University of Edinburgh
Graduate School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures
New Prospectus Entry 2010
MSc in Media, Culture & Practice
Introduction
The recently created MSc in Media, Culture & Practice reflects an increasing
intellectual concern for both the theory and practice of still image and audiovisual representation within the University of Edinburgh. With course tutors
drawn from a broad range of subject areas including Visual & Cultural
Studies, Anthropology, Music, Film, Art History and Cultural Geography, the
programme offer a truly interdisciplinary approach to media and culture.
Entry Requirements
Normally a 2:1 honours degree or its equivalent if outside the UK, in a
relevant subject. Applicants are asked to send a sample of their written and
practice-based work (if available).
Programme
The programme aims to provide an interdisciplinary foundation for written and
practice-based research into diverse forms of media representation. With an
emphasis on the philosophical, political and ethical implications of media
practices, the programme takes seriously the knowledge created through
lens-based and audio-visual approaches to cultural research.
The taught programme offers candidates a unique opportunity to combine
practice-based research with rigorous philosophical and theoretical teaching
and critical reflection.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to critically situate themselves within contemporary
media and cultural debates whilst gaining the ability to engage in reflective
and meaningful media practice.
How You Will Be Taught
Students will take part in small-group seminars, and will be offered regular
individual consultations with their supervisors in order to assess their
progress. Training in media research skills and practice-based approaches
are included in the programme. Further specialization is possible through
selections from an interdisciplinary menu of course options.
Research Group/Centre/Institute
The Centre for Film, Performance and Media Arts, a cross-school centre
within the University of Edinburgh.
Facilities
The MSc in Media, Culture & Practice provides access to audio-visual
facilities located both within the School of Literatures, Languages and
Cultures and the School of Arts, Culture & Environment and the Humanities &
Social Sciences.
Funding
Please see our Scholarships and Student Finance Office for information about
funding opportunities.
Programme Costs
Bench Fee of £500
Contact
Dr Nick Higgins
Nick.Higgins@ed.ac.uk
University of Edinburgh
Graduate School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures
New Prospectus Entry 2010
MScR/MPhil/PhD in Media, Culture & Practice
Introduction
The recently created Media, Culture & Practice research degrees at the
University of Edinburgh are born from a nexus of researchers interested in
both the theory and practice of still image and audio-visual representation.
With researchers from a broad range of subject areas including Visual &
Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Music, Film, Art History, Divinity and Cultural
Geography the programmes offer a truly interdisciplinary approach to media
and culture.
These research programmes offer candidates a unique opportunity to
combine practice-based research with written research. In particular, the
practices involved in the ‘creative industries’ are of great interest to research
supervisors. Research would therefore be expected to employ a lens-based
practice in the areas of documentary film, television, visual anthropology and
photography.
Inter-disciplinary projects that involve a visual and practice-based
engagement with research in Culture, Media, Film, Social Anthropology, Art,
Politics, Music, and Ethics are particularly encouraged.
Research Group/Centre/Institute
The Centre for Film, Performance and Media Arts, a cross-school centre
within the University of Edinburgh.
Research Profile
We are interested in the cultural, political and ethical implications of media
representation. Specifically we aim to advance research through the
intersection of writing and practice-based approaches to knowledge.
Entry Requirements
To study for a PhD in Media, Culture & Practice at Edinburgh students should
normally already have gained a good first degree or MSc in Film, Media,
Cultural Studies, Visual Anthropology or a related discipline. In addition to this
the student must be able to provide evidence of the ability and skills to
conduct practice-based research. This could be in the form of a creative
portfolio including examples of filmmaking, photography or other appropriate
creative practice.
Supervision
Each student will be supervised by a team of supervisors, combining a
practice-based supervisor specialising in the student’s chosen genre(s), with
an interdisciplinary critical theorist (from within existing graduate school LLC
staff and/or associated staff in other schools) working in a relevant field.
Research Methods
Students who have not already completed an MSc at the University of
Edinburgh would be required to attend the existing research methods
sessions on offer within the Graduate School of Literatures, Languages and
Cultures. Identification of any requirement for additional training or skills
acquisition would be made by the supervisors on application/interview and
complimentary skills sessions would be arranged within the relevant subject
areas if considered necessary.
The Learning Experience
In addition to regular meetings with their supervisor, students will be expected
to participate in postgraduate seminars and conferences. At the end of year
one, students make a formal submission which is examined by the Graduate
School Committee and on the basis of which the student may continue their
research.
Facilities
The Media, Culture & Practice research team has active collaborations with
colleagues in many parts of the University and has access to audio-visual
facilities located both within the School of Literatures, Languages and
Cultures and the School of Arts, Culture & Environment and the Humanities &
Social Sciences.
All research students have access to office space and networked computers.
Funding
As a cross school and multi-disciplinary grouping the Media, Culture and
Practice Group is able to pursue funding from both the AHRC and ESRC
research councils and also supports studentships from successful consortium
bids.
Please see our Scholarships and Student Finance Office for other funding
opportunities.
Programme Costs
Bench Fee of £300 for the MSc by Research
Bench Fee of £500 for the MPhil/PhD
Contact
Dr Nick Higgins
Nick.Higgins@ed.ac.uk
University of Edinburgh
Graduate School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures
New Prospectus Entry 2009
MPhil/PhD in Media, Culture & Practice
This programme offers candidates a unique opportunity to combine practice-based
research with written research. In particular, the practices involved in the ‘creative
industries’ are of great concern to Media, Film & Cultural Studies. Research would
therefore be expected to focus on lens-based practice in the areas of documentary
film, television and photography.
In keeping with other subject areas at the University of Edinburgh; such as Music,
Fine Art and Creative Writing, this new postgraduate programme creates an
opportunity not only to study diverse cultural dynamics through the activities of
reading, writing and observation but to actively and critically engage with practicebased research.
Projects that involve a visual and practice-based engagement with research in Culture,
Media, Film, Social Anthropology, Art, Politics, Music, and Ethics are particularly
encouraged.
Supervision
Each student will be supervised by a team of supervisors, combining a practice-based
supervisor specialising in the student’s chosen genre(s), with an interdisciplinary
critical theorist (from within existing graduate school LLC staff and/or associated
staff) working in a relevant field.
The Learning Experience
In addition to regular meetings with their supervisor, students will participate in
postgraduate seminars and conferences. At the end of year one, students make a
formal submission which is examined by the Graduate School Committee and on the
basis of which the student may continue their research.
Facilities
All research students have access to office space, networked computers, video
equipment and editing facilities.
Contact
Dr Nick Higgins (Visual & Cultural Studies)
Nick.Higgins@ed.ac.uk