MP4025 - The Audiovisual Essay

What will I learn on this module?

The Audiovisual Essay module incorporates research into film and/or other media through the production of an audiovisual essay or video essay. So, for example, you could make an argument about the use of lighting in Star Wars, by cutting up shots of Star Wars alongside some other elements, such as text onscreen, voice over, split screen, etc. The module allows you to develop your critical, theoretical, and/or historical knowledge of film and/or other media through reading, close textual analysis, and video editing. This module requires you to work and research independently and realise a project that interests you. The practical realisation of these projects will be through the use of technology enhanced learning tools, that is, hardware and software that are instrumental to film production and post-production, combining theory and practice in the creation of an authentic (real world) assessment. The module will be run through a Lecture and Workshop/Seminar format. You will be assessed and provided summative feedback on three components: a short-written proposal; an audiovisual essay, and research informed critical reflection. You will also be provided with verbal formative feedback each week in class based on weekly homework exercises produced. The module will encourage you to develop your critical thinking skills alongside their practical competency in making an audiovisual essay. Audiovisual essays are very popular formats online and you will have the opportunity to produce work that can speak to an extensive online community of makers and audiences.

How will I learn on this module?

The learning and teaching will consist of a Lecture each week which will be followed by a Seminar/Workshop. For the first 6 weeks of the Audiovisual Essay module, you will work on a film with the rest of your cohort and have set homework exercises each week to present the following week in the Seminar/Workshop. This homework will contain parameters that will help to develop your practical skills in film editing, your performance skills using your own voice over, and your theoretical, critical, and historical skills in Film and/or Media Studies. For the final 6 weeks of the module, you will work on your own research idea building the audiovisual essay each week until the final submission of your completed work.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be provided with peer and tutor feedback as part of a weekly crit session. These sessions will also allow you to develop your voice in critiquing your own work, the work of your classmates, and your tutor. For the final 6 weeks of the module, you will work on your own research idea, developing it each week, with continued feedback each week from the cohort and tutor. You will be supported and supervised to make an original contribution to knowledge through the production of an audiovisual essay. You will be provided with formative feedback mid-way through the semester when you submit your proposal and then later when you submit your audiovisual essay and critical reflection.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Produce an audiovisual essay that comments on theoretical, critical, and/or historical concerns in academic writing for Film and/or Media Studies.

• Demonstrate proficiency in post-production video editing software.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Reference textual and audiovisual content within an audiovisual essay and accompanying written essay through the means of Fair Use principles.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Demonstrate a sensitivity and an awareness of Ethics, Cultural Awareness/ Global concerns.

How will I be assessed?

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.

Summative Assessment

All will receive written feedback

A Short-Written Proposal (10%, 300 words) outlining the final audiovisual essay being undertaken. (300 words) With academic references - bibliography and filmography. (MLO 1, 3, 4)

An Audiovisual Essay (65%; 4-10 minutes) An agreed upon project with module tutor that engages in original research and videographic criticism. With academic references - bibliography and filmography. (MLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

A Critical Reflection (25%; 1500 words) A theoretical, critical, and/or historically informed written reflection which engages with scholarly writing and audiovisual essays to illustrate the contribution to new knowledge. With academic references - bibliography and filmography. (MLO 1, 3, 4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The Audiovisual Essay module incorporates research into film and/or other media through the production of an audiovisual essay or video essay. So, for example, you could make an argument about the use of lighting in Star Wars, by cutting up shots of Star Wars alongside some other elements, such as text onscreen, voice over, split screen, etc. The module allows you to develop your critical, theoretical, and/or historical knowledge of film and/or other media through reading, close textual analysis, and video editing. This module requires you to work and research independently and realise a project that interests you. The practical realisation of these projects will be through the use of technology enhanced learning tools, that is, hardware and software that are instrumental to film production and post-production, combining theory and practice in the creation of an authentic (real world) assessment. The module will be run through a Lecture and Workshop/Seminar format. You will be assessed and provided summative feedback on three components: a short-written proposal; an audiovisual essay, and research informed critical reflection. You will also be provided with verbal formative feedback each week in class based on weekly homework exercises produced. The module will encourage you to develop your critical thinking skills alongside their practical competency in making an audiovisual essay. Audiovisual essays are very popular formats online and you will have the opportunity to produce work that can speak to an extensive online community of makers and audiences.

Course info

UCAS Code P315

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Film BA (Hons)

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

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All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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