Centre of Excellence – Film Studies Diploma Course

Film Studies is a rapidly growing academic discipline focusing on the critical analysis of films as texts and how films capture, represent and even shape our understanding of the world.

Through the study of various filmmaking techniques, film tropes, and case studies of a range of films throughout history, this course provides the tools for analysing films of all ages, genres and types.

Discover filmmaking, from its inception to the modern day, and the impact of technological advancements within the industry.

Explore the importance of camera shots and lighting in cinematography. We’ll look at the terminology of different shots and how directors use shots to control audience reaction, along with how lighting is used to create mood and enhance the narrative. We’ll also examine the role of settings, props, costumes and make-up to portray both realism and surrealism.

Learn about the role of editors, the work they do, the terminology for different types of edits and how each type can be used for specific effects. We’ll also look at visual effects, from modelling and animation to CGI and rendering.

Examine how sound is used to further develop characters and plot and contribute to the creation of the film’s world. Look at narrative – exploring narrative structures, the use of narrative techniques and the difference between ‘plot’ and ‘story’. Explore character categories, the use of Jungian archetypes in film, and how archetypes are used in condensed story-telling.

Lastly, we’ll analyse the elements of a variety of film posters and why the graphic designers who created them made specific choices.

What You’ll Learn In Film Studies Diploma Course

By studying this course, you will:

• Explore the history of film
• Understand important elements of cinematography and mise en scène
• Become familiar with the role of the editor and how visual effects have developed over time
• Explore the use of both in-film and post-production sound
• Learn about the use of narrative structures and character archetypes in film
• Become familiar with elements that make up a film poster

Module 1: A Potted History of Film

• Introduction
• Part 1: 1872 – the Late 1800s
• Part 2: The 1890s
• Part 3: Sound and Colour
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 1 Assessment

Module 2: Cinematography – Camera Shots

• Part 1: Types of Shots
• Part 2: Camera Movement
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 2 Assessment

Module 3: Cinematography – Lighting

• Part 1: Main Types of Lighting
• Part 2: Lighting Techniques
• Part 3: Lighting Direction and Intensity
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 3 Assessment

Module 4: Mise en Scène

• Part 1: What is Mise en Scène ?
• Part 2: History of Mise en Scène
• Part 3: Composition
• Part 4: Film Stock
• Part 5: Costuming
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 4 Assessment

Module 5: Editing – Types of Edit

• Part 1: Why is Editing Important?
• Part 2: Key Types of Edit
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 5 Assessment

Module 6: Editing – Special Effects and Visual Effects

• Part 1: How Visual Effects Differ from Special Effects
• Part 2: Types of Special Effects
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 6 Assessment

Module 7: Diegetic Sound

• Part 1: What is Diegetic Sound?
• Part 2: Diegetic Sound in Post-Production
• Part 3: Diegetic Sound in Action
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 7 Assessment

Module 8: Non-Diegetic Sound

• Part 1: What is Non-Diegetic Sound?
• Part 2: Non-Diegetic Narration
• Part 3: Non-Diegetic Sound Effects
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 8 Assessment

Module 9: Narrative

• Part 1: Narrative or Documentary?
• Part 2: Plot
• Part 3: Narrative Theorists
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 9 Assessment

Module 10: Character Types

• Part 1: Carl Jung
• Part 2: The Main Archetypes
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Module 10 Assessment

Module 11: The Poster

• Part 1: Elements of a Poster
• Part 2: Age Classifications
• Part 3: Sample Analysis
• Test Your Knowledge
• Key Learning Points Exercise
• Conclusion
• Module 11 Assessment

Who Would Benefit from This Course?

The Film Studies Diploma Course provides a foundational level of understanding of the subject – perfect for anyone just getting into film studies with the intention of going on to further study and those wishing to better understand how their favourite films are constructed.

By studying the course you also find that you will further develop your critical thinking and analytical skills – skill sets that are useful in many areas of life.