Centre of Excellence – Film Studies Diploma Course

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.

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