Screen and Media Studies Subject regulations
Screen based media (film, tv, animation, digital games, ICTs) form an essential and necessary part of life in the 21st century - they inform, represent, thrill, shock, disgust, shape our thinking, direct our work patterns and practices, and broaden our social and communication experiences. A BA or BSocSc degree, majoring in Screen and Media Studies, or a BDes, majoring in Media Design, provides students with valuable creative and critical skills, and transferrable body of knowledge necessary to achieve success in media-dependant occupations. Studying Screen and Media provides a multi-disciplinary education (film & cultural studies, philosophy, psychology, communication studies, sociology, political-economy and more) that equips students with the ability to think critically, apply theory and research to understand how different aspects of culture and society function, and professional skills in writing and production applicable to film, television, documentary, animation, sound and interactive media. Screen and Media Studies lecturers possess expertise in a diverse range of theoretical and research approaches, creative practices and medium-specific knowledge. During degree study students are encouraged to take advantage of a broad range of opportunities to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in telling their own stories and exploring their individual passions and interests. Screen and Media provides a supportive creative environment and research-empowering learning context for students to better understand human-media interactions.
Screen and Media Studies is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Screen and Media Studies may also be taken as a second major or minor, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.
To complete Screen and Media Studies as a single major in the BA or the BSocSc, students must gain 135 points in papers listed for Screen and Media Studies, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete MEDIA100 and either MEDIA101 or MEDIA102.
To complete Screen and Media Studies as part of a double major for the BA, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points in papers listed for Screen and Media Studies, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete MEDIA100 and either MEDIA101 or MEDIA102.
To complete a minor in Screen and Media Studies, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Screen and Media Studies major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.
Note: MEDIA102 is the prerequisite for MEDIA202, and MEDIA202 is the prerequisite for MEDIA302.
Students are encouraged to contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office for programme advice.
Other qualifications
Prescriptions for:
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GradCert(SMSt) and GradDip(SMSt) A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Screen and Media Studies at an advanced level in their first degree.
To complete a Graduate Certificate, students must complete 60 points, including 15 points from MEDIA100 or MEDIA102 and 45 points from 300-Level MEDIA coded papers.
To complete a Graduate Diploma, students must complete 120 points including 90 points of MEDIA coded papers, (15 points at 100 or 200-level and 75 points at 300-Level or above).
For further details, contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office.
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PGCert(SMSt), PGDip(SMSt), BA(Hons), BMCT(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MMCT Note that COMPX543 and DSIGN532 may not be taken towards the BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons) or MA in Screen and Media Studies.
To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Screen and Media Studies, students must complete 120 points at 500 level in Screen and Media Studies, including at least 30 points in research and at least 30 further points from papers listed for Screen and Media Studies.
To complete a BMCT(Hons) (China only) in Screen and Media Studies, students must complete 120 points at 500 level including MEDIA501, MEDIA591 and 60 points chosen from COMPX543, DSIGN532, GLOBE589, MEDIA504, MEDIA506, MEDIA507 and MEDIA508.
The qualification regulations define the admission requirements for enrolment into the MA in Screen and Media Studies.
Completion requirements for the MA in Screen and Media Studies vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including鈥疢EDIA501, ALPSS500, and at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.
Students admitted under b) above must complete 120 points from approved 500-level papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed for the subject in List A: Advanced Study of the regulations for the MA.
Candidates for the MMCT in Screen and Media Studies should normally have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in a relevant discipline and have achieved at least a B average.
To complete the MMCT, students must complete the following papers: MEDIA501, MEDIA504, MEDIA507, MEDIA508 and MEDIA592.
