UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE MA …...Screenwriting. In the past five years over 50 have undertaken the course. Many of them now work as writers in Television, Stage, Radio, Film,

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

MA Scriptwriting School of Film, Media and Performance

Course Leader Bill McCoid

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015 - 2016

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Please review the UCLan Equality and Diversity Policy for further information.

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/study_here/student_charter.php

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/study_here/student_charter.php

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Contents page

1. Introduction to the course

2. Structure of the course

3. Approaches to teaching and learning

4. Student support, guidance and conduct

5. Assessment

6. Course regulations

7. Student voice

8. Appendices

8. 1 Approved programme specification 8. 2 Tuition Fees Information t

1. Introduction to the course

1.1 Welcome to the course

Welcome to the School of Film, Media and Performance.

This handbook has been designed to provide students with information about the programmes, policies, procedures, expectations and opportunities within the School.

The handbook lays out the framework for the course, including a list of the staff team, how to contact them (page 4), and some of the more important regulations that relate to the course, assessment methods etc. On pages 13 – 16 are lists of the core (i.e., compulsory) and optional modules for the programme. Please take a look at these when it is time to choose your modules, as hopefully they should make clear what options are open to you.

Please keep this handbook throughout the duration of your course, as it will be a useful reference and answer many questions. Of course, your academic advisor will be pleased to help you with any further questions that arise and to advise you on how to get the best from the programme.

Enjoy the experience. Enjoy the University of Central Lancashire.

Alan Keegan

Division Leader

Media Practice (Scriptwriting)

School of Film, Media and Performance

Tom O’Boyle receives The Matt Greenhalgh Award, Sep 2103

1.2 Rationale, aims and learning outcomes of the course The MA Scriptwriting builds on the success of the BA (Hons) Film and TV Screenwriting. In the past five years over 50 have undertaken the course. Many of them now work as writers in Television, Stage, Radio, Film, Web and Journalism. Our position within the North West media marketplace is constantly growing through our direct industry links with the BBC and Media-CityUK (Salford), of which UCLan is a leading educational partner. Media-CityUK will provide employment opportunities for 15,500 people, including 1,500 trainee posts per year and space for 1,150 creative and related businesses.

Based in UCLan’s high tech Media Factory, students have access to all state-of-the-art facilities in relation to the development of their own projects. Their own professional development will be supported by the wealth of enterprise and research opportunities available in the Media Factory fourth floor: namely Northern Lights (postgraduate enterprise development).

The MA in Scriptwriting is both wider in range, and displays a deeper knowledge of writing for radio, television, film and stage. It also forms part of the successful and internationally recognised portfolio of Master’s provision of the School of Film, Media and Performance at UCLan. As such, it is an integral part of the School’s and the University’s medium term strategy of curriculum innovation and provision. This positioning will help foster a strong postgraduate culture in which to develop and thrive.

1.2.1 The Course The course will reflect best current industry practice, equipping students with the most appropriate practice skills. The Writing for Radio module offers students the opportunity to leave the course with a broadcast radio credit. Linked to the entrepreneurial module, the optional Writing for Stage module affords the student the opportunity to produce their own stage play. Scriptwriting for Video Games module offers students the chance to write computer video games. The course will also offer core modules in Writing for Film and Writing for Television. Our staff maintains strong industry contacts within all of these fields which means that we can offer a unique collection of modules that will offer credible opportunities and contacts for students.

Personal and professional development will be a key aspect of the course, with students graduating from the Scriptwriting going on to work in a variety of contexts: Radio, Television, Film, Internet, and Stage. The North West boasts a thriving live theatre scene which provides many opportunities for new writers. Apart from Media-CityUK there is also Granada, BBC local radio stations and a plethora of independent television and film companies, some of which are based in Media Factory. This Course is available as a one-year full-time programme or a two-year part-time programme.

Situated within the UCLAN Media area, the degree offers in-depth vocational oriented education in the practice of various screenwriting disciplines. The course builds on the development of skills and personal resources, which, either directly or indirectly, helps in allowing graduates to find employment. The course is led by practitioners and academics with extensive experience in industry and independent practice. There are three MA courses in the Media Practice area of the School of Film, Media and Performance: Scriptwriting, Film Production and Photography. Each of these

shares a philosophy of practice-based study, while each has distinct routes of study and learning outcomes. All three are designed to produce employable graduates with the transferable, as well as subject specific skills demanded in the workplace.

1.2.2 Philosophy This course provides an environment where writers can develop their own style away from the pressures and constraints of the industry. It is in effect a safe haven where writers can stretch their imaginations and artistic muscles to the very limit.

At the same time this course lays a large emphasis on employability. All of our tutors have extremely good contacts with the industry. We lay much emphasis on employability awareness and on developing contacts, networking and developing a portfolio of work whilst on the MA Scriptwriting course at UCLAN.

Contemporary Film, Television, Radio and Stage demands individuals that can

understand, analyse and challenge underlying concepts and creatively apply a variety of skills to produce work regardless of the applied discipline.

The MA Scriptwriting programme, therefore, aims to develop multi-skilled, lateral

thinking practitioners with a solid understanding of narrative structure and a critical awareness of the media and its role in society. The courses aim to develop students’ creativity in a narrative based media through studying with experienced practitioner tutors.

Practice is at the centre of the course. By the end of the course each student should

be able to produce challenging work that uses a particular writing medium effectively. Experience suggests this requires that a number of approaches be incorporated; a guided approach to experimentation and evaluation; workshop and seminar sessions where students acquire the skills needed to confidently produce work; critical and contextual work which gives a sound grounding in current thinking about the media and how this impacts on the work of contemporary practitioners.

1.2.3 Rationale

The course will deal with both major and lesser-known outlets for narrative writing for the screen, their associated practices and disciplines, conventions and origins. These include, for example, fictional film and video work, documentary, comedy writing, writing for radio and digital communications media.

The course tends to work less with exclusively formalist ideas or work that operates

purely within the parameters of writing practice (though both these approaches may be incorporated and accommodated) rather it will allow the development of work which deals with personal, social and dramatic issues through a range of narrative strategies to identified audiences.

The emphasis will be on encouraging each student to identify and then focus on their particular strengths and interests, eventually developing their own distinctive practice.

The general approach will be developed through the following broad strands:-

Practical – Study is through a practical writing-based approach; students will be actively engaged in a process of sharpening their perception and ideas through strategic experimentation. There will be a structured progression of practical written work from the introductory stages to the final projects.

The development of each individual student's strengths as a practitioner will lead to the production, in the final year, of a highly developed body of work, reflecting their own interests and concerns.

Critical - The link between practice and critical theory is central to the course. Theory

should not be simply illustrated in the practice, nor become a prescribed straitjacket that students must adhere to.

Active testing and exploration of relevant theoretical ideas play an important role in the development of creative practice. Core modules explore cultural theories of particular importance; some of these are generally offered to all students, others look more specifically at writing in particular. Modules will continue to develop the link with critical ideas by including both formal lectures and student presentation about relevant work, and more informal group discussions about the students' and other work.

Contextual - Opportunities will exist to apply skills learned on the course to situations

outside of the academic institution. Students may opt to undertake projects that involve contact with outside organisations. Optional work placement project work will provide a particular opportunity for a range of projects linked to students’ own interests, such as community education, commercial placements etc.

Independent learning will be encouraged and all students will be expected to adopt a

pro-active approach to expanding their study. 1.7 Programme Aims

• To develop in students the ability to produce innovative writing of high quality across Film, Television, Stage and Radio, that is based on a well-structured and creative use of narrative.

