immerse themselves in contemporary photography across both settings. The facilities on offer are outstanding and students will benefit from the School of Photography’s extensive 100 year history of photography education. Delivered in English and made up of intensive workshops, seminars tutorials and self directed study, you will be taught by internationally renowned practitioners, critics and curators. They will help you to develop the technical and critical skills needed to master the course. This course gives you a chance to experiment and develop perspective through your photography and also through written texts to give your work photographic and social context. You will get the chance to put all you have gained into practice with an interim exhibition in Florence and push yourself further with the culmination of your work for a final exhibition in Wales. Following this course, students are able to use their experience to pursue careers as photographers, artists, educators and roles within the wider photographic industry.
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Main image: Christine Novelli
• Course Length: Full-time 18 months • Location: Caerleon • For more information on this course and entry requirements, please visit www.southwales.ac.uk/photo
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Locations
Cardiff
Newport City
Treforest Caerleon
Documentary Photography MA
The MA Documentary Photography course philosophy challenges you to explore traditional definitions of Documentary Photography and embrace a wide range of contemporary practices while working through real world engagement with social and political issues. From fine art based practices to reportage, this programme will enable you to explore a diverse range of photographic approaches. With the first teaching course delivered in 1912, the photography education at the University has a rich, 100 year heritage. We are recognised as one of the most prestigious institutions to study Documentary Photography in Europe.
• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years
You will be taught by world leading photographers, theorists and curators through a series of lectures, seminars and technical workshops which will encourage you to develop new ways of thinking about your own practice. The course provides the opportunity for you as an independent practitioner to develop a body of work in a stimulating and supportive environment.
• For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/photo
Our students are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds across the UK, Europe, USA, Asia and South America. The course is particularly popular amongst those wishing to pursue a career in documentary production and research, photographic exhibition, publishing, teaching or journalism. The programme has an eminent list of alumni now working within the photographic industry, including freelance photographers and those who have set up their own businesses. 26
Main image: Svetlana Illic Supporting images: James Milne
• Location: Caerleon
“My experience at the University has helped me better understand what documentary photography is, and showed me new ways of thinking and looking at photography in general. I’m sure that what I’ve learnt will be essential for my future work and career.“ Andrei Nacu (Romania) MA Documentary Photography Graduate and winner of the 2012 Westphoto competition
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Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
Music Engineering and Production MSc
This course examines the dynamic relationship between creativity, technology and business in the context of a constantly evolving music industry. The course is designed for graduates who need music engineering and production skills to establish a career as a professional producer in the music industry or related fields. You will gain the skills to deal with an ever changing commercial landscape, while developing your potential. Key aspects of the industry are examined from a wide variety of angles, but without losing sight of the primary goal – to develop a sustainable career in music production. You will study history, analysis, repertoire and theory (HART), sequencing/synthesis/ sampling (SSS), post-production remixing, remixing production and recording or advanced recording before undertaking a final major project. This may be in any area derived from, or related to, the course or the general discipline of music engineering and production, e.g. sound design in animation, music video, album recording and release, and sound synthesis. You will learn through lectures, seminars and workshops, with emphasis on the practical application of your knowledge and experience. All assessments are coursework based through a series of assignments and a dissertation based on reallife scenarios. The culmination of your studies will require you to undertake either a major project, or a Learning Through Employment research project. Music engineering and production plays a critical role in all modern music, so there is considerable scope for dynamic career development. Engineering and production professionals work as music producers, sound engineers, writers and arrangers, sound designers, and mixers / remixers in surround sound.
