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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 30,750
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
1 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Documentary Studies | Film Production | Screenwriting
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 30,750
About Program

Program Overview


MA Filmmaking (Screen Documentary)

Overview

This MA will develop your skills and creative vision in documentary production. It enhances your understanding of the historical context and contemporary modes of documentary production against a backdrop of the wider issues in media production.


Why Study MA Filmmaking (Screen Documentary) at Goldsmiths

  • This Masters, a pathway of the MA Filmmaking, will encourage your understanding of the politics, aesthetics and ethics of documentary production, and the nature and diversity of documentary practice in contemporary society.
  • The programme is housed in a new purpose-built media facility equipped with state-of-the-art teaching spaces including a range of digital cameras, Avid Media Composer, and Adobe Premiere Film Editing suites, Digital Special Effects, Pro Tools Audio Postproduction suites.
  • You will be able to make your own documentaries, learning and refining research, interviewing, self-shooting and editing techniques. The programme encourages you to develop your own distinctive authorial voice and gain a range of skills that will make you highly employable.
  • You work on at least two films during the year, culminating in a major production towards the end of the degree. In addition, you can attend classes in related disciplines such as Cinematography and Editing. This framework is designed to provide you with a breadth of filmmaking knowledge combined with a high level of expertise in your chosen filmmaking discipline.
  • The MA encourages you to develop:
    • an awareness of documentary production techniques, ethics and aesthetics
    • specific filmmaking and production management skills
    • technical skills (including camera, lighting and sound editing)
    • an understanding of the workings of the media and their broad cultural and social impacts

Department

  • Media, Communications and Cultural Studies
  • This course is accredited by Creative Skillset.

Length

  • 1 year full-time

Entry Requirements

  • You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject as well as a level of practical experience from work in the arts or the media.
  • You might also be considered for the programme if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
  • Because funding deadlines and requirements vary around the world, applications are considered on a rolling basis from February onwards and places on the programme fill up across the recruitment cycle. For this reason, we strongly advise you to submit your completed application as early as you can.

International Qualifications

  • We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
  • If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 7.0 with a 7.0 in writing and no element lower than 6.5 to study this programme.

Fees

  • Home - full-time: £16200
  • International - full-time: £30750

Funding Opportunities

  • 20% MA Fee Waivers
    • The Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies will award a limited number of competitive 20% fee waivers for the academic session 2025 – 26 for students who demonstrate considerable academic potential and can demonstrate need on the basis of being first in their family to attend university, from a low-income family or being care-experienced.
  • BAFTA scholarship
    • UK students offered a place on this MA are eligible to apply for the BAFTA Scholarship Programme.

Careers

  • If you are passionate about fashioning an exciting career for yourself as a filmmaker in an environment that promotes innovative filmmaking, this course is for you.
  • Our alumni are active in the film, media and cultural industries around the world, working and winning awards as documentary producers and directors.
  • Recent alumni are active in the film, media and cultural industries around the world as:
    • Cinematographers
    • Film camera operators
    • Television camera operators
    • Lighting designers
    • Focus pullers
    • Gaffers
    • Grips
    • Steadicam operators

What You'll Study

  • Compulsory modules Screen School options
    • You will take the following modules:
      • Documentary: Specialist Skills | 45 credits
      • Representing Reality | 15 credits
    • You will also complete a Final Project (90 credits), a 20-minute film with a subject and style of your own choice, assessed alongside a portfolio of development work.
  • Optional modules (if available)
    • The above is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.
    • Examples of the modules available include:
      • Social Activist Film | 15 credits
      • Adaptation and Script Editing | 30 credits
      • Camera Fundamentals | 15 credits
      • Contemporary Screen Narratives | 15 credits
      • Experimental Media | 15 or 30 credits
      • Film Producing Fundamentals | 15 credits
      • Sound Design Fundamentals | 15 credits
      • The Ascent of the Image | 15 credits
      • Visual Storytelling | 30 credits
      • Practical Law for Film-makers | 15 credits

How to Apply

  • Apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system
  • Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:
    • Details of your academic qualifications
    • The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
    • Copies of** your educational transcripts****or certificates**
    • Apersonal statement** – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online. Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement and ensure that you answer the following questions in your statement:
      • Tell us about your passion and aptitude for Filmmaking
      • What are your dreams and aspirations?
      • How did your engagement with visual media develop, and how has it developed in terms of professional, voluntary and personal work?
    • A two-minute autobiographical documentary introducing yourself
    • Examples of your recent work in a related field (eg moving image samples), preferably via a web link to your online portfolio – please upload this under 'additional' in your online application (NB the maximum file size you can upload is 20MB)
    • IELTS 7.0 at the point of application

When to Apply

  • Applications open in October andclose on 1 June. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.
  • Applications are considered in batches from February onwards so we would advise you to apply as early as possible.
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Goldsmiths, University of London


Overview:

Goldsmiths, University of London is a public research university located in South East London. It is known for its progressive teaching and world-leading research, particularly in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The university prides itself on fostering a space for self-discovery and offers a single-site campus experience.


Services Offered:

    Student Support:

    Goldsmiths provides a range of support services for students, including a library, IT support, and a dedicated Graduate School for postgraduate research students.

    Learning Resources:

    The university offers access to the Learn.gold virtual learning environment (VLE) and the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC).

    Campus Life:

    Goldsmiths offers a vibrant campus experience with accommodation options, campus tours, and opportunities to connect with students through the Unibuddy platform.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Goldsmiths offers a unique campus experience in the heart of South East London. Students can explore the campus through virtual tours and learn about the local area through area guides. The university also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Progressive Teaching:

    Goldsmiths is known for its innovative and forward-thinking teaching methods.

    World-Leading Research:

    The university boasts a strong research reputation, particularly in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

    Vibrant Campus Community:

    Goldsmiths fosters a diverse and inclusive campus community with a strong sense of belonging.

    Career Success:

    A high percentage of Goldsmiths graduates move on to highly-skilled work after their studies.

Academic Programs:

Goldsmiths offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

    Arts:

    Fine Art, Design, Music, Theatre, Film, and Media

    Humanities:

    English, History, Philosophy, Languages, and Literature

    Social Sciences:

    Sociology, Psychology, Politics, and Economics

    Computing:

    Computer Science, Digital Media, and Information Technology

Other:

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