• To promote a specialist knowledge and mastery of scriptwriting skills, including story structure, scene development, characterisation and dialogue that will enable students to turn their stories into industry standard scripts.

• To provide a course that offers students the opportunity to rigorously develop their scripts through both peer workshops and individual tutorials, while maintaining the flexibility to build on individual strengths and develop their own voice.

• To develop transferable skills of self-evaluation, independent research, project

management and development that will be of benefit to any future involvement in the media and theatre industries.

• To enhance students’ career potential by facilitating a proactive and self-reflective

role both in their own work and through nurturing professional relationships.

1.8 Learning Outcomes On completion of the MA Scriptwriting students will be able to:

• Express a critically discursive knowledge of contemporary issues, debates and professional contexts in relation to their own creative practice.

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of key critical concepts and approaches to narrative writing across all media.

• Apply a comprehensive foundation of both primary and secondary research methods to a professional writing project.

• Demonstrate a specialist knowledge and mastery of scriptwriting skills, including complex story structure, scene development, compelling characterisation and dialogue to the recognised industry standard.

• Contribute creatively and professionally to the development of original scriptwriting to an exacting standard across all media, both in the self-evaluation of work and in constructive group discourse.

• Exhibit an advanced understanding of contemporary scriptwriting through practical experience of developing original and innovative ideas into industry proposals, treatments and completed scripts suitable for submission to broadcasters.

• Critically and creatively evaluate current issues, research and contemporary practice in scriptwriting across all media and display a mastery of the intellectual abilities appropriate to the form.

• Display a high level of independent planning, research, development and self-evaluation of the process of creating a major writing project potentially suitable for industry or independent production.

• Demonstrate an advanced critical awareness of their own developing practice and that of their peers through work produced and rigorous group discourse.

• Demonstrate the ability to plan, research, develop, produce and evaluate complex and advanced intellectual projects.

• Demonstrate employability and professional skills relevant to contemporary scriptwriting practice across all media industry sectors.

• Take a proactive and self-reflective role in creating original work and developing professional relationships with others.

Below: Becky Collins picks up the Creative Digital Focus Prize from the Vice Chancellor. June 2014

1.3 Course Team Below is your programme team, mostly located in the Media Factory. If you have any questions relating to your programme of studies, please use the contact information provided.

NAME RESPONSIBILITY ROOM NO. Telephone No Email (01772 89****)

John Holloway Head of School ME231 Alan Keegan Division Leader ME309 [email protected] Bill McCoid Course Leader

MA Scriptwriting ME330 Ext 3991 [email protected]

Steve Lawson Lecturer Screenwriting

ME 330 Ext 5690 [email protected]

Anita Pandolfo Screenwriting Tutor

ME330 Ext 5690 [email protected]

Lavinia Murray Screenwriting tutor ME330 Ext 5690 [email protected]

Linda Sever Senior Lecturer Film Production


Stephen Place Senior Lecturer Film Production


Peter Wobser Course Leader MA Film Production


mailto:[email protected]








Division Leader – Alan Keegan The Division Leader is charged with co-ordinating the Media Practice area, including timetable, admissions and coursework scheduling. Your Division Leader provides the overall academic leadership of the course and will prepare the information necessary for the monitoring and evaluation of the course.

Course Leader – Bill McCoid The duties and responsibilities of the Course Leader are as follows: the co-ordination of studies on the course; academic leadership; co-ordination with the Division Leader and other Course Co-ordinators to ensure that course assignments are set at the appropriate level in each module and that assignments overall are consistent in terms of general academic level and progression, relevance and presentation. In addition, they will confer regularly with a view to achieving integration between the course modules in the design of assignments.

Lecturer – Steve Lawson Liaises with the Course Leader and Division Leader on the co-ordination of studies on the course.

Course Tutors – Bill McCoid, Steve Lawson, Lavinia Murray Tutors responsible for the teaching of specific modules. Each Tutor teaches in their specialist area.

1.4 Academic advisor Each student has a member of staff designated as their academic advisor. Your academic advisor will be Bill McCoid the course leader, contact details as above. The role of the academic advisor is not to deal with assignment issues - this is a matter for your module tutor and should be raised at an appropriate seminar session. The academic advisors provide initial pastoral care, including problems that may affect your work. Think of your academic advisor as a ‘wise friend’, someone who knows the university and its academic regulations, and to whom you can turn for advice. It may not be appropriate for your academic advisor to deal with your problems - personal counselling is a job best left to Student Services or the Health Centre - but they should be able to direct you to an appropriate source of advice. You will normally be contacted by their academic advisor within the first few weeks and invited for a meeting. If you do not hear from your academic advisor within the first month, please contact the School Office.

1.5 Administration details Campus Admin Services provides academic administration support for students and staff and are located at CM2035 and is open from 8.45am until 5.15pm Monday to Thursday and until 4.00pm on Fridays. The hub can provide general assistance and advice regarding specific processes such as extenuating circumstances, extensions and appeals. Course specific information is also available via school Blackboard sites. The hub telephone number for the is 01772 891994 or 01772 891995 The hub email contact is [email protected]


1.6 Communication

The University expects you to use your UCLan email address and check regularly for messages from staff. If you send us email messages from other addresses they risk being filtered out as potential spam and discarded unread.

1.7 External Examiner

The University has appointed an External Examiner to your course who helps to ensure that the standards of your course are comparable to those provided at other higher education institutions in the UK. The name of this person, their position and home institution can be found below. If you wish to make contact with your External Examiner, you should do this through your Course Leader and not directly. External Examiner reports will be made available to you electronically. The School will also send a sample of student coursework to the external examiner(s) for external moderation purposes, once it has been marked and internally moderated by the course tutors. The sample will include work awarded the highest and lowest marks and awarded marks in the middle range.

The external examiner for MA Scriptwriting is Carl Hunter, Edge Hill University, Lancaster. If you wish to make contact with your External Examiner, you should do this through your Course Leader and not directly.

The external examiner writes a report every year on the course, and how it is progressing. If you want to read this report, it is available on the course Blackboard space.

2. Structure of the course

2.1 Overall structure

SEMESTER 1 September to January

PV4010

Research Methodologies

Compulsory

20 credits

FULL TIME

PV4015

Enterprise and Professional Practice

Compulsory

20 credits

PV4120

Writing For Film

Compulsory 20 credits

SEMESTER 2 January to May

PV4135

Writing For Television


EITHER: OR

PV4121

Writing For Radio

Compulsory

20 credits

PV4160

Scriptwriting for Video Games

Optional 20 credits

SEMESTER 3 May to September

SW4055

Major Project

Core 60 credits

PV4135

Writing for Stage

Optional 20 credtis


PV4120

Writing For Film


PV4010

Research Methodologies

Compulsory

20 credits


PV4135

Writing For Television


PV4121

Writing For Radio

Compulsory

20 credits

PART TIME


PV4155

Major Project (Part 1)

Core 60 credits


EITHER :- PV4160

Scriptwriting for Video Games

Optional 20 credits

PV4015

Enterprise and Professional Practice

Compulsory

20 credits


PV4155

Major Project (Part 2)

Core 60 credits

2.2 Modules available The course is delivered over three semesters for full time students and six semesters for part time students. During the course you will take seven modules in total adding up to a total of 180 credits. Full Time Students

