Course Overview

A first of its kind, this MA in Film Programming, and Curating explores the diverse ways in which films are selected and presented to an audience. Studying in the heart of London, one of the world’s leading media hubs, this course takes full advantage of its location to help you build professional networks, visit various sites of the exhibition (from galleries and museums to film festivals and cultural centers) and learn about contemporary film programming and curatorial practice.

The course encourages independence of intellectual thought and spirit and offers a historical, intellectual, and conceptual understanding of film programming, curatorial practice, and moving image culture. The curriculum involves:

theories of spectatorship, the audience, and the changing conditions of film reception

sites of the exhibition and the architecture of the film experience

the role of the archive, film canons, and the exhibition of great collections

the practicalities involved in programming a film and locating audiences for it.

This daytime course provides a strong academic foundation, relating the latest theoretical thinking to critical practice. It combines this with site visits across London (including the ICA and BFI), as well as providing placements at leading cultural institutions and film centers, including LUX. You will have the opportunity to participate in programming initiatives with organizations as diverse as the Korean Cultural Centre UK and other film centers around London.

Our teachers are internationally distinguished academics, while visits from cultural practitioners will introduce you to experienced film programmers, curators, and art practitioners. Making full use of the opportunities offered by our proximity to London’s vibrant film culture, this course provides a first step towards building a career in film programming and exhibition, or for further research into the cultures of curating and curatorial practice.

General Eligibility

A second-class honors degree (2:2 or above), or overseas equivalent.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each of the sub-tests.