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Main image: Music students recording in the Gus Dudgeon studio, Cardiff Campus Supporting images: Music performance and engineering workshop at the Cardiff Campus
• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years • Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/music
“The course not only helped me hone existing skills and techniques, but more importantly encouraged new approaches, forward thinking, and was instrumental in greatly expanding my repertoire. I left the course with a greater degree of confidence not only in my music engineering and production abilities, but also in my own musical creativity and how to successfully combine this with other media.“ Ian Harris MSc Music Engineering and Production Graduate
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Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
Drama MA
If you want to develop and reflect critically on your practice in the field of contemporary performance this programme provides a dynamic environment to do so, with opportunities to consider new synergies between theatre and other media. There is also the option to explore key contemporary practices such as applied drama, immersive performance and site-specific work. This course is aimed at professional artists and performers, graduates, creative researchers and those wanting to move onto further research in the field. It is structured to complement the contemporary professional context by engaging in critical reflection on practice, exploring practice and encouraging innovative approaches which forge new perspectives across the full range of theatre and media. Module content is broad and flexible, which enables you to take full advantage of the spectrum of staff expertise within the faculty. There is an opportunity to study related modules from other postgraduate awards such as MA Scriptwriting and MA Film Producing. You will study through practical workshops, lectures, seminars and individual supervision by an appointed tutor. Assessment is through individual assignments, group work and examinations, as well as the completion of a dissertation, major production or Learning Through Employment research project. To extend your critical understanding there are visits to companies and professional productions of all kinds. You can also contribute to projects, seminar programmes, public productions, conferences and symposia that are part of life in the faculty. Many of these involve professional organisations and some receive support from partners such as Skillset, BAFTA, professional theatre companies or broadcasters. This course provides an advanced development opportunity for those working or wishing to work in contexts where drama is used. These include individual professional practitioners, teachers and educators, and applied drama specialists in a variety of contexts, as well as those who want to employ drama skills in the film and television industries.
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Main image: Drama students taking part in a practical workshop Supporting images: Royal Shakespeare Company visit, October2013
• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years • Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/drama
“The University of South Wales is a great environment in which to hone your skills as a theatre professional. The MA Drama offers advanced opportunities for those looking for a career in the creative and cultural industries.“ Steve Marmion Artistic Director, Soho Theatre London
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Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
Scriptwriting MA
The MA Scriptwriting is designed to facilitate your development of professional writing skills and perspectives, in areas such as script analysis, research and practice and creative entrepreneurship. Writers with professional experience and aspiring writers alike will benefit from the critical, reflective and developmental strategies the course deploys. The course is run by experienced writers and with a programme of guest lectures and master classes, you are able to gain important guidance and insight from being part of scriptwriting and writer development networks. The course provides you with an opportunity to achieve a high-level academic qualification, which combines vocational training with analytical skills. Giving you the opportunity to explore new relationships between professional writers and academics, with this course you will be able to evaluate potential future directions in professional writing or academia. In addition, you will be equipped to combine these activities in methodologies such as research and practice. Your practice for the course will include a short drama script, an adaption and a major project treatment.
• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years (Distance learning, including five residential weekends) • Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/drama
The culmination of your studies will either be the production of a full-length script, that will showcase the skills you have gained during the course and potentially function as an industry calling card, or a Learning Through Employment research project. The skills acquired on this course can lead either to a career as a writer in film, theatre, TV or radio, or to further academic study at PhD level.
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Main image: Professor Richard Hand runs a rehearsed reading workshop Supporting images: James Robinson, BBC Wales radio drama producer, runs a workshop for MA Scriptwriting students
“During the first year of the course, I have grown in confidence as a writer, because of the knowledge and various skills I have acquired. Script analysis was very useful, it helped identify why the good stuff works, and why the bad stuff doesn’t work.“ Tom O’Hare MA Scriptwriting Student
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Locations
Cardiff
Caerleon
Treforest
Newport City
Film MA
The Film School at our City Campus, Newport has a distinguished and illustrious history dating back 50 years to its foundation by pioneering filmmaker John Grierson. The Film School today offers professional training in a dedicated, state-of-the-art studio and editing facilities. We are one of just five UK members of the international CILECT association, confirming us as one of the world’s leading film schools.
• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years
The MA Film course offers students a thorough grounding in all aspects of film and television production, as well as craft and technique, from the inception and nurturing of an original idea to its execution as a viable and eloquent work suitable for public exhibition. Our experienced faculty are firm in their belief that technical proficiency coupled with creative drive will enable you to fulfil your creative potential as a film maker, and that is the principle by which we guide you.
• Location: Newport City
The course trains you in advanced script development processes, as well as providing you with professional skills in both digital and analogue environments, culminating in a collaborative major final project. Two theory modules provide a forum for talking about film in its art-historical contexts, underpinning the craft-skills elements of the course. Students are also actively encouraged to take advantage of the Film School’s extensive network of industry partners to secure placement opportunities. Our objective is for graduates to leave with not only a portfolio of quality films filled with technical accomplishment, but also with the skills and discipline necessary to be employable within the industry. Recent graduates have worked for BBC Wales on the set of Doctor Who and also at Working Title Films. In addition, graduates have been successful at film festivals across North America and Europe.
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Main image: Leyla Pope Supporting images: Nathan Hughes — Abnormal Forms; Leyla Pope
• For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/film
“I thoroughly enjoyed the MA Film course at the University of South Wales and have won numerous awards and grants for my film making, despite never having picked up a camera prior to starting the course!“ Miguela Gonzalez (Trinidad and Tobago) MA Film Graduate
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“The most exciting part of the course has been working on a script with a professional writer and learning how to collaborate on someone else’s work. I have also enjoyed developing my skills on industry standard software such as EP Movie Magic.“ Mauricio Albin (Mexico) MA Film Producing Student
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Main image: 47 - A Zombie film produced by Mauricio Albin Supporting images: Shine Bright — a production by MA Film Producing Students
Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
Film Producing MA
If you work freelance, in a production company, or want to set up your own creative business, this course will develop your skills and subject knowledge to the high level required to succeed. You will gain a thorough understanding of the producer’s role in relation to business, financial and legal expertise, and foster the critical and evaluative skills you need to develop and engage with talent.
• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years
You will consider the creative role of the producer throughout the production process, from working with the writer during development, the director and heads of department during preproduction, production and postproduction, and the producer’s role as fundraiser and financial manager of the entire production.
• Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/film
Each module is delivered through lectures and seminars and you will be required to spend a substantial amount of time reading and preparing for assessments. While the style of coursework may vary for each module, assessment involves a research style paper or essay. Each module usually requires two essays of around 3,000 words. The course will culminate in either the completion of a major production project, or a Learning Through Employment research project. This course will provide you with the skills to set up your own production company and offer valuable assistance to enter the film, television and media industry.
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Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
Animation MA
This course recognises the demand for innovative and truly creative individuals in the media industry. We produce highly regarded artists who will make a significant impact and contribution in today’s evolving marketplace. Taught by our BAFTA award winning staff and visiting industry professionals, the course mission is to evolve highly respected individuals who will fill influential creative positions in the film, television, advertising, games, visual novels and mobile app fields. Students learn how to develop and explore intellectual property and realise its outcome, channelling animation into new forms of information delivery within the entertainment and communication industries. This will provide you with vital professional links after graduating and help to build your confidence and skillbase specific to your own career needs. During the course you will explore animation production through a series of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. This will be supported by life drawing sessions, technical support and software demonstrations covering practical and technical skills at an advanced level. In addition to this, industry-related guest lecturers will be invited to provide vibrant masterclasses and workshops offering professional advice and guidance on your work. You will also be encouraged to attend the many animation festivals celebrated in the UK and abroad whenever possible, including Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Bradford Animation Festival.
