Portfolio to be negotiated with the supervisor will consist of:- Coursework (100%)

The exact nature and content being identified by the student, with appropriate staff help, in the Learning
Contract. It will probably take the form of analytical, preparatory, experimental and other practical work relating to media production plus associated research that underpins the project.
[Learning Outcomes 1- 5]

The module provides the framework for development of your overall programme of study, as outlined in your Learning Contract and amended in the light of learning and knowledge gained in the preceding Negotiated Project 1 module. You will consolidate a working process and develop any cross-disciplinary work you are doing relating to individual project aims and objectives that you have already developed. By the end of the module you should also be in a position to make any necessary revisions to your overall programme aims and Learning Contract, and be able to begin planning your Final Masters Project.

You will continue to produce and refine your film-based, project work by undertaking appropriate research that is informed by current knowledge and professional practices within the field of media production, industry, culture and/or technology. You will be supported by regular workshops and tutorials and, alongside individual reflection, it is envisioned that critical analysis from staff, peers or any external professional related to a placement undertaken, will be used to review overall programme aims and objectives.

Your Project Portfolio will be developed during this module and will build upon the work generated during Negotiated Project 1, using any recent work and conclusions drawn to inform your proposal for the Masters Project. By the end of the module you will have created a credible infrastructure of practical work, research and critical/theoretical understanding from which to create a cohesive body of work at a level of competence to be shown in a professional context.

The module will employ a range of learning strategies, including:

Tutor or student led tutorials addressing issues and concerns pertinent to the development of the individual project. These will be timetabled between the student and the specialist tutor. Dates of events will be included in the individual Learning Contracts.
Group workshops will be used to share practices and inform and develop independent research Learners will also have access to a wide range of industry professionals and events.

Negotiated access to equipment and workshop facilities and technical support appropriate to the representational resources you employ.

Facilities and suitable accommodation for the presentation of work.

A mixed platform virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

As appropriate to your individual proposal and identified in the Learning Contract.

Students are expected to take advantage of public as well as expert debates in their field of research, track relevant and authoritative resources available and keep abreast of current developments through appropriate printed and online publications. They are also encouraged to identify and interview relevant experts and expected to stay abreast of latest practices within the field and attend professional, film and media industry events.

Generally useful texts on studying independently and planning research projects are:
Bailey, S. (2003) Academic Writing: A practical guide for students, Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.
Barzun, J. & Graff, H. F. (1992) The Modern Researcher, London: Harcourt & Brace.
Berry, R. (2000) The Research Project: How to Write It, London: Routledge
Erickson, G, 2005 The Independent Producers Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Source Book. 2nd Edition: Schirmer Trade Books.
Goodell, G, 2003, Independent Film Production: A Complete Guide Through Concept to Distribution. 1st Edition: St. Martin's Griffin,
Lang, J. (2000) Lights Camera, Action, London: BFI Publishing.
Marshell, L & Rowland, F (2004) A Guide to Learning Independently, London: OUP.