Compulsory Modules Research Methodologies PV4010 20 credits Sem 1 Enterprise and Professional Practice PV4015 20 credits Sem 1 Writing for Film PV4120 20 credits Sem 1 Writing for Radio PV4121 20 credits Sem 2 Writing for Television PV4135 20 credits Sem 2 Core Module Major Project Scriptwriting PV4155 60 credits Sem 3


OR PV4145

Writing For Stage

Optional 20 credits

Optional Modules Scriptwriting for Video Games PV4160 20 credits Sem 2 OR Writing for Stage PV4145 20 credits Sem 2 Part Time Students Compulsory Modules Research Methodologies PV4010 20 credits Sem 1 Writing for Film PV4120 20 credits Sem 1 Writing for Radio PV4121 20 credits Sem 2 Writing for Television PV4135 20 credits Sem 2 Enterprise and Professional Practice PV4015 20 credits Sem 4 Core Module Major Project Scriptwriting PV4155 60 credits Sem 3&6 Optional Modules Scriptwriting for Video Games PV4160 20 credits Sem 5 Writing for Stage PV4145 20 credits Sem 5

2.2.1 Progression Discussions about your progression through the course normally take place in February each year. It is an opportunity for you to make plans for your study over the next academic year. The course team will tell you about the various modules / combinations available and you will both agree on the most appropriate (and legal) course of study for you.

2.3 Study Time

2.3.1 Weekly timetable Your timetable is available to view on the student portal, which is at https://apps.uclan.ac.uk/MvcCompTimetable

2.3.2 Expected hours of study The normal amount of work involved in achieving a successful outcome to your studies is to study for 10 hours per each credit you need to achieve – this includes attendance at UCLan and time spent in private study. On this course there will be many occasions when you will need to work at weekends and evenings in order to research and write. Research and project based modules will demand more private study, and formal contact time with staff may be limited to tutorials and supervision sessions.

https://apps.uclan.ac.uk/MvcCompTimetable

2.3.3 Attendance Requirements You are required to attend all timetabled learning activities for each module. Notification of illness or exceptional requests for leave of absence must be made to your Module Tutor Please check the above contact list for getting in touch. If you cannot get hold of your teacher, please contact the school office. It is imperative to contact someone, so that your illness or absence is recorded. Please be very careful with this as it may have implications on your student loan. If you are an international student under the Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Points Based System (PBS) - you MUST attend your course of study regularly; under PBS, UCLan is obliged to tell UKVI if you withdraw from a course, defer or suspend your studies, or if you fail to attend the course regularly. If you have not gained the required authorisation for leave of absence, do not respond to communications from the University and if you are absent for four weeks or more, you may be deemed to have withdrawn from the course. If this is the case, then the date of withdrawal will be recorded as the last day of attendance. Each time you are asked to enter your details on SAM you must remember that the University has a responsibility to keep information up to date and that you must only enter your own details on the system. To enter any other names would result in inaccurate records and be dishonest. Any student who is found to make false entries can be disciplined under the student guide to regulations.

2.4 Data Protection All of the personal information obtained from you and other sources in connection with your studies at the University will be held securely and will be used by the University both during your course and after you leave the University for a variety of purposes. These are all explained during the enrolment process at the commencement of your studies. If you would like a more detailed explanation of the University’s policy on the use and disclosure of personal information, please contact the Information Governance Officer, Clerk to the Board Service, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE or email [email protected].

3.1 Expertise of staff Teaching is delivered by experienced and highly qualified staff, who have worked in the industry for many years. Enhancing student employability is an important aim for teaching staff and tutors maintain strong links with industry to develop work placement and employment opportunities. For more information on staff expertise, please see individual staff profiles online.

3.2 Learning and teaching methods The course combines a reflective critical approach with practical scriptwriting work. In all work active and independent learning is encouraged. Throughout the course, there is a strong emphasis on encouraging students to draw on their individual strengths to produce fresh and, at best, innovative work. All skills teaching and critical work are ultimately aimed at extending the student’s confidence and ability to fulfil this aim, whether you join the MA programme with relevant writing experience or not.

Requirements, Semester 1 At level 7 all modules emphasise the importance of planning, research, development and evaluation of projects before the production of final work.


Requirements for producing evidence of this will be clearly stated, and a percentage of the marks will be assigned to this.

Group discussion and reflection of on-going and final work in groups will be central to all practical modules; this will be used to encourage evaluation and draw on the breadth of individual approaches to open students to a wide range of possibilities and creative strategies. Interim and Final Critique sessions will be used by tutors to feedback directly to students and to discuss issues that arise. Assessment will take into account the student's degree of success in using the available time and resources to produce well developed work that uses the chosen medium in an appropriate, possibly innovative, way with an awareness of narrative conventions as well as contextual and critical issues.

Semester 1 theoretical work will require key introductory texts to be read and applied to the development of critical arguments around current Scriptwriting. Lectures will encourage active student participation through discussion and assessed presentations to the group; the presentations will be used to encourage a wide range of interests and ideas to be brought to the group.

Semester 2

Teaching, learning and assessment of semester 2 work will follow on broadly from semester 1, but with an expectation that students will need less guidance on time and resource management and be able to further develop individual projects. A strong emphasis will be placed on experimentation, extending each student’s ideas of the potential of their chosen discipline. There will be a greater emphasis on tutorials. Taught sessions will extend scriptwriting skills into more specialised and advanced areas in preparation for more professional levels of work. Professional level expectations and practices will be addressed over the course of semester 2. More complex critical and contextual ideas will be discussed and evidence of their application expected in finished work.

In Scriptwriting modules, there will be a requirement to read texts beyond introductory level. The ability to apply the ideas expressed in these will be developed through lectures and discussions in which students will again be expected to take an active role.

Semester 3

The Semester 3 module will focus on the student developing their own area of practice. This should lead to the production of work of a level suitable for public dissemination (within the constraints of available resources). There will be some taught sessions, visiting lecturers and visits, but the main teaching will be by tutorials. Students will negotiate their programme of work with course tutors and agree objectives and outcomes in advance.

Theory work during semester 3 will be based on the student researching and developing a major writing project related to their main area of interest. Taught sessions will outline techniques and requirements. Students will give an assessed presentation to the group. Students will be expected to attend regular tutorials.

Marking Criteria

1. The marking criteria are designed to give a clear and reasonably consistent indication for both staff and students of how marks for both essays and scriptwriting assignments are arrived at.

2. The indicated levels in each category should be seen as typical for a given band of marks. Few pieces of work are likely to achieve the same level in every category and these criteria are not therefore an exact prescription for marking work.

3. The criteria given are general and the student should look at each assignment brief for weightings for particular categories; some assignments for example give greater weight to research, others to final work.

3.3 Study skills As we are a mainly creative course we work a lot with notebooks and plans in trying to develop skills in thinking laterally rather than logically about certain ideas. Use a walkman/minidisk for recording sounds and voices. Start to take notice of everything around you, be curious and enthusiastic about people and places. This is the main aspect of studying the practical side of Scriptwriting. Observe life around you and you will have a better understanding of transferring these skills into your work.

3.3.1 Self-Evaluation

Throughout your period of study we will rely heavily upon ‘peer’ and ‘group’ evaluation. This reflects your growing ability to criticise positively and to use evaluative techniques to affect positive outcomes in your creative work and work of your peers. Thus effective application of evaluative tools will be reflected in the assessment strategies for developing projects, presentations and supporting research material. However to offer useful criticism to others relies on a genuine understanding of the processes that occur in the development of creative work; the ability to ‘self-evaluate’ is essential to this knowledge. In all cases the submission of major pieces of Scriptwriting work should be accompanied by a reflective essay (see below) that gives you the opportunity to reflect upon the creative processes employed and the work that results.

