Ethnographic and Documentary Film (Practical) MA

This unique MA programme is based within a university but run by leading film practitioners, ensuring that you not only receive the highest-quality practice-based learning. You have your own camera equipment throughout and we provide dedicated editing suites. The degree is currently taught in 4 studios (Experimental and Cinematic Non-Fiction, Documentary for Broadcast and Beyond, Cinematic Documentary Storytelling, and Immersive Factual Storytelling: VR/AR) Students will learn to tell stories in various film modes; to draw on anthropological and social science approaches to documentary; to think critically about the relationship between form and content in ethnographic/documentary practice; to master the technical skills needed to produce different kinds of films of different lengths for varied audiences; and to critically view and review film material.

The programme equips students for careers in: mass media including broadcast, cinematic and web-based moving image; film and TV industry as camera operators, producers, directors, editors, researchers; academia – ethnographic research, visual media and culture marketing and research; communication and other media; archives, as well as cultural heritage organisations. Employability

The increasing demand for social and scientifically trained moving image specialists in the years ahead will continue, if not accelerate. Graduates of our existing programmes now work in organisations such as Ipsos Mori film unit, independent production companies, BBC Education and in independent production companies.

Normally an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a social science, arts, humanities or science discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Academically weaker applications will also be considered provided that they are supported by experience in visual arts or film making. Applicants with prior technical knowledge of film making are asked to send a video portfolio of up to 20’ duration (Vimeo link recommended). Applicants without a video portfolio are asked to complete a photo essay. All shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a proposal for a film or video project - a maximum of four sides of A4, typed and double-spaced - to include: an outline of what the film is about; the characters and other elements crucial to the narrative and the film structure/narrative. (You are not committed to the proposal for the final project.)