Master of Production Design for Screen

A professional coursework Masters program where students gain the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to work in the field of design for film, television and associated screen-based media, including television commercials, music videos, and documentaries. The delivery of the program will encompass formal classes, workshops, studio-based learning as well as placements on actual films (and other screen-based productions) professionally produced in the industry and those made within VCA.

On completion of this course, students should have achieved the following:
• A deep understanding of the discipline of design for screen;
• The ability to research broadly, analyse findings and apply them within the context of designing for screen;
• Creative problem-solving skills, particularly when applying knowledge and theory to specific design projects;
• Excellent written, oral and visual communication technologies in the presentation of their design concepts;
• Cross-discipline collaboration skills, knowledge about other disciplines and the ability o work alongside students from other programs to produce creative works;
• The skills and willingness to take ion key roles in the development of artistic works. These roles will include decision making, implementation of ideas, leadership of teams and working within own personal capabilities;
• The ability to pass on their skills and knowledge to junior members of their crew on film making projects;
• An in depth understanding of the role screen-based media plays in society;
• The ability to collaborate with a variety of students and professionals from a range of cultural backgrounds;
• An understanding of the social responsibilities associated with making and distributing screen based media;
• Knowledge of sustainability and the environmental impact of making screen-based media.

The course structure for the Master of Production Design for Screen is outlined below.

Year One

Year Two

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– an undergraduate degree with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) over the last 200 points of study or equivalent, or
– at least four five years of documented relevant work experience related to design and/or making of screen-based media, with evidence of artistic ability and practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in relevant disciplines.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and/or the work experience.
Short-listed applicants will be subject to additional assessment based on
• a selection project which may include written and visual elements; and
• a folio of previous work; and
• an interview.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The program provides students with a possible research pathway to a PhD by offerring a research methodology elective in the second year of the program.

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html

On completion of this course students should have developed
• The ability to think analytically
• The ability to research and articulate findings
• The ability to perform and apply research in the production of creative works
• The ability to form and express opinions
• The ability to apply theory in practice
• The ability to develop and run a budget
• The ability to develop a schedule
• The ability to solve technical problems
• The ability to creatively solve problems
• The ability to work as part of a creative team
• The ability to generate creative ideas and concepts
• The ability to be organised and methodical in their approach to developing full designs
• The ability to be organised and methodical in their approach to documenting a design concept
• The ability to be organised and methodical in their approach to realising a design concept
• The ability to communicate effectively through visual and verbal means
• The ability to accept and respond to constructive feedback
• The ability to reflect on own design practice