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• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years • Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/animation
“MA Animation is a fantastic course for honing idea generation and story-telling skills, and is a great opportunity to learn with likeminded people. With access to excellent tutors and practical advice from experts within the industry, I feel that my final project film is limited only by my own imagination.“ Kris Carter MA Animation Student
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Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
Computer Animation MA
Designed in conjunction with our partners in industry, this course is aimed at creating a new landscape of postgraduate computer animation tuition, ensuring that the voice of business is embedded at the heart of the curriculum. During the course you will develop advanced technical and professional animation production skills, in addition to the centrality of teamwork required for an industry that is becoming increasingly specialised with new roles and functions emerging all the time. With industry assistance through Skillset, we are able to nurture emerging talent by seeding the growth of this new industry-facing course. The distinctive and explicit curriculum has been designed to build the appropriate depth of both subject-specific and generic skills to allow graduates to develop their career in a fastmoving and increasingly specialised industry. The course consists of compulsory modules in Computer Animation Production, CGI Foundation – Animation / Still Image and Acquisition for VFX. You will then have the opportunity to choose from optional modules in rigging and creature effects, digital sculpture, CGI lighting and look development and effects animation.
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• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years • Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/animation
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Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
Visual Effects MA
This unique and innovative course aims to provide the British visual effects industry with graduates who are not only highly skilled, but also possess the practical, analytical, technological and problem solving skills to meet the complex and changing role of the visual effects artist. The course is designed around 12 modules developed jointly with Creative Skillset and industry to ensure that you develop the teamwork skills required for an industry which is becoming increasingly diverse and specialised. The subjects you will study include digital sculpture, CGI lighting and look development, 3D matchmoving and VFX paint and rig removal. In addition, you will study a research in practice module to engage with interdisciplinary project work, and have the option to undertake Learning Through Employment if you are already in the workplace. Studio and workshop tutorials are supplemented by visiting visual effects artist and practitioner lecturers. The course will be taught through a variety of seminars, discussion groups and presentations. All staff are active in research, consultancy, or employed within the visual effects industry.
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• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years • Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/animation
“I am very proud to have trained artists from some of the very best visual effects companies in the world, including Industrial Light and Magic, Double Negative, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Weta Digital. I really enjoy working on the MA Visual Effects, as it is a fantastic opportunity to bestow my knowledge and experiences onto the next generation of VFX artists.“ Matt Leonard Director of Spherevfx and Senior Lecturer on the MA Visual Effects
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Locations
Newport City
Caerleon
Treforest
Cardiff
MA by Research Media, Culture and Communication The MA by Research provides the opportunity for students to develop their research skills and to examine a research question in detail over an extended period, which can be a very rewarding experience. The focus of this award is empirically researching and writing a supervised 25,000-word dissertation on an agreed and approved topic in media, cultural and communication studies. Recent examples from the diverse range of the topics examined by students include ‘Xenophilia in Mass Media’ a comparative study of Mexican and British news media, ‘Promoting Hungarian Culture and Constructing Cultural Identity’ and ‘Subtitling and Accessibility for the Hearing Impaired in Mainstream Cinema and Television Programmes.’ Course teaching involves a combination of one-to-one supervision and seminars, with assessment methods including essays, projects, a dissertation and an oral examination (viva voce). The limited but intensive contact hours during the course will give you maximum flexibility in your study patterns. In addition, you will also be allocated two dissertation supervisors who are available to meet with you on a regular basis in order to provide further support for your studies. The MA by Research provides training that is relevant for further qualitative research at MPhil and PhD level. It develops high-level qualitative research skills that are relevant to research-based jobs in the creative industries. Masters by Research study opportunities are currently available in many creative industries related research fields, including television and film studies, digital media, drama, design and popular music.
