New degree in film under way at Staffordshire University

The country's largest independent film festival has teamed up with Staffordshire University to launch a new degree. The Masters degree in Film by Negotiated Learning gets under way this week.

As well as making films and learning how to use state-of-the-art technology, the students will be involved in curating the Raindance Film Festival, receive mentoring from industry professionals and screen their own work.

James Fair, award leader at Staffordshire University, said: "This is the first year this postgraduate level course has been run and 18 students have signed up.

"The partnership with Raindance allows us to provide learning opportunities that meet the demands of the workplace."

He added: "There is nothing like it around. It's a big move for the university to be recognised by the industry as a great place for practical learning."