Film Programming and Curating Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

This pioneering MA in Film Programming and Curating at Birkbeck, University of London offers students a comprehensive exploration of the various methodologies involved in the curation and programming of films. Located in London, a global media hub, the course leverages its setting to facilitate networking opportunities and engagement with significant film events, enhancing students' understanding of contemporary curatorial practices.

Why Film Programming and Curating at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck, University of London, has earned a reputation as one of the top universities in the UK for Art and Design research, as recognised in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. The programme is taught by leading academics and industry professionals, providing students with insights from guest speakers, film programmers, and archivists through workshops and site visits. The Birkbeck Cinema, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, serves as a central hub for the course, allowing students to experience films in optimal conditions.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the Film Programming and Curating MA are as follows:

• Full-time home students: £12,750 per year
• Part-time home students: £6,375 per year
• Full-time international students: £22,230 per year
• Part-time international students: £11,115 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and creativity, covering a range of topics essential for understanding film programming and curatorial practice. Students will engage with:

• Theories of spectatorship and audience engagement
• Exhibition sites and the architecture of film experiences
• The role of archives and the curation of diverse film collections
• Practical aspects of programming films and audience interaction
• Curatorial approaches for specific contexts, such as film festivals

Students must complete modules worth a total of 180 credits, including four compulsory modules, two core modules, and a final project.

Guaranteed Work Experience

The programme includes a mandatory placement at a cultural institution or film centre, providing hands-on experience that is crucial for professional development.

Careers with Film Programming and Curating

Graduates of this MA are well-prepared for diverse career paths within the creative arts, media, and cultural sectors. Many alumni have progressed to work with prestigious film festivals, cultural organisations, and film archives, including the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the BFI Southbank. Others have established careers as freelance curators or within film marketing organisations. The comprehensive careers service at Birkbeck supports students in navigating their career journeys, connecting their academic experiences with future ambitions.