Your progress as a student and your final recommendation, are decided by the grades that you receive for the work that you submit for assessment. Although the criteria for assessment of each assignment is included in this handbook (so that you know in detail what tangible evidence of study we expect) there are other areas of learning in your academic progress that are not so easily charted by assessment criteria and end-of-semester grades. Consequently you should be asking yourself questions such as: what kind of approaches to study achieves good results? What approach to study do I have? How do I alter my approach to study to achieve more?

Educational research identifies two basic types of learning, and uncovers differences in students' approaches to the learning process. They are described as ‘rigorous’ and ‘superficial’.

Students who have a rigorous approach to learning: • Intend to understand material for themselves and interact vigorously and

critically with the content • Relate ideas to previous knowledge and experience • Use organising principles to integrate ideas • Relate evidence to conclusions • Examine and challenge the logic of the argument

Students who have a superficial approach to learning:

• Intend simply to reproduce parts of the content and accept ideas and

information passively • Concentrate only on assessment requirements • Do not reflect on purpose or strategy • Memorise facts and procedures routinely • Fail to distinguish guiding principles or patterns.

If you think you are too regularly falling into the latter category, we recommend that you make an appointment to speak to your Academic advisor. Although it is you who will ultimately have to effect the change to your learning pattern, you will find it much easier if you have the support of a tutor.

3.3.2 Reflective Essays

In some modules you will be studying, we ask you to submit a Reflective Essay as a self-evaluation document for assessment. You may worry about this, perhaps thinking that admitting your faults will cause you to get a poor grade or even fail; equally you may be embarrassed about admitting that you did something very well!

The documents are not there to catch you out, but have two main functions: 1. to allow you consider your achievements and to establish a good working

methodology; 2. to allow your tutors to understand how and why you produced the work we have

assessed and to guide you to replicate success or to avoid mistakes.

Put simply, these documents are to ensure that you make the most of your achievements. We will assist you, through seminars and tutorials, to write the first Reflective Essay, but as a simple guide you should consider the following:

As part of the process of documenting your achievement avoid spending too long describing ‘what’ you did and ‘how’ you did things; concentrate at least as much on ‘why’ as well as ‘what’ and ‘how’. In other words, always support what you did by explaining the reasons for your decision. The ‘what I did was…’ should always be linked to ‘because…’ or ‘I achieved…X…through…Y…’. For instance, when you describe your original ideas you should also explain why they were relevant to the assignment. When you describe how you began to turn ideas into practical output within a studio or workshop session you should also show why the methodology you applied was appropriate. When producing finished work you should also review the process and explain why your initial ideas changed and why the product was better because of these changes. As part of the learning process it is important to evaluate your own contribution within the context of the creative writing process and the finished work. The self-assessment document gives you the opportunity to consider;

• Creative input (ideas and aesthetics) • Practical input (subject-specific and transferable skills) • Leadership, team contributions and time-management (project development) Reflect upon what you did well and how you could have approached things differently. Remember group projects are like the ‘real world’ – each of you is reliant upon one another, and one person’s failure is also your failure. For instance, within your self-assessment document we are not expecting you to blame someone else for not working to schedule but to ask yourself what you did, should or could have done, to respond to the challenge created by the changed situation.

3.3.3 Further help When writing essays and developing your writing projects, there are a number of ways of researching your ideas. You will be taught these as part of the research methodologies module. If you are returning to education after a long period away there is a range of different support mechanisms to help you with your study skills. There are a number of books available on how to study and take notes. The best and cheapest ones we can recommend are the small study guides available from Blackwell’s Bookshop, which is next to the Student Union Shop. They are: “Reading For Study” by Sandra Ashman & Phillis Crème “Taking Notes From Lectures” by above authors “Citing References” by David Fisher & Terry Hanstock “How to Write Essays” They are only 99p each and are well worth it. It is hard work completing a Masters degree, but we pride ourselves on having a good School with enthusiastic staff, which reflects on the students, who always enthuse about our course to fellow students. We hope you will do the same!

There are a variety of services to support students and these include WISER https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_33_1 LIS https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_25_1

3.4 Learning resources

3.4.1 Learning Information Services (LIS) Extensive resources are available to support your studies provided by LIS – library and IT staff. Take advantage of the free training sessions designed to enable you to gain all the skills you need for your research and study.

3.4.2 Electronic Resources LIS provide access to a huge range of electronic resources – e-journals and databases, e-books, images and texts. You will be expected to use ‘Blackboard’ to keep up to speed with many of your modules. You will also find useful links on this site to other resources, such as book lists.

https://portal.uclan.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_33_1



3.5 Personal development planning To help you with your learning you will carry out a process of Personal Development Planning (PDP). Personal Development Planning is a supported and structured process to help you understand more about how you learn and what you learn. It encourages you to review, plan and take responsibility for your own learning to improve your personal, educational and career development. Personal Development Planning provides you with opportunities to reflect on what you are learning on the course and during your time at university, identify your strengths and weaknesses and to develop your own strategies to further improve your performance. It gives you a framework to record your activities and actions and forms the basis for your career development by providing evidence of the development of a wide range of skills and experiences that are sought by employers and which will aid your advancement in the workplace. Personal Development Planning is a process that only you can fully undertake as it calls upon you to constantly reflect on what you do and how you do it. It is a process that is similar to, and often linked with, your subject specific learning. On this course you are required to carry out practical tasks and to reflect on how and why these are done, what the consequences are and ways they could be better done. Personal Development Planning is the same process, but in relation to yourself – you are required to carry out learning tasks and to reflect on what you learned and how, what the consequences are and ways they could be better done. At the start of the course there will be an explanation of Personal Development Planning and the Uclan ‘Pebblepad’. You will be expected to start and maintain your electronic progress file which will contain transcripts and assignment and other feedback. It is important that you should record you activities as a learner and make notes that reflect on your experiences and the actions you took to resolve problems and achieve success. You should bring this file to meetings with your academic advisor, who will ask you to talk about your learning and how you are developing plans to improve it. In individual modules seminars will be included that will ask you to reflect on your approaches to subject learning (for instance, how you have related practical journalism experiences to communication theory) and how you reacted to different learning techniques (for instance, working in groups, making presentations, compiling portfolios). 3.6 Preparing for your career Your future is important to us, so to make sure that you achieve your full potential whilst at university and beyond, your course has been designed with employability learning integrated into it. This is not extra to your degree, but an important part of it which will help you to show future employers just how valuable your degree is. These “Employability Essentials” take you on a journey of development that will help you to write your own personal story of your time at university:

• To begin with, you will explore your identity, your likes and dislikes, the things that are important to you and what you want to get out of life.

• Later, you will investigate a range of options including jobs and work experience, postgraduate study and self- employment,

• You will then be ready to learn how to successfully tackle the recruitment process. • You will be able to record your journey using Pebblepad, the university’s e-portfolio

system, which will leave you with a permanent record of all the fantastic things you have achieved during your time at UCLan.

It’s your future: take charge of it!

