FIL-30017 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

The Independent Study Project (ISP) in Film Studies offers you the chance to undertake a sustained piece of research in an area of your choice, in consultation with a supervisor. You will work independently to produce either a 10,000- word dissertation, a 20-minute video essay, or a series of blog posts totalling 10,000 words. The focus of the ISP will be an area of film theory or history, but you will also have the option to include examples of your own original creative work (e.g. a short piece of filmmaking, animation or screenwriting) as examples of theory in practice.

The ISP aims to provide students the opportunity to research and realise a sustained piece of academic work, either is written form (dissertation) or as an audio-visual piece (video essay). Students will gain experience of undertaking a long-form research project in close consultation with a supervisor, and develop key skills, in terms of identifying and using a range of research materials, developing a sustained argument, and presenting a major piece of academic work.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Undertake independent research on a sustained piece of academic work: 1
Make use of a range of digital and other research resources, including visual materials where appropriate: 1
Produce a sustained argument on a given subject, either in written form or via audio-visual means: 1
Work independently and creatively on an original subject identified in consultation with a supervisor: 1
Show awareness of good academic practice and presentation, either in written form or via audio-visual means: 1
Produce work to a professional standard of execution, with the support of a supervisor: 1

Study hours

Introductory lecture/workshop - 2 hours
Dissertation skills/video essay techniques/blogging skills workshop - 2 x 1 hour
Individual Supervisions and feedback - 12 x 1 hour
Independent research and production of finished piece of work - 284 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment