MA Documentary and Factual

Program Overview

This MA Documentary and Factual program equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed as directors and producers in the factual content industry. Through hands-on productions, industry engagement, and research, graduates develop advanced abilities in developing ideas, conducting interviews, constructing narratives, and managing resources. The program prepares students for careers in documentary filmmaking, factual production, and related fields.

Program Outline

This program offers the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a director and/or producer within today's factual content industries. You will delve into various aspects of documentary and factual filmmaking, including:

• Finding and developing ideas
• Researching protagonists
• Mastering interview techniques
• Researching and accessing contributors
• Constructing compelling narratives
• Pitching project ideas
• Learning essential skills like documentary editing, sound recording, and camerawork
• Exploring funding strategies and identifying potential audiences
• Fully immersing yourself in productions to practice various skills

Program Aims

Upon completion of this program, you will:

• Possess a deep understanding of the roles and responsibilities of directors and producers in factual content creation, including ethical considerations around filming real-world subjects.
• Develop advanced skills in designing and developing documentary and factual programming ideas within a commercial, artistic, and conceptual framework.
• Be able to produce work of increasing ambition and quality, including employing inclusive work practices to empower collaborators and deliver their best work.
• Gain advanced insight into planning, budgeting, and financing documentary and factual content.
• Demonstrate skills in managing people and resources effectively, including risk assessments and contracts.
• Articulate key concepts and theories underlying debates and discourse around realism, authorship, ethics, social responsibility, representation, art and commerce, genre, and audiences.
• Have an advanced understanding of the role of research and intellectual inquiry as an integral part of academic development and professional practice.
• Be equipped with the skills and understanding necessary to progress in a career as an enlightened and contemporary screen industry professional.

Outline

This program is comprised of three trimesters, during which you will:

Trimester 1:

• Explore the responsibilities and practices of factual filmmaking and the essential skills of a documentary specialist.

Trimester 2:

• Engage in three modules designed to synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired in Trimester 1 into a collaborative production exercise.
• Develop research and analytical skills crucial for both academic and professional practice.

Trimester 3:

• Draw together your practical, theoretical, and industry understanding to create and deliver a filmed artefact.
• Complete your career plan in preparation for entering (or re-entering) the screen industries upon graduation.

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Portfolios
• Performances
• Research
• Presentations
• Reflective work
A more detailed breakdown of assessments can be found in the Course Specification.

Teaching

Diverse teaching methods are employed, including:

• Productions
• Seminar-style Group Teaching
• Tutorials
• Practical Group Work
• Formative Feedback through Critiques, Pitches, Screenings, and Reflective Sessions
• Work-integrated Learning
• Authentic Assessment

Careers

This program prepares graduates for careers such as:

• Documentary Director
• Documentary Producer
• Factual Director
• Factual Producer
• Researcher
• Development Producer
• Series Producer
• Commissioning Editor
• Independent Filmmaker
• Broadcast Journalist
• Assistant Producer
• TV Reporter
• Content Producer
• Storyteller
• Video Journalist
• Author
• Copywriter
• Communications Specialist
• Public Relations Specialist
• Educator
• Lecturer
• Media Consultant
• Social Media Manager
• Digital Content Specialist
• Marketing and Advertising Specialist
• Creative Director
• Entrepreneur
• Film Programmer
• Film Festival Director
• Film Curator
• Archival Film Specialist
• Film and Television Historian
• Film and Television Critic
• Film and Television Scholar
• Screenwriter
• Script Editor
• Playwright
• Theatre Director
• Performance Artist
• Multimedia Artist
• Visual Artist
• Sound Designer
• Composer
• Musician
• Sound Engineer
• Recording Engineer
• Editor
• Visual Effects Artist
• Animator
• Graphic Designer
• Web Designer
• User Experience Designer
• Game Designer
• User Interface Designer
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Cinematographer
• Data Visualizer
• Data Storyteller
• Data Journalist
• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Knowledge Management Specialist
• Librarian
• Archivist
• Museum Curator
• Historian
• Archaeologist
• Anthropologist
• Sociologist
• Political Scientist
• Economist
• Geographer
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Neurologist
• Linguist
• Philosopher
• Theologian
• Legal Professional
• Medical Professional
• Business Professional
• Politician
• Policy Analyst
• Social Worker
• Activist
• Community Organizer
• Educator
• Researcher
• Writer
• Editor
• Publisher
• Journalist
• Blogger
• Social Media Influencer
• Public Speaker
• Consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Manager
• Leader
• Innovator
• Creative

Other

This program offers a diverse range of opportunities to engage with the film industry, including:

• Professional development workshops: These workshops cover topics such as pitching, budgeting, and marketing, and are led by industry professionals.
• Masterclasses: Hear from leading figures in the documentary and factual filmmaking industry.
• Networking events: Connect with other students, alumni, and industry professionals.
• Competitions: Showcase your work and win valuable prizes.
• Film festival screenings: Get your work seen by a wider audience.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry Requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time the program begins.
• A 2:1 honors degree from a UK university or overseas equivalent.

Documents Required

• A 500-word personal statement outlining your career goals and why you are interested in this program.
• A professional industry reference (for non-degree applicants).
• A professional CV.

• Berlin
• EU/EEA Students: €18,500
• International Students: €20,500
• Leeds
• UK Students: £17,000
• EU/EEA Students: £17,000
• International Students: £19,000