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The MA in Film & Visual Culture and History at the University of Aberdeen offers a comprehensive exploration of cinema's evolution alongside historical narratives, providing students with a robust understanding of visual media's role in shaping and reflecting societal changes. This interdisciplinary program is ideal for those passionate about analyzing films and historical contexts, preparing graduates for diverse careers in media, education, and cultural sectors.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students delve into foundational concepts through courses like Introduction to Visual Culture and Introduction to Film and the Cinematic Experience, which equip them with analytical tools to interpret visual media. Additionally, they engage with Academic Writing for Language & Literature to hone their scholarly writing skills and Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen to acclimate to university life.
Year 2
The second year focuses on pivotal historical and cinematic developments with courses such as Visualising Modernity and Visualising Revolution, examining key moments and movements from 1895 to 1945. Students also undertake 60 credits from Level 2 History courses, deepening their understanding of historical contexts that influence visual culture.
Year 3
In the third year, students engage with Thinking History, a course that encourages critical reflection on historical methodologies. They also select 60 credits from available Film and Visual Culture courses and 30 credits from Level 3 History courses, allowing for specialized study in areas of interest.
Year 4
The final year culminates in a Special Subject course, offering in-depth analysis of a specific historical topic. Students complete the program with 60 credits from Level 4 Film and Visual Culture courses, enabling them to synthesize their learning and prepare for professional or academic pursuits.
Focus Areas
Film analysis, visual culture theory, historical context, cinematic movements, media production.
Learning Outcomes
Critical thinking, visual literacy, historical analysis, research proficiency, academic writing.
Professional Alignment
While specific accreditation details are not provided, the program's comprehensive curriculum aligns with industry standards in media and cultural studies.
Reputation
The University of Aberdeen is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on research, providing graduates with a solid foundation for careers in various sectors related to film and history.
At the University of Aberdeen, the Film & Visual Culture and History MA offers students a deeply immersive approach to learning, combining theoretical study with hands-on experience. You will engage directly with both analogue and digital visual media, developing practical skills in digital video production and web design. The program leverages Aberdeen’s rich historical resources, allowing students to explore and analyze visual objects and artefacts while benefiting from expert guidance by leading scholars in diverse fields.
Students gain practical experience through a range of activities and state-of-the-art facilities, including:
Digital Video Production and Editing: Access to equipment and software for creating and analyzing moving image content.
Web Design Tools: Training in digital platforms for presenting visual research and projects.
Historic Collections and Archives: Opportunities to work with Aberdeen’s unique collections spanning 500 years of national and international history.
Specialist Libraries: Resources for in-depth research in film, visual culture, and history.
Group Projects and Collaborative Research: Hands-on teamwork to develop analytical and production skills.
Field Visits: Engagement with local and regional visual heritage sites to contextualize learning.
Expert-Led Workshops: Instruction from faculty with expertise in cinema, media studies, and historical visual culture.
This combination ensures you graduate with both the practical and analytical skills highly valued across film, media, heritage, and cultural industries.
Graduates of the Film & Visual Culture and History, MA at the University of Aberdeen leave with a strong foundation in visual and cultural analysis, critical thinking, and research skills, making them highly employable in a variety of creative and analytical roles. Typical career paths include film curator, media analyst, arts journalist, and heritage officer:
University Careers Service: Offers tailored career guidance, CV workshops, internship placements, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Employment Stats & Salary: Aberdeen graduates report high employability, with many securing roles in media, arts, and cultural sectors; starting salaries typically range from £24,000 to £30,000, with growth potential as expertise develops.
University–Industry Partnerships: Collaboration with film festivals, media organizations, and heritage institutions provides students with real-world project experience and professional connections.
Accreditation Value: Graduates benefit from the University’s strong reputation and Scotland’s top-rated research impact in historical and cultural studies, enhancing credibility in the arts and media industries.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni progress into roles across film, new media, arts and heritage, publishing, journalism, politics, education, and business, leveraging both specialist and transferable skills.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can advance their studies through postgraduate programs in areas such as Film Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, Museum and Heritage Studies, or Digital Media Production, positioning themselves for higher-level roles in research, academia, or creative leadership.
A-level: BBC / IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL / SL in English is also required.GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above.IELTS: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0TOEFL: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21For Indian Applicants: At Standard XII a minimum percentage of 75% overall. Additionally, a minimum percentage of 80% in English at Standard XII or our normal English language requirements. For US Applicants: minimum cumulative 3.0 unweighted High School GPA plus one of the following:SAT 1250+ / ACT composite score of 26+ / 3 AP examinations (in relevant subjects): 3+ / If taken pre-2020, 3 SAT subject tests (in relevant subjects): 600+CuratorFilm CriticArchivistMedia ResearcherFilm Festival ProgrammerScreenwriterFilm ProducerArt DirectorMuseum EducatorAcademic LecturerMedia ConsultantCultural Heritage OfficerDocumentary FilmmakerContent StrategistDigital Archivist
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University of Aberdeen