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• Course Length: Full-time 1 year Part-time 2 years • Location: Cardiff • For more information on this course and entry requirements, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/media
“The MA by Research Media, Culture and Communication is an ideal way to keep on learning and expanding on the themes you explored as an undergraduate. It’s hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I found that this course was a natural progression from my Media Communications degree. I am able to combine my love of the written word with my interest in popular culture, trends, and consumer studies.“ Emma Leslie MA by Research Media, Culture and Communication Graduate 45
Meet the staff Our Masters courses are based on staff expertise, and you will be taught by staff who are enthusiastic about their subjects and are often at the forefront of research. MA Arts Practice (Arts, Health and Wellbeing) MA Arts Practice (Fine Art) • Heather Parnell • Carol Hiles • Chris Nurse
MA Animation / MA Computer Animation • Gerald Emanuel • Matthew Gravelle • Peter Hodges • Gina Carpenter
MA Visual Effects • Jason Bevan • Chris Thomas • Tamsie Thomas
MA Graphic Communication • Gareth Hughes • Emma Marshman • Rachel Grainger
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MA Documentary Photography / MFA Contemporary Photographic Practice • Dr Helen Sear • Dr Paul Cabuts • Russell Roberts • Professor Mark Durden
MA Drama • Dr Jodie Allinson • Michael Carklin • Professor Richard Hand • Dr Lisa Lewis
MA Scriptwriting • Wyn Mason • Ian Staples
MA Film • Alex Graf • Nigel Orrillard • Coral Houtman • Vivian Mainwaring
MA Film Producing • Fizzy Oppe, • Ieuan Morris
MSc Music Engineering and Production • Stuart Jones • Neil Martin • Dr Georg Boenn • Gill Edwards • Lloyd George
MA by Research Media, Culture and Communication • Dr Ruth Mcelroy • Dr Caitriona Noonan
Richard Hand
Fizzy Oppé
Wyn Mason
Professor of Theatre and Media Drama
Lecturer and Tutor in Film Producing
Senior Lecturer in Video Production and Scriptwriting
Richard Hand is an interdisciplinarian and has taught and published in the areas of theatre, radio, literature, film, computer games, graphic narratives, and popular music. He is the founding co-editor of the international Journal of Adaptation in Film and Performance, a peer-reviewed publication which combines outstanding academic articles with viewpoints from industry practitioners. As a practitioner in his own right, Richard has translated scripts from French into English and has directed stage plays in the UK and USA as well as radio plays for broadcast. He has undertaken extensive work into Grand Guignol, a distinctive form of horror theatre, and has toured productions to international festivals and conferences, and for public Halloween events. In addition to his work within the University, Richard has frequently appeared on BBC and international radio, and is interviewed on the DVD of Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd. Richard has also taught workshops on the masked comedy form commedia ell’arte and horror theatre to school and college groups and youth theatres.
Fizzy Oppé has over 30 years’ experience within the film and television industry, producing drama and documentary for all the major UK network broadcasters, including S4C and BBC Wales. She has also taken an active interest in film and television training and education, having taught at institutions as diverse as the Royal College of Art, School of Film and Television to the North East Media Training Centre, which won a British Film Institute Achievement Award in 1989 for its contribution to film and television education. Between 2000 and 2008, Fizzy was Head of Drama Development and Producer at Fiction Factory in Cardiff, where she produced a wide variety of short films, drama documentaries, long-running television series and single television dramas. Her series Y Pris, written by awardwinning writer Tim Price for S4C, was nominated for a Prix Europa award for Best Television Drama Series in 2008, won Best Television Drama Series at the Celtic Media Awards and received several BAFTA Cymru nominations and a BAFTA for Best Soundtrack. Fizzy is currently developing the feature film ‘Runt’ in partnership with Reader in Film Leuan Morris.
Wyn is a filmmaker with a long track record of working as a freelance TV director. He has mostly made documentaries, drama documentaries and drama shorts for the BBC, Channel 4 and S4C over a period of fifteen years. Since becoming a full-time lecturer at the University in 2005, he has succeeded in remaining very active as a filmmaker – as a director, writer, editor and cinematographer. His current interest lies mainly in making poetry films and working on poetic narratives for cinema, but has also recently completed a year-long theatre directing course and is now taking his first steps in that direction. Wyn has also consistently published articles about his film practice, which have appeared in journals like Journal of Media Practice and Journal of Adaptation in Film and Performance. He teaches filmmaking and scriptwriting on the Film & Video and Media Production BA degrees, and is the course director for MA Scriptwriting (distance learning). He teaches in both Welsh and English.