Careers offers a range of support for you including:- • career and employability advice and guidance appointments • support to find work placements, internships, voluntary opportunities, part-time

employment and live projects • workshops, seminars, modules, certificates and events to develop your skills

Daily drop in service available from 09:00-17:00 for CV checks and initial careers information. For more information come along and visit the team (in Foster building near the main entrance) or access our careers and employability resources via the Student Portal. Northern Lights As part of UCLan futures, the Northern Lights Business Incubation unit provides support to students, graduates and businesses throughout the Northwest. The support programme and facilities available include:

• Access to business workspace, including “hot-desk” and “rent-a-desk” options • Use of computers with broadband access

4. Student support, guidance and conduct

4.1 Academic advisors Every student is assigned an Academic advisor. On this course it will be Bill McCoid, see paragraph 1.4 of this handbook. You will usually gain more from any academic advisor session if you take some time to prepare in advance, thinking about any issues which you may want to raise. You can request a meeting with your academic advisor at any time – you do not have to wait for an invitation. At each academic advisorial your tutor will fill in a form recording the subjects you discussed and what advice was offered. You should read this form through at the end of the tutorial and then sign it. If you wish to change your academic advisor, you should let your course leader know and they will assign you to another member of staff.

4.2 Student Support The 'i' is a central Student Information Centre and your first point of contact. You can obtain information on a wide range of topics including Council Tax Exemption Certificates, Bank and Confirmation of Study Letters, Portable Financial Credits, (continuing students onlyPrinting and Printer Credit, UCLan Cards, the ‘i’ shop and UCLan Financial Support Bursary (first year students only).

4.3 Students with disabilities If you have a disability that may affect your studies, please either contact the Disability Advisory Service - [email protected] - or let one of the course team know as soon as possible. With your agreement information will be passed on to the Disability Advisory

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/careers/index.php

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/futures

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/library/the_i.php


Service. The University will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs and to provide appropriate support for you to complete your study successfully. Where necessary, you will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. In addition, there is a disability lead at school level who can offer advice and support, and who has specific knowledge of the demands of your course. David Dennison is the contact in the School of Film, Media and Performance for students with disabilities: [email protected] Assessment arrangements for students with a disability Arrangements are made for students who have a disability/learning difficulty for which valid supporting evidence can be made available. Contact the Disability Adviser for advice and information, [email protected]

4.4 Health and Safety As a student of the University you are responsible for the safety of yourself and for that of others around you. You must understand and follow all the regulations and safety codes necessary for a safe campus environment. Please help to keep it safe by reporting any incidents, accidents or potentially unsafe situations to a member of staff as soon as possible. Safety assessments have been undertaken for each module of your course and you will be advised of all applicable safety codes and any specific safety issues during the induction to your course and modules. You must ensure that you understand and apply all necessary safety codes. These form an essential element of your personal development and contribute to the safety of others.

4.5 Conduct You will be expected to abide by the Regulations for the Conduct of Students in the University. UCLan expects you to behave in a respectful manner demonstrated by using appropriate language in class, and switching mobile phones / other devices off prior to attending classes. If your behaviour is considered to be unacceptable, any member of staff is able to issue an informal oral warning and the University will support staff by invoking formal procedures where necessary. You can read more about UCLan expectations in the regulations for the Conduct of Students. In the experience of the course team it is very seldom that problems around ethical issues arise from student work. We hope that a wide diversity of issues and opinions will be addressed by students on the course, and as a general principle we welcome work that looks at ideas and content which do not appear in mainstream media for various reasons. We do not wish to impose a culture of self -censorship. However, the following is a broad outline of what may constitute ethically unacceptable work and how it will be dealt with.

4.5.1 Ethical Issues

In lectures and seminars, there will be times when lecturers and students will wish to discuss, and therefore look at, work that some may find offensive; this may include for example, violent, pornographic or racist material. The policy in this situation is that if such work is to be shown, the person showing it should make the group aware of the nature of the material and give an opportunity for anyone who wishes, to leave the lecture room until afterwards. All students should feel free to exercise their right to not be exposed to potentially offensive material, and equally, to take responsibility if they choose to stay.



https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/life/rules_regs.php

In the case of practical screenwriting projects where potentially offensive material is produced, the above guidelines should be followed in group discussions of the work. Where it is proposed that the work is to be exhibited, the course team will take a decision on if and how this will occur. In some cases this may involve displaying written work, such as recent performances of dramatic monologues written by students, with a warning about the content of the work in a space where it cannot be accidentally be seen by children. Where there is a question about the legality of the work, the course team may veto the display of the work. Where potentially offensive issues are raised, each case will be discussed with the student and considered by the course team. Cases may be referred to the School head for a final decision. It is recognised that to address sensitive issues, work that some may find offensive will be produced; however, work that offends for no clear discursive reason may be withheld from public display. The University’s Mission statement and Equal Opportunities policy will be particularly referred to in any cases that arise.

4.5.2 Intellectual Property Regulations for Students

The University's Intellectual Property Regulations for Students provides that all intellectual property rights invented or created by Students arising from their studies at the University of Central Lancashire shall be vested in the University of Central Lancashire, except as otherwise agreed in writing. "The University may reproduce work produced by students for its own promotional or educational purposes, but otherwise the student owns the copyright in any piece of work that he or she has produced. "The University will not unreasonably prevent a student or ex-student from selling or otherwise benefiting from his/her copyrights. "Work which is not retained by the University must be removed by the deadline displayed on the notice boards at the end of the academic year."

4.6 Students’ Union You can play an important part in the process of improving the quality of this course through the feedback you give. In addition to the ongoing discussion with the course team throughout the year, there are a range of mechanisms for you to feedback about your experience of teaching and learning. We aim to respond to your feedback and let you know of our plans for improvement. The Students’ Union is the representative body for all UCLan students. The organisation exists separately from the University and is led by the elected officers of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) as well as representatives on the Students’ Council. The Students’ Union building is located at the heart of the Preston campus, and is the hub for all student activities. Representation and campaigning for students’ rights is at the core of what we do and is encompassed by our tag line of, Making Life Better for Students. Should you wish to make a change to any aspect of your student experience, whether it be academically related or not, then the Union is where your voice can be heard, actions taken, or campaigns launched. Your Union is also the home to a fantastic range of student-led societies, sports teams and multitudes of volunteering opportunities. You can also receive help in finding part-time work,

http://www.uclansu.co.uk/societies

http://www.uclansu.co.uk/teamuclan

whilst you study. Not sure where to go pop into the Opportunities Centre on the ground floor of the Students’ Union building and someone will point you in the right direction. We hope your time at University is trouble free, but should you come into difficulties around anything from academic appeals, to issues with housing, benefits or debt, then our dedicated staff team in the Advice and Representation Centre are on hand to help. As we are independently run from the university, we can offer truly impartial advice. More information on all these things, as well as details about all our (not-for-profit) commercial services, including our student supermarket (Essentials) and student-bar (Source) can be found at http://www.uclansu.co.uk/. The Opportunities Centre is the Union’s One Stop Shop to find employment or volunteering whilst you study. With thousands of jobs and voluntary positions advertised, agency work through the Bridge and information on over 2000 volunteer positions within the Union.

5. Assessment Please note that all modules will be assessed. You are expected to attempt all required assessments for each module for which you are registered, and to do so at the times scheduled unless authorised extensions, special arrangements for disability, or extenuating circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.

5.1 Assessment Strategy This handbook provides an overview of assessments, grades and results. It is important that you read and understand this information. The Module Information Packs give you more details about the specific assignments in a particular module. Your assignments are designed to address specific and specific learning outcomes in each module, and the marks are given to reflect how far you attained those learning outcomes.

All assessed work is returned to you with feedback from the tutor. It is important that you take on board this feedback in order to improve your performance as the course develops. If you do not understand the tutor’s feedback or wish to discuss the comments, please ask the tutor for an appointment.