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MPhil The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
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PhD The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
Screen and Media Studies papers
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
MEDIA100
Understanding Visual Culture
Our lives are dominated by still and moving images and visual technologies. This paper will constitute an important first step in learning to... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA101
Media and Everyday Life: Culture, Consumption and Critique
From the shows we watch and the music we stream to the social media platforms we scroll through, media is deeply woven into the fabric of our... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA102
Film Production 1: Telling Stories
A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MEDIA202
Film Production 2: Creative Approaches to Filmmaking
Students are challenged to extend their creative practice beyond the conventions of narrative film making. Working with moving image and sound... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA203
Digital Arts and Cultures
The 21st century has seen a fundamental shift from analogue to digital media systems. This paper will discuss some major aesthetic approaches and... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA205
Beyonc茅, Batman and Barbie: Fans and Fan Cultures
This paper looks at the history of fandom to the present day, developing understandings of why people develop and maintain fandoms, the variety of... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA207
Transmedia Storytelling
This paper explores transmedia storytelling in a variety of contexts. Students will engage with narratives that are spread across multiple media... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA220
Creative Media Production
This paper will engage students with a client-based approach to media production. Students will be asked to produce creative projects adhering to... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MEDIA301
Animation
While providing a broad critical and historical context of animation and animated films, this paper introduces students to key principles... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA304
Documentary
Students explore documentary theory and practice by examining a range of forms associated with documentary culture, including documentary... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA305
Interactive Media Design
Create your own interactive projects that expand your creative practice. Students will engage with contemporary arts practices to devise audio-visual... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA310
Human Interest Storytelling
Digital storytelling has reshaped how we share narratives. In an increasing complex and diverse world, there are numerous voices that remain unheard... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA320
Lens-based Project
This is a creative practice media production paper focused on photography and broader lens-based practices, providing an opportunity for students to... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA390
Directed Study
Students with a passion for a particular topic or issue, can opt to complete a supervised independent research dissertation. Students will get to... |
15 | 26X (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
ALPSS500
Academic and Professional Research and Writing
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills... |
30 | 26A (Online) & 26B (Online) |
|
INTLC503
Advanced Studies in the Visual Cultures of East Asia
This advanced paper provides a critical examination of key aspects of East Asian visual culture, with a focus on film and art. Students will develop... |
30 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA500
Contemporary Media Practice
Through a combination of lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the... |
30 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA501
Critical and Creative Approaches to Research
This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and... |
30 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA504
Design and Aesthetics
In both Creative Practice and written graduate research choices between theoretical paradigms, research methods and the presentation of research... |
30 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA507
Theory and Research in Action
In this supervised paper, students will produce a pilot study utilising appropriate research frameworks and methodologies to form the basis of a... |
30 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA508
Creative Practice Research
Are you a creative practitioner that wants to experiment with practice related research? This supervised paper offers a site for experimentation and... |
30 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26C (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA514
Advanced Documentary
In this advanced paper students explore documentary theory and practice by examining a range of forms associated with documentary culture, including... |
30 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA590
Directed Study
Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a research topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance... |
30 | 26X (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA592
Dissertation
Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and... |
60 | 26X (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA593
Screen and Media Studies Thesis
Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and... |
90 | 26X (Hamilton) & 26X (Tauranga) |
|
MEDIA594
Screen and Media Studies Thesis
This paper provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance... |
120 | 26X (Hamilton) & 26X (Tauranga) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MEDIA800
Screen and Media Studies MPhil Thesis
|
120 | 26X (Hamilton) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
MEDIA900
Screen and Media Studies PhD Thesis
|
120 | 26I (Hamilton) & 26J (Hamilton) & 26K (Hamilton) & 26X (Hamilton) |
|
MEDIA901
Screen and Media Studies Creative Practice PhD Thesis
|
120 | 26I (Hamilton) & 26J (Hamilton) & 26K (Hamilton) & 26X (Hamilton) |
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MEDIA100 Understanding Visual Culture
Our lives are dominated by still and moving images and visual technologies. This paper will constitute an important first step in learning to...
Points 15From the shows we watch and the music we stream to the social media platforms we scroll through, media is deeply woven into the fabric of our...
Points 15A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience...
Points 15 -
MEDIA202 Film Production 2: Creative Approaches to Filmmaking
Students are challenged to extend their creative practice beyond the conventions of narrative film making. Working with moving image and sound...
Points 15The 21st century has seen a fundamental shift from analogue to digital media systems. This paper will discuss some major aesthetic approaches and...
Points 15This paper looks at the history of fandom to the present day, developing understandings of why people develop and maintain fandoms, the variety of...
Points 15This paper explores transmedia storytelling in a variety of contexts. Students will engage with narratives that are spread across multiple media...
Points 15This paper will engage students with a client-based approach to media production. Students will be asked to produce creative projects adhering to...
Points 15 -
MEDIA301 Animation
While providing a broad critical and historical context of animation and animated films, this paper introduces students to key principles...
Points 15Students explore documentary theory and practice by examining a range of forms associated with documentary culture, including documentary...
Points 15Create your own interactive projects that expand your creative practice. Students will engage with contemporary arts practices to devise audio-visual...
Points 15Digital storytelling has reshaped how we share narratives. In an increasing complex and diverse world, there are numerous voices that remain unheard...
Points 15This is a creative practice media production paper focused on photography and broader lens-based practices, providing an opportunity for students to...
Points 15Students with a passion for a particular topic or issue, can opt to complete a supervised independent research dissertation. Students will get to...
Points 15 -
ALPSS500 Academic and Professional Research and Writing
In this course, students will gain the skills and confidence to seamlessly transition from study to work. This course works to enhance the 'skills...
Points 30This advanced paper provides a critical examination of key aspects of East Asian visual culture, with a focus on film and art. Students will develop...
Points 30Through a combination of lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the...
Points 30This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and...
Points 30In both Creative Practice and written graduate research choices between theoretical paradigms, research methods and the presentation of research...
Points 30In this supervised paper, students will produce a pilot study utilising appropriate research frameworks and methodologies to form the basis of a...
Points 30Are you a creative practitioner that wants to experiment with practice related research? This supervised paper offers a site for experimentation and...
Points 30In this advanced paper students explore documentary theory and practice by examining a range of forms associated with documentary culture, including...
Points 30Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a research topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance...
Points 30Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and...
Points 60Provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance and...
Points 90This paper provides students with an opportunity to engage with a topic of their choice from the field of Screen and Media Studies under the guidance...
Points 120 -
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MEDIA900 Screen and Media Studies PhD Thesis
Points 120
2026 Catalogue of Papers information current as of 15 Aug 2025 01:00am