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An excellent research culture As a postgraduate student at the University of South Wales, you will benefit from studying in a dynamic research environment, alongside staff who are working at the cutting edge of their respective creative disciplines. You will also have access to the University Research Office, which is dedicated to supporting and promoting research. A range of research activity takes place across the faculty, from traditional academic research to practice-led research and enterprise. The faculty promotes a calendar of research activities and has a growing portfolio of partnerships with industry and other external partners. We have developed a vibrant, crossdisciplinary research culture that offers a supportive environment for everyone involved. This underpins the learning and teaching agenda, and encourages engagement with the wider academic community, industry, business, public sector and local communities. The Faculty of Creative Industries has a number of active research centres and units in subjects including Drama and Performing Arts, Communication, Culture and Media Studies, Music and Sound, Film Studies, Photography and Design.
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The University of South Wales achieved excellent results in RAE2008, confirming our status as one of Wales’s key research active institutions. The University was compared with other institutions in Research Fortnight’s University Power Rankings, The Times Higher and The Guardian. Within the faculty, 70% of the research in Art and Design, 30% of the research produced by the Theatre and Media research unit and 40% of the Communication, Culture and Media Studies (CCMS) research is considered either world-leading or internationally excellent. The CCMS unit was specifically commended for its clear research strategy, its strong emphasis on collaborative research, its good relationships with regional arts, cultural and policy-making institutions, and its international links.
Following on from the successes of RAE2008, the University has joined forces with the four other main research and innovation universities in Wales (Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea) to form a strategic collaboration group. Together, the ‘Big Five’ account for 96% of quality research funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. The University aims to build on the successes of RAE2008 and achieve even better results in the forthcoming Research Excellence Framework (REF). For further information on research at the Faculty of Creative Industries, including research study opportunities, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/research
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Industry links and a collaborative approach to postgraduate study Our postgraduate courses have been designed in consultation with industry, to answer the demands of employers, and ensure that all teaching and research meet with the latest trends in creative businesses. We have established professional links with industry in Wales, the UK and overseas to make sure that our teaching is informed by practice. We are also an authorised Apple training centre for both Final Cut Pro and Logic Audio. All courses benefit from a number of high-profile guest speakers from industry and professional bodies, who offer unique insights into their relevant area of expertise to complement your academic study. Recent examples of guest lecturers include the former Director General of the BBC, Greg Dyke, Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien, and the actor who played the original Darth Vader, David Prowse. Other high-profile industry speakers have included Welsh Government Ministers, ITV and BBC journalists, film directors and producers, radio station directors, and programme controllers.
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At the Faculty of Creative Industries, you will also have the opportunity to collaborate formally and informally on a number of projects with students from our other creative programmes.
“I worked on the MA Scriptwriting course as a visiting lecturer in order to discuss screen adaptation, drawing upon my BBC TV series Case Histories as an example. The students then pitched their own adaptation ideas and I was extremely impressed by the variety and standard of the work. The designs of the assignments undertaken on this course seem very industry-centred and relevant to the students’ future careers as professional scriptwriters. I wish them well.” Ashley Pharoah Co-creator of Life on Mars and co-founder of Monastic Productions
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Entry requirements For taught programmes, you will usually be required to have an Honours degree from a recognised university, relevant experience, or a postgraduate diploma. Some of our creative courses also require applicants to provide a portfolio of work as part of the application process. For research based study you must usually have a Masters degree from a recognised university that is related to your proposed area of research, although if you have alternative qualifications or relevant experience, you may still be accepted to a course.