The pass mark for assessments at Masters level is 50%. A mark such as this indicates that you have only just reached the level of performance described in the learning outcomes for each module and there are weaknesses you will need to address.

5.2 Notification of assignments and examination arrangements Requirements for individual assessments and their respective deadlines for submission are usually outlined in Module Information Packs or contained in assessment briefings distributed by the respective tutor. You will also find this information on Blackboard. Your module leader will also explain how and where you should submit your work for marking.

5.3 Referencing The referencing style is the Harvard style and a brochure on its use is available in the library and also for sale from most academic bookshops and online stores.

http://www.uclansu.co.uk/opportunities

http://www.uclansu.co.uk/advice

http://www.uclansu.co.uk/

5.4 Confidential material From time to time you may have reason to access confidential information during the course. Remember that you have ethical and legal responsibilities to respect confidentiality and maintain the anonymity of individuals and organisations within your assignments.

5.5 Dealing with difficulties in meeting assessment deadlines Assignments must be submitted no later than the date on your assignment instructions / brief. If you anticipate that you will have difficulty in meeting assessment deadlines or you have missed or are likely to miss in-semester tests you must report this at the earliest possible opportunity to the module leader, by email. Authorisation of the late submission of work requires written permission. Your School is authorised to give permission for one extension period of between 1 and 10 working days where appropriate evidence of good reason has been accepted and where submission within this timescale would be reasonable taking into account your circumstances (Academic Regulations). You should complete and submit an extension request form, with any supporting evidence, to your hub. Further information is available on the Student Portal at: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstances.php We aim to let you know if the extension has been granted within 1 working day of the receipt of the request. If you are unable to submit work within 10 working days after the submission date due to verifiable extenuating circumstances, you may submit a case for consideration in accordance with the University’s Policies and Procedures on Extenuating Circumstances (Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook).

5.5.1 Extenuating circumstances Some students face significant events in their personal life that occur after their course has started, which have a greater impact on their studies than can be solved by the use of an extension. If this applies to you, the University is ready to support you both with regard to your course and your personal wellbeing through a process called Extenuating Circumstances (see Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook). Normally extenuating circumstances will relate to a change in your circumstances since you commenced your course, which have had a significant, adverse effect on your studies. Everyday occurrences such as colds or known conditions such as hay-fever will not qualify unless the effects are unusually severe and this is corroborated by a medical note. The University does not look sympathetically on absences or delays caused by holiday commitments or by work commitments in the case of full-time students. The normal work commitments of part-time students would not constitute an extenuating circumstance. A disability or learning difficulty does not constitute an extenuating circumstance (see Academic Regulations). Further information is available on the Student Portal at: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstances.php You can apply for extenuating circumstances online via myUCLan. You must apply no later than 3 days after any examination or assessment submission date. Do not wait until you

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/aqasu/academic_regulations.php


https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/files/Extension_Request_Application_Form.docx

https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstances.php



https://www5.uclan.ac.uk/ou/sass/resource-centre/External%20Library/Assessment%20Handbook%20201314.pdf




receive your assessment results to submit a claim. It is in your own interests to submit the claim as soon as possible. You will be expected to re-submit claims for extenuating circumstances for each semester. All evidence that is provided relating to extenuating circumstances will be treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. Supporting evidence will not be kept for longer than is necessary and will be destroyed shortly after the end of the current academic year.

Further information about the submission process is available at: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstance_submission.php In determining assessment recommendations, Assessment Boards will consider properly submitted claims from students who believe their performance has been adversely affected by extenuating circumstances. N.B. Assessment Boards are not permitted to alter individual assessment marks to take account of extenuating circumstances (Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook).

5.5.2 Late submissions If you submit work late and unauthorised, a universal penalty will be applied in relation to your work:

• If you submit work within 5 working days following the published submission date you will obtain the minimum pass mark for that element of assessment.

• Work submitted later than 5 working days after the published submission date will be awarded a mark of 0% for that element of assessment.

• Unauthorised late submission at resubmission will automatically be awarded a mark of 0% for that element of assessment.

5.6 Feedback Following Assessments UCLan is committed to giving you clear, legible and informative feedback for all your assessments (Academic Regulations). You are expected to review and reflect on your feedback and learn from each experience to improve your performance as you progress though the course. You will be provided with generic feedback for in-module formative and summative elements of assessment which contribute to a module within 15 working days of the scheduled submission or examination date. Generic feedback on end of module assessment and dissertations will be made available within 15 days of publication of results. Feedback may be oral, written, posted on a website or other.

5.7 Cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation You are required to sign a declaration indicating that individual work submitted for an assessment is your own. If you attempt to influence the standard of the award you obtain through cheating, plagiarism or collusion, it will be considered as a serious academic and disciplinary offence as described within the Academic Regulations and the Assessment Handbook .

• Cheating is any deliberate attempt to deceive and covers a range of offences described in the Assessment Handbook.

• Plagiarism describes copying from the works of another person without suitably attributing the published or unpublished works of others. This means that all quotes, ideas, opinions, music and images should be acknowledged and referenced within your assignments.

https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstance_submission.php

https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstance_submission.php







• Collusion is an attempt to deceive the examiners by disguising the true authorship of an assignment by copying, or imitating in close detail another student’s work - this includes with the other student’s consent and also when 2 or more students divide the elements of an assignment amongst themselves and copy one another’s answers. It does not include the normal situation in which you learn from your peers and share ideas, as this generates the knowledge and understanding necessary for each individual to independently undertake an assignment; nor should it be confused with group work on an assignment which is specifically authorised in the assignment brief.

• Re-presentation is an attempt to gain credit twice for the same piece of work.

The process of investigation and penalties which will be applied can be reviewed in the Assessment Handbook. If an allegation is found to be proven then the appropriate penalty will be implemented: In the case of a single offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation:

• the penalty will be 0% for the element of assessment, and an overall fail for the module.

• the plagiarised element of assessment must be resubmitted to the required standard and the mark for the module following resubmission will be restricted to the minimum pass mark.

• when it is detected for the first time on a resubmission for an already failed module, no further resubmission for the module will be permitted, and the appropriate fail grade will be awarded.

In the event of a repeat offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation (irrespective of whether the repeat offence involves the same form of unfair means) on the same or any other module within the course:

• the appropriate penalty will be 0% for the module with no opportunity for re-assessment. This penalty does not preclude you being able to retake the module in a subsequent year.

The penalties will apply if you transfer from one UCLan course to another during your period of study and module credits gained on the former course are transferred to the current course. Contact the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre by emailing: [email protected] for support and guidance.

5.8 Appeals against assessment board decisions If you consider that you have a reason to appeal against an assessment board decision, please bear in mind that your reasons must fall within the grounds specified in the University Academic Regulations: Section I. You cannot appeal simply because you disagree with the mark given. The specified grounds for appeal are:

1. that an Assessment Board has given insufficient weight to extenuating circumstances;

2. that the student’s academic performance has been adversely affected by extenuating circumstances which the student has, for good reason, been unable to make known to the Assessment Board;

3. that there has been a material administrative error at a stage of the examining process, or that some material irregularities have occurred;

4. that the assessment procedure and/or examinations have not been conducted in accordance with the approved regulations.





If you want to appeal, then you must do so within 14 days of your results being published. The onus is on you to find out your results and submit your appeal on time. Contact the Students' Union Advice and Representation Centre by emailing: [email protected] for support and guidance. Results are published according to the timescales in Uclan’s Academic calendar, which is available on the university website.

