Unit information: The Art of Editing in 2025/26

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

Unit name The Art of Editing
Unit code FATVM0005
Credit points 20
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Mr. Chris Barnett
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

FATVM0022 Film and Television Production Techniques and Technologies Or FATV10001 Filmmaking Fundamentals

or FATV10011 Film and TV: Forms and Practices

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

None

Units you may not take alongside this one

None

School/department Department of Film and Television
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Unit Information

This unit aims to explore the theory, history and practice of film editing in order to further a critical understanding of its aesthetic and semantic possibilities that is both informed and enriched by practice. Students will study examples of different screen editing techniques and methodologies to arrive at a deeper understanding of key theories, approaches and editing strategies. Students will be able to experiment and explore ideas through practical work and will critically reflect on both the experience, method and final product.

Unit Aims:

  • Introduce and instruct students in the theory and aesthetic possibilities of editing informed by key movements in film and screen history.
  • Develop students’ practical, technical and creative editing skills through the use of key techniques, methodologies and chosen software.
  • Develop students’ abilities to explore and apply theories and methods of editing through practical work.

Your learning on this unit

Learning Outcomes:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of different approaches to editing, and be able to situate and evaluate these in different contexts.
  2. show critical and historical understanding of the aesthetic function and theoretical implications of different editing styles and methodologies.
  3. demonstrate practical understanding of how to deploy key editing techniques and methodologies.
  4. show proficiency in the use of chosen editing software and tools, and able to explore their technical and creative possibilities.
  5. make useful contributions to academic discussions and learning.

How you will learn

Weekly workshop and screening/seminar.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

A group edited film, 4-8 mins (50%) (ILOs 3;4)

An individual video essay 3-5 mins (40%) (ILOs 1-2)

Contribution Mark (10%) [ILO 5]

When assessment does not go to plan

When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. FATVM0005).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.

The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.