Ethnographic and Documentary Film — Practical

Ethnographic and Documentary Film — Practical at University College London offers students a comprehensive and immersive experience into the art and craft of documentary filmmaking with a specific focus on ethnography. Designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, this programme equips students with the ability to produce compelling visual stories that explore cultural, social, and human phenomena. Throughout the course, students engage deeply with ethnographic research methods, gaining insights into how to ethically and effectively depict real communities and diverse cultures through film. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on production alongside critical analysis, allowing students to develop technical proficiency in camera work, editing, sound design, and storytelling techniques essential for documentary filmmaking. Students are encouraged to critically examine the ethical considerations inherent in representing others and to develop a respectful and responsible approach to their craft.

The programme features a combination of lectures, workshops, and project-based learning, providing students with opportunities to collaborate on real-world projects. They will learn how to conceptualize, plan, shoot, and edit documentaries that are both artistically compelling and culturally sensitive. The course also covers topics such as narrative construction, audience engagement, and the use of contemporary digital tools to enhance storytelling. Moreover, students have access to UCL’s state-of-the-art facilities, including editing suites, camera equipment, and screening spaces, to support their practical work.

By completing this programme, graduates will be well-prepared for careers in ethnographic and documentary filmmaking, cultural journalism, academic research, or media production agencies. They will possess a nuanced understanding of cultural representation, ethnographic methods, and visual storytelling, making them capable of contributing meaningfully to discussions around cultural diversity, social issues, and human rights through their work. The programme's interdisciplinary approach ensures that students not only develop technical expertise but also cultivate critical thinking and ethical reflection, essential for responsible storytelling in a globalized world. Whether aspiring filmmakers, anthropologists, or media professionals, students will leave with a rich portfolio of work and the skills necessary to make an impact in the realm of documentary film.

Students will learn to devise a visual research project; to apply anthropological and social science approaches to documentary film work; to think critically about the relationship between form and content in ethnographic/documentary practice; using our professional level equipment, 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.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of 1 core module (60 credits), 2 optional /elective modules (30 credits) and a project/diary (90 credits).

Core modules

• Practical Ethnographic and Documentary Filming and Editing
• Students without a social science background at either undergraduate or Master's level also take Social Anthropology or another social science foundational module in Term One as agreed with the tutor.

Optional modules

• Students choose two of the following
• Anthropology and Photography
• Documentary Film and the Ethnographic Eye
• The Story and I - Finding the Form and/or Time and the Staged Index
• One of the practical film-related options offered as part of Film Studies MA according to provision.
• One of the film history modules taught in the School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES), or Departments of History or English, (for example, Russian Cinema in SSEES), details to be confirmed.
• An Anthropology or other social science module from the Faculties of Social & Historical Sciences, or Arts & Humanities.
• An Anthropology or other social science module from the Faculties of Social & Historical Sciences, or Arts & Humanities.

Dissertation/report

A major practical film project and diary allowing the students to demonstrate their mastery of the skills of documentary film-making in a film of 20–35 minutes.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of practical tutorials, seminars and masterclasses and assessed by camera and editing exercises and a written piece.

Placement

We facilitate two types of placements. Firstly, we will enable short-term internships at the film companies with whom we already have relationships through Open City Docs. Secondly, as opportunities arise students can work on collaborative or other film-making projects, such as the Doc in a Day workshops or UCL film productions.

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. You can submit either by post - a maximum of twenty 20cm x 25cm (8'x10”) stills – or by link to an external site.

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.)

The Ethnographic and Documentary Film — Practical programme at University College London offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. Funding opportunities include government loans and grants, which are available to domestic students and sometimes accessible to international students, depending on nationality and residency status. The program may also offer scholarships specific to film students, including merit-based awards and bursaries aimed at supporting students with financial need.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as industry organizations, artistic grants, and cultural foundations that support documentary filmmakers and ethnographers. UCL's financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on applying for such external funding, including the documentary film industry grants and cultural exchange programs.

In addition to scholarships and grants, students may have access to work-placement opportunities, part-time jobs on campus, or industry-related freelance work, which can help finance their studies. UCL also offers payment plans that allow students to spread tuition fees over several installments to ease financial burdens. The cost of the programme typically includes tuition fees, which vary depending on whether students are UK, EU, or international fee-paying students.

Students are advised to check the specific funding options available for the academic year they intend to enroll and to prepare necessary documentation early to maximize their chances of securing financial support. Overall, the university aims to facilitate access to education by providing a range of financial assistance options tailored to the needs of students in interdisciplinary arts and ethnographic film programmes.

The Ethnographic and Documentary Film — Practical program at University College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of ethnographic and documentary filmmaking techniques, aiming to develop both practical skills and academic understanding of visual anthropology. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, enabling students to produce their own ethnographic films through a combination of workshops, technical training, and critical analysis. Participants learn the theoretical foundations of ethnography, including cultural representation, ethical considerations, and the role of film in anthropological research. The curriculum typically covers camera operation, sound recording, editing, and storytelling strategies tailored specifically for documentary film-making. Students are encouraged to engage critically with existing ethnographic films and to develop their own projects that reflect diverse cultures, communities, and social issues.

The program is designed for students interested in cultural anthropology, media studies, visual arts, or related fields, and aims to cultivate skills relevant for careers in documentary filmmaking, academic research, and media production. The course often involves collaborations with external communities and fieldwork component, providing students with real-world experience in ethnographic filming contexts. As part of the degree, students also examine ethical issues surrounding representation, consent, and the impact of visual media on communities. The program's emphasis on practical application, combined with theoretical coursework, prepares graduates for professional roles in cultural documentation, media production, and academic research.

Given the university’s prestigious reputation and resources, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art film equipment, editing suites, and research libraries. Additionally, they are mentored by experienced faculty who are active researchers and filmmakers in the field of visual anthropology. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in documentary film production, academic institutions, cultural organizations, and media outlets, contributing to the documentation and preservation of diverse cultural practices. The program typically lasts one year for full-time students and offers an intellectually rigorous environment, fostering critical thinking, technical mastery, and creative expression in ethnographic film-making.