6. Course regulations

6.1 Course requirements You will need to pass 180 credits, of which 60 will be the dissertation element, in order to pass the Masters degree.

6.2 Classification of Awards The University publishes the principles underpinning the way in which awards and results are decided in Academic Regulations. Decisions about the overall classification of awards are made by Assessment Boards through the application of the academic and relevant course regulations.

7. Student voice You can play an important part in the process of improving the quality of this course through the feedback you give. In addition to the on-going discussion with the course team throughout the year, there are a range of mechanisms for you to feedback about your experience of teaching and learning. We aim to respond to your feedback and let you know of our plans for improvement. The Students Union can support you in voicing your opinion, provide on-going advice and support, and encourage your involvement in all feedback opportunities. They will be requesting that you complete the National Student Survey (during semester 2 for students in their final year of study) or the UCLan Student Survey (all other students). The Students’ Union and University work closely together to ensure that the student voice is heard in all matters of student-life. We encourage students to provide constructive feedback throughout their time at university, through course reps, surveys and any other appropriate means, The Union’s Student Affairs Committee (SAC), members of Students’ Council and School Presidents each have particular representative responsibilities, and are involved with decision making committees as high as the University Board. Therefore it is very important students engage with the democratic processes of the Students’ Union and elect the students they see as most able to represent them.

7.1 Course Representatives and School Presidents A course representative is a student who represents their fellow students’ views and opinions to the course team, school, university and students’ union. Course representatives




work proactively and diplomatically to improve the academic and non-academic experiences of students. The role of a course representative is extremely beneficial to both students on your course and the university. It enables students to have ownership of their student experience and voice their opinions and share positive practice with the course team, primarily the Student Staff Liaison Committee Meetings (see below). Course representatives will be elected every year either in April or September. Alongside receiving recognition, support and respect being a course representative is a great opportunity to enhance your employability skills. If you are interested in becoming a course representative and wish to find out more about the role visit the Students’ Union website or by emailing: [email protected].

School Presidents meanwhile are annually elected representatives who voice the opinions of students within each school. They communicate and engage with students in their school to gain feedback and work in partnership with senior management to create positive change. They are also trained to support and signpost course representatives where needed. If you wish to find out who is your School President or more about the role visit the Students’ Union website or email: [email protected]

7.2 Student Staff Liaison Committee Meetings (SSLC) The purpose of a SSLC meeting is to provide the opportunity for course representatives to feedback to staff about the course, the overall student experience and to inform developments which will improve future courses. These meetings are normally scheduled once per semester. Your Course Leader will facilitate the meetings using guidelines and provide a record of the meeting with any decisions and / or responses made and / or actions taken as a result of the discussions held. The meetings include discussion of items forwarded by course representatives, normally related to the following agenda items (dependent on time of year). The course team encourage student feedback in all areas and recognise that additional items for discussion may also be raised at the meeting • Update on actions completed since the last meeting • Feedback about the previous year – discussion of external examiner’s report; outcomes

of National /UCLan student surveys. • Review of enrolment / induction experience; • Course organisation and management (from each individual year group, and the course

overall); • Experience of modules - teaching, assessment, feedback; • Experience of academic support which may include e.g. Personal Development

Planning, academic advisor arrangements and The Card; • Other aspects of University life relevant to student experience e.g. learning resources,

IT, library; • Any other issues raised by students or staff.

Early in Semester 1 the course cohort is invited to elect one or more representative, SSLM dates are published online and students are reminded in scheduled teaching sessions, and the minutes and outcomes are fed back on Blackboard, also face to face in scheduled sessions, by the course leader.

http://www.uclansu.co.uk/


http://www.uclansu.co.uk/schoolpresidents

http://www.uclansu.co.uk/schoolpresidents


7.3 Complaints The University recognises that there may be occasions when you have cause for complaint about the service you have received, when this happens, the complaints procedure is intended to provide an accessible, fair and straightforward system which ensures as effective, prompt and appropriate response. Click on this link for more information Complaints Procedure

8. Appendices

8.1 Programme Specification

http://www5.uclan.ac.uk/ou/sass/resource-centre/External%20Library/Complaints%20Procedure.doc

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

1. Awarding Institution / Body

University of Central Lancashire

2. Teaching Institution

University of Central Lancashire – Preston campus

3. University Department/Centre

Journalism and Media

4. External Accreditation

None

5. Title of Final Award

MA Scriptwriting

6. Modes of Attendance offered

Full-time / Part-time

7. UCAS Code n/a

8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)

Art & Design

9. Other external influences

n/a

10. Date of production/revision of this form

July 2015

11. Aims of the Programme

• To develop in students the ability to produce innovative writing of high quality across Film, Television, Stage and Radio, that is based on a well-structured and creative use of narrative.

• To promote a specialist knowledge and mastery of scriptwriting skills, including story structure, scene development, characterisation and dialogue, that will enable students to turn their stories into industry standard scripts.

• To provide a course that offers students the opportunity to rigorously develop their scripts through both peer workshops and individual tutorials, while maintaining the flexibility to build on individual strengths and develop their own voice.

• To develop transferable skills of self-evaluation, independent research, project management and development that will be of benefit to any future involvement in the media and theatre industries.

• To enhance students’ career potential by facilitating a proactive and self-reflective role both in their own work and through nurturing professional relationships.

12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A. Knowledge and Understanding at level 7

A1.) Express a critically discursive knowledge of contemporary issues, debates and professional contexts in relation to their own creative practice.

A2.) Demonstrate an advanced understanding of key critical concepts and approaches to narrative writing across all media.

A3.) Apply a comprehensive foundation of both primary and secondary research methods to a professional writing project.

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Lectures, seminars and group workshops

• Individual tutorials

• Verbal and written feedback

• Industry visits and guest lectures

Assessment Methods

Assessment will typically consist of the submission of 2 scripts (varying in length), a presentation and/or reflective essay per 20 credit module.

B. Subject-specific skills at level 7

B1.) Demonstrate a specialist knowledge and mastery of scriptwriting skills, including complex story structure, scene development, compelling characterisation and dialogue to the recognised industry standard.

B2.) Contribute creatively and professionally to the development of original scriptwriting to an exacting standard across all media, both in the self-evaluation of work and in constructive group discourse.

B3.) Exhibit an advanced understanding of contemporary scriptwriting through practical experience of developing original and innovative ideas into industry proposals, treatments and completed scripts suitable for submission to broadcasters.






Assessment Methods


C. Thinking Skills at level 7

C1.) Critically and creatively evaluate current issues, research and contemporary practice in scriptwriting across all media and display a mastery of the intellectual abilities appropriate to the form.

C2.) Display a high level of independent planning, research, development and self-evaluation of the process of creating a major writing project potentially suitable for industry or independent production.

C3.) Demonstrate an advanced critical awareness of their own developing practice and that of their peers through work produced and rigorous group discourse.






Assessment Methods


D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development at level 7

D1.) Demonstrate the ability to plan, research, develop, produce and evaluate complex and advanced intellectual projects.

D2.) Demonstrate employability and professional skills relevant to contemporary scriptwriting practice and advancements in Information Technology across all media industry sectors.

D3.) Take a proactive and self-reflective role in creating original work and developing professional relationships with others.