English language entry requirements
International/EU entry requirements
• The British Council’s IELTS, with an average overall score of 6.5 (please note applicants must achieve at least 5.5 in each band)
The University of South Wales recognises a range of entry qualifications from around the world. Country specific entry requirements are on our website: www.southwales.ac.uk/international
Proficiency in the English language is essential, and the University recognises the following minimum English language qualifications for postgraduate study:
• TOEFL IBT minimum score 90-91 • UCLES/Cambridge CAE minimum grade B • GCSE pass in English at grade C or above For students not at this level, a range of intensive English language courses recognised by UKBA are available at the University of South Wales. These must be completed prior to entry onto the course.
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For help and guidance completing your portfolio, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/creative-international
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Fees and scholarships We appreciate that tuition fees are an important factor in your decision to pursue postgraduate study. At the University of South Wales, we continually try to ensure that our courses offer a high quality postgraduate education at a fair cost. Students will face differing levels of living costs depending on their lifestyle choice, personal circumstances and additional course costs. The University offers a series of scholarships to help make postgraduate study even more affordable so studying with us is a good choice for the cost conscious.
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For the latest information on tuition fees, scholarships and all money related issues, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/money 55
How to apply Applying to undertake postgraduate study at the University of South Wales is a straightforward process. Applicants need to submit an online application form indicating their chosen qualifications, work experience and a personal statement detailing their reasons for applying. Please note that some countries (Ghana, Nigeria and Pakistan) will need to apply via an educational agency in-country. For more details visit www.southwales.ac.uk/international Our Enquiries & Admissions Unit has been awarded the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2008 accreditation following an independent quality management audit of processes and practice. Certification relates specifically to handling student enquiries and applications to study at the University.
For further details or to complete an application, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/apply
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Welsh medium opportunities
Cyfleoedd cyfrwng Cymraeg
As a faculty, we are at the forefront of providing opportunities for Welsh speaking students to use and develop their linguistic skills. There are a number of Welsh medium opportunities available to students studying at our Cardiff Campus.
Fel Cyfadran, rydym ar flaen y gad yn darparu cyfleoedd i fyfyrwyr sy’n siarad Cymraeg i ddefnyddio a datblygu eu sgiliau ieithyddol. Cynigir nifer o gyfleoedd cyfrwng Cymraeg i fyfyrwyr sy’n dewis astudio yng Nghampws Caerdydd.
Given the growth of the creative industries in Wales, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can work through the medium of Welsh and English.
Oherwydd twf y diwydiannau creadigol a diwylliannol yng Nghymru, mae’r galw am arbenigwyr sydd â’r gallu i weithio yn y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg yn cynyddu.
For more information about the opportunities available, visit www.decymru.ac.uk/cymraeg-de-cymru or e-mail cymraeg@decymru.ac.uk
I gael mwy o wybodaeth am y cyfleoedd sydd ar gael, ewch i www.decymru.ac.uk/cymraeg-de-cymru neu e-bostiwch cymraeg@decymru.ac.uk
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What next? If you are interested in further study at the University of South Wales, why not come and find out more? We hold Open Evenings throughout the year, which are a great opportunity to find out if postgraduate study is right for you. You can speak to academics about our courses and studying with us, and get professional advice from our Career and Money Advisers.
Book your place today:
Visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/opendays Call: 08455 194 787
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master your creativity
Information in this brochure is correct at the time of print, but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, call or check our website: www.southwales.ac.uk As part of its commitment to the Welsh language, the University provides information through the medium of Welsh. To find out more, visit www.decymru.ac.uk or e-mail cymraeg@decymru.ac.uk Fel rhan o’i ymrwymiad at yr iaith Gymraeg y mae’r Brifysgol yn darparu gwybodaeth drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. I wybod mwy, ewch i www.decymru.ac.uk neu e-bostiwch cymraeg@decymru.ac.uk Produced by the University of South Wales’s Marketing & Student Recruitment department. Brochure Design: CR-eative The University of South Wales is a registered charity. Registration No. 1140312.
08455 194 787 (UK)
www.southwales.ac.uk
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