Film Programming and Curating (MA)

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 programme takes full advantage of its location to help you build professional networks, visit various sites of exhibition (from galleries and museums to film festivals and cultural centres) and learn about contemporary film programming and curatorial practice.

The programme provides a strong academic foundation and relates the latest theoretical thinking to critical practice. It encourages an independence of intellectual thought and spirit, equipping you with the necessary skills and historical and critical knowledge to nurture film and film culture. The programme 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 exhibition and the architecture of the filmic 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.

The programme combines these strong historical, theoretical and academic foundations with site visits across London, as well as providing internships at leading cultural institutions and film centres, such as the ICA and BFI. You will have the chance to programme events for organisations as diverse as BFI Education, the Korean Cultural Centre and other film centres 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 programme 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.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates can pursue careers in the creative arts, academic, media and cultural institutions. Possible professions include film programming, cinema manager, independent curator, researcher, film distribution, or working for a film festival.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.