Assessment Methods


13. Programme Structures

14. Awards and Credits

Level Module Code

Module Title Credit rating

Level 7

PV4010 PV4015 PV4120 PV4121 PV4135 PV4145 PV4155 PV4160

Research Methodologies Enterprise and Professional Practice Writing for Film Writing For Radio Writing For Television Writing For Stage Scriptwriting Major Project Scriptwriting for Video Games

20 20 20 20 20 20 60 20

MA in Scriptwriting Requires 180 credits Possible exit awards: Postgraduate Certificate in Scriptwriting Requires 60 credits Postgraduate Diploma in Scriptwriting Requires 120 credits

15. Personal Development Planning

Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a key aspect of the Scriptwriting course at UCLan.

PDP, through the creation of a personal portfolio or reflective log, helps to define and focus

students’ educational and professional aims and goals from the very beginning of the

course. It will assist students in considering how they can engage with the learning

opportunities the course offers to achieve personal and professional objectives. PDP is

integrated within all modules across the course, supported by the academic advisor who will

meet students each semester in order to monitor and assist their development.

This course consists of modules with fixed syllabi that together enable the students to gain

the knowledge and develop the skills essential to successful scriptwriting. However, the

course is designed to allow students to choose or negotiate many aspects of their learning

in ways that are appropriate to their abilities and vocational intentions. This is referred to as

a student-centred learning approach. When coupled with the self-monitoring and evaluation

of PDP, students find that study shifts from a tutor-led/teaching activity, to a personally

defined learning experience. This is close to the way in which many independent

scriptwriters operate and the terms ‘reflective practitioners’ or ‘thinking artist’ describe the

kind of graduate we expect our students to become.

16. Admissions Criteria

Admission to the MA Scriptwriting will be considered through application form, interview and submission of examples of writing. Normally a 2:2 BA (Hons) degree from the UK or equivalent (non-UK) qualification is required. Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience will be equally considered. For details of those offered by the University please contact Course Enquiries, tel: 01772 892400.

International students applying for this programme must have a minimum level of proficiency equal to International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Level 7 or equivalent.

17. Key sources of information about the programme

• www.uclan.ac.uk • School of Journalism, Media and Communication website • MA Scriptwriting factsheet • UCLan prospectus

18. Curriculum skills map Le

vel

Module Code

Module Title

Com

puls

ory,

C

ore

or

Opt

ion

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject-Specific

Skills

Thinking Skills

Other skills relevant to employability and personal development

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

B3

C1

C2

C3

D1

D2

D3

7

PV4020

Writing For Film (20 Credits)

Comp

X

X

X

X

X

PV4010 Research Methodologies (20 Credits)

Comp

X

X

X

X

PV4015 Enterprise and Professional Practice (20 Credits)

Comp

X

X

X

X

PV4021 Writing For Radio (20 Credits)

Comp

X

X

X

X

X

X

PV4035

Writing For Television (20 Credits)

Comp

X

X

X

X

X

X

PV4160 Scriptwriting for Video Games

OPT X X X X X X

PV4030

Writing For Stage (20 Credits)

OPT

X

X

X

X

X

PV4055

Scriptwriting Major Project (60 Credits)

Comp

X

X

X

X

X

X

8.2 Tuition fees:

Your tuition fees include:

• Scheduled course tuition, academic, technical and administrative support, use of course equipment and facilities.

• Course related induction activities. • Placement year academic support (where the course includes a placement year). • Course assessment and awards. • Access to the university’s library and online resources, including on-campus wifi,

networked and remote access to the university’s virtual learning environment, • Use of the university’s estate and resources for scheduled activities and learning

support • Dissertation, project and/or thesis printing and binding where the submission of

printed and bound documents is a requirement for assessment of the module. • Use of the university’s technical equipment and materials identified by the course

teaching team as essential for the completion of the course. • The extra items listed against your course in Table One below.

Table One

Course

Additional items included in the tuition fees for your course

MA Broadcast Journalism Placement costs

SD camera card

Headphones for editing/studio work.

MA International Journalism Printing costs for newspaper/magazine projects.

SD camera card

Headphones for editing/studio work.

Dissertation printing/binding costs

MA Photography

Project - Printing of images/binding costs

Final Show - Exhibition Costs

MA Magazine Journalism NCTJ diploma examinations.

Shorthand workbook.

Placement costs.

Printing costs for magazine projects.

The items listed in Table Two are optional and the costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Table Two

Course

Optional items which may be offered and which are NOT included in the tuition fees for your course. Places may be limited

Estimated costs

MA Broadcast Journalism Students are expected to cover real stories, on location. Travel costs/expenses may be incurred..eg fuel, public transport, parking etc

£30

MA International Journalism Study visit £300

MA Film Production

MA Scriptwriting

Attendance at events / film festivals £100

Living costs:

Living costs are not included in your tuition fees. You will need to budget for these separately. Below is an indication of some typical living costs, but everyone is different and you are strongly advised to plan your own budget.

Typical items Estimated weekly costs lower range

Estimated weekly costs higher range

Accommodation:

University Halls of Residence based on a 42 week contract.

Private Halls of Residence

(Living at home may reduce your accommodation costs)

£79.03

£70

(£0)

£107.83

£110

Food £20 £30

Internet connection

(free wifi on campus, in university halls of residence and in some private accommodation)

£0 £12

Toiletries/Laundry £5 £15

Gas/electricity/water £0 £20

(included within university halls of residence costs and some private accommodation – check your contract)

Printing, copying, stationery. £2.50 £10

Travel expenses

(varies by method & distance travelled e.g. on foot, bicycle, bus, train or car. If using bus or train check travel card / season ticket rates for savings).

University halls of residence and a good selection of private accommodation are situated on campus or a short walk from campus.

£0 £40

Mobile phone or landline £2.50 £10

Books £5 £10

Leisure £5 £25

Total per week £110 £282

Total for 42 weeks

(typical halls of residence contract)

£4,620 £11,844

Total for 52 weeks £5,720 £14,664

You will also need to budget for ‘one off’ or irregular costs

Typical items Notes

Bedding From £20

Clothes Costs vary depending on your needs

TV licence £145.50 per year

Insurances Costs vary depending on your needs.

Computer/laptop/telephone You will have access to University computers or laptops for your studies or you may have your own you wish to bring. If you are acquiring one to come to university the cost varies depending on model and whether it is new or refurbished.

Furniture, crockery etc. Furnished accommodation may include all your needs. Check your accommodation to see what is included.

Additional costs.

The costs below are incurred by some but not all students and are not included within the Tuition Fees.

Optional items – all courses Estimated costs

Travel to course related work placements, work experience, voluntary work, or site visits (for example costs of petrol, business level motor insurance cover, taxis, train fares, bus fares etc.).

Variable depending on the distance travelled and the method of transport chosen.

Library fines & charges

Avoid these by returning on time or renewing books!

On time £0.00

0-8 days overdue £0.10-0.50 per day

9+ days overdue £0.50-£1.00 per day

40+ days replacement cost and administrative charges/account suspension

Costs of obtaining medical or other evidence to support applications for extenuating circumstance applications relating to assessments.

For example a medical certificate may cost from £10.

Fees for arranging and invigilating course examination(s) off campus are payable by the student (Note this only applies where permitted by course regulations and approved by course leaders)

£300

Printing of electronic books, journals etc. You are strongly recommended to access these electronically.

Estimated £0.10 per copy sheet

Printing of reports, course materials and other course documents, which have been supplied or are available electronically or in hard copy in the library.

Estimated £0.10 per copy sheet

Documents

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE MA …...Screenwriting. In the past five years over 50 have undertaken the course. Many of them now work as writers in Television, Stage, Radio, Film,