StudyQA — Master: Documentary Practice — Queen Mary University of London

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The Documentary Practice program at Queen Mary University of London offers students an in-depth exploration of the art and craft of documentary filmmaking, combining practical skills with academic analysis to prepare graduates for a diverse range of careers within the media industry. Designed for aspiring filmmakers, journalists, and media practitioners, this program emphasizes the development of a strong conceptual understanding of documentary storytelling, alongside hands-on experience in producing, directing, editing, and distributing documentary content across various platforms. Students will engage with a variety of documentary styles, including observational, participatory, vérité, and experimental approaches, allowing them to refine their personal voice and style while understanding the ethical and theoretical considerations that underpin documentary work. The curriculum integrates theoretical modules covering media ethics, representation, and audience engagement, complemented by practical workshops and projects that simulate real-world production environments. Collaborating with industry professionals, students gain valuable insights into contemporary trends and technological advancements shaping the field of documentary practice. The program also encourages critical thinking about the social and political impact of documentary media, fostering a reflective and responsible approach to storytelling. By the end of the course, graduates will have a comprehensive portfolio of produced works and a suite of skills enabling them to pursue careers in documentary filmmaking, broadcast journalism, media production, or further academic research. The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including editing suites, production equipment, and screening venues, providing students with the resources necessary to realize their creative ideas. Overall, Queen Mary’s Documentary Practice program aims to cultivate innovative, ethically conscious documentary practitioners equipped to contribute meaningfully to the media landscape and engage with contemporary societal issues through compelling visual storytelling.

Programme structure MA Documentary Practice is currently available for one year full-time study or two years part-time study.

The MA is made up of a range of 30 and 60 credit modules totalling 180 credits overall.

Our core modules provide you with a rich set of practical and intellectual skills. Documentary Theory & Practice gives you the essential research and practical abilities necessary for the MA, covering modes of factual representation, exploring crew roles, production planning, and providing training in camera, sound and editing. Documentary Production takes these skills deeper, encouraging you to experiment with form and take risks with what you think a documentary can be and do. The Dissertation Production is your chance to realise an in-depth, high production, festivals-ready film.

A range of option modules in film practice, theory and history enable you to choose specialist areas relevant to your research interests and ambitions. You may also wish to choose modules from other University of London institutions.

In addition, you will also complete an independent Film studies research project.

Core module

Film Studies Research Project

Compulsory modules

Documentary film: Theory and Practice
Documentary Production Project

Option modules

Auteur Direction
Film Practice and Manifestos
Film Studies Core Course
History, Fiction and Memory in French Cinema
9/11 and American Film
Reading Images: Painting, Photography, Film
Latin American Documentary
Ecocinemas: Nature, Animals, and the Moving Image

You will need an upper second class honours degree in a humanities or creative arts discipline, and will have an informal interview on application. Graduates from non-humanities disciplines are also welcome to apply, but may also be asked to complete a written assignment. International students will need to be highly proficient in English for academic purposes.

International applicants

Students from outside of the UK help form a global community here at Queen Mary. For detailed country specific entry requirements please visit the International section of our website. If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English language proficiency. You can find details on our English language entry requirements page.

If you do not meet language or scholarly requirements it might be possible for you to undertake foundation or pre-sessional programmes that will prepare you for the masters programme. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office.

The Queen Mary University of London offers various funding options to support students enrolled in the Documentary Practice program. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's domicile status, with UK, EU, and International students all eligible for different rates. For UK students, the current annual fee is approximately £9,250, while international students can expect to pay around £18,000 per year. These fees are subject to annual increases and should be confirmed through the university’s official fee schedule.

Students have access to a range of scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities. The university offers merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition costs; eligibility criteria typically include academic achievement and relevant experience. Additionally, there are need-based bursaries for students demonstrating financial hardship. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early and explore external funding sources, such as national and international scholarship programs.

Financial support can also be obtained through government loans and grants available to UK students. The Student Loans Company provides maintenance and tuition fee loans that can cover part or all of the program costs, depending on eligibility. International students might have access to external scholarships or sponsorship options, but are generally expected to self-fund or seek external sponsorship.

The university also offers part-time work opportunities on campus, enabling students to supplement their income while studying. Careers services and financial advising are available to help students plan their budgets effectively and explore all available funding opportunities. Finally, students are encouraged to utilize the university's online resources to stay updated on application deadlines, scholarship opportunities, and funding guidelines. Overall, financing a degree in Documentary Practice at Queen Mary University of London involves a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, government loans, and personal savings, with ample support available to assist students throughout their studies.

You will play an active part in your acquisition of skills and knowledge. Teaching is by a mixture of formal lectures and small group seminars. The seminars are designed to generate informed discussion around set topics, and may involve student presentations, group exercise and role-play as well as open discussion. We take pride in the close and friendly working relationship we have with our students. You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.

Independent Study

For every hour spent in formal classes you will be expected to complete further hours of independent study. Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on formal study sessions; reading; producing written work; completing projects; and revising for examinations.

The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments. However, we expect you to demonstrate an active role in your own learning by reading widely and expanding your own knowledge, understanding and critical ability.

Independent study will foster in you the ability to identify your own learning needs and determine which areas you need to focus on to become proficient in your subject area. This is an important transferable skill and will help to prepare you for the transition to working life.

Assessment

you will be assessed by coursework only, usually in the form of a practical project or a written essay, the tutor, or project supervisor, will offer guidance and support in researching, producing and/or writing of these assessed elements.