MA Creative Documentary Filmmaking

Overview

This Masters in Creative Documentary Filmmaking offers a unique online learning experience whilst giving you the chance to connect both virtually and in-person through a blend of teaching and industry networking activities.

MA Creative Documentary Filmmaking at Edinburgh Napier University will equip you with theoretical insight, practical tools and professional support to develop your documentary film practice and to build networks with the international documentary film industry.

You will be encouraged to find your unique authorial voice and to make politically and aesthetically challenging and creative documentary films that speak to an international audience. You will learn about diverse documentary approaches and practices, and will have to consider aesthetic, ethical and environmental challenges.

We have a broad range of acclaimed documentary film practitioners across our well-established Film, TV, and Journalism programmes who will support you throughout your studies.

Edinburgh Napier is 2nd in the UK in Film Production and Photography (Guardian University Guide 2024) and number 1 modern university in the UK Drama, Dance & Cinematics (Complete University Guide 2024).

Mode of Study:

• Distance learning Full-time (available as Part-time)
• Duration: 1 years
• Start date: Sep

Course details

This programme aims to enable you to:

• Develop your research skills and documentary filmmaking techniques
• Explore diverse creative approaches to documentary storytelling
• Develop critical insights into documentary film histories and theories
• Cultivate an understanding of the key philosophical debates underpinning documentary film practice
• Critically analyse and solve creative and aesthetic problems in your documentary filmmaking practice
• Acquire an understanding of philosophical, ethical, environmental and political contexts of engagement with individuals and communities
• Develop professional collaborative and communication skills to support a sustainable documentary filmmaking practice
• Create your networks with crew, other filmmakers, and industry professionals
• Create a portfolio of work that includes the development and production of a high-quality documentary film
• Plan your goals and career path with an understanding of the current cultural and commercial contexts of the documentary film industry
• Develop the capacity, tenacity and rigor to work independently as a researcher and practitioner

How you’ll be taught

The programme offers online modules that support you to extensively research, develop and produce a high-quality creative documentary film alongside a portfolio of short film exercises. Learning activities will include a combination of synchronous and asynchronous lectures, interactive group webinars, practical synchronous workshops, and individualised feedback tutorials from filmmakers and industry professionals.

Assessments

You will be assessed on a combination of practical work, written work, and presentations. The practical work will comprise assessable short creative filmmaking exercises and a final project film developed over 12 months (if you are a full-time student). This will be accompanied by evidence of your research and the development of your ideas.

Facilities

This programme will use a range of digital technologies for learning and teaching, for communication, and for sharing work. Developing knowledge about and the critical understanding of a variety of digital tools are an integral part of the programme's Learning Outcomes.

Entry requirements

• The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above in any discipline.
• We may also consider lower qualifications if applicants have sufficient relevant work experience within a relevant industry.
• Applicants are required to submit a portfolio alongside their application.

Portfolio Guidance

• On your application form, please include links to your portfolio, which should be no longer than 15 minutes in length.
• You should include a written description of your role on each project included on your portfolio.
• We also welcome a 500 word proposal outlining the project that you might want to develop on the programme.

English language

• If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.
• This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course).

International students

• We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
• Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

Admissions policies

• We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.
• Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Fees & funding

• The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.
• We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £7,280
• Overseas and EU: £18,800

Careers

• Graduates of the MA Creative Documentary Filmmaking will have the opportunity to work professionally as creative documentary film directors or creative documentary director/producers.
• They will be equipped to initiate and/or develop careers in documentary film production.
• Additionally, there are deep historical links between documentary film production and research degrees and teaching in higher education.
• This programme prepares graduates for both pathways.
• Graduates might choose to go on to PhD study and become involved in teaching in higher education internationally.

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management