Get to grips with the entire documentary film making process on this comprehensive course which blends theory with practical experience.

London College of Communication’s MA Documentary Film course leads on exploring the full range of documentary genre and modes of production that have brought about recent innovation. The digital revolution means new ways of directing, producing, and showing documentary films in the broadcast, independent and web 2.0 media. You will learn the entire process, taking the roles of Producer, Director, Camera Operator, Sound-Recordist and Editor.

You can expect ...

You can expect to be grounded in documentary direction, camerawork and editing - the key artistic and technical skills for a successful production team.  Each year students take their work from LCC onto the competent British and international documentary filmmaking circuit. You will enhance your career prospects through the valuable skills, vision and opportunities that this postgraduate course provides, including guidance on pitching for funding and commissions.

In return, you’ll need to be committed and passionate about your study and practice and be ready with strong ideas. You will also need to be open to constructive and supportive criticism so that you’re able to push your boundaries in your thinking, writing and reflection alongside the making of your films. The course culminates in you making a short documentary film (15-20 minutes). From identifying characters, stories and locations to shooting and editing with visual style, you will be the complete author of your work whatever style you adopt – artistic, investigative, observational and activist film ideas are all welcome. These can be developed for the context that suits your work best – from broadcast to independent or gallery exhibition.

This MA explores the great traditions of international documentary film while offering modern documentary production facilities at LCC. Training includes shooting and directing on high-definition cameras and editing in final cut-pro. Practice is integrated with theory so that filmmaking is critically and conceptually analysed within the historical and practical context of documentary film.

Tutors on this course ...  

Tutors on this course are extensively experienced and practising documentary filmmakers and academics and include award-winning Directors. Course Director, Pratap Rughani, has produced over 30 films for BBC TV, Channel 4, British Council and for art galleries.

Tutoring is also provided by Gavin McFadyen, Director of the Centre for Investigative Journalism; Nancy Platt, Documentary Maker; Professor Brian Winston, a key contributor to Documentary Studies.

Recent guest speakers include leading British documentary filmmakers, Kim Longinotto, Molly Dineen, Jon Ronson, Hito Steyerl, Jane & Louise Wilson and LCC Alumni returning to show work commissioned by BBC TV and others.

Alumni include ...

Many former students who are now building strong reputations for their work from this relatively new LCC course. Only recently, student Alana McVerry had her graduation film shortlisted in this year’s Grierson Awards. Furthermore, graduate Sahba Saberian has been selected for the London International Documetary Festival (LIDF).

What students say ...

“ (....) The Course Director is passionate about his subject and really encourages us. In my applications for work people always respond well when they know that you are from LCC. During my work placement for my MA I got to work in the BBC's documentary and specialist factual unit. It was the best placement I could have got. I worked there for a month and at the end they offered me a job." Former LCC student, anonymous.

This course is taught within the School of Media at LCC.

Phase 1

• 1.1 Documentary: Process & practice

This unit introduces documentary film making to equip you with the core skills of documentary film production.

• 1.2 Documentary: history & theory

This unit seeks to position documentary production within a historical context.

Phase 2

• 2.1 Documentary Practices: taster tape & pitch & critical context

This unit further develops skills in camerawork, producing, directing and editing, now in a more exploratory and individually authored context.

• 2.2 Documentary: ethics & methodologies

Building upon your study in unit 1.2, you will have the opportunity in this unit to study the ramifications of contemporary theoretical debates, documentary history and theory in relation to a chosen approach and research methodology.

Phase 3

• 3.0 Major Project

Unit 3.0 allows you to develop your own specialist interest in documentary through the completion of a Major Project involving the production and direction of an individually authored documentary film, accompanied by a research dossier, a proposal and a treatment.

• Graduation screening

Students go on a range of production and academic research and film-making options. Alumni have gone on to research and associate producer contracts and commissions for their ideas in broadcast and independent sectors. Much depends on individual focus and aspiration.

You should have a keen interest in documentary films and a keen desire to make your own documentary films. A portfolio is not essential but many applicants send links to documentary work they have already made. You should know what kinds of documentary interest you and why you have an ambition to deepen your involvement in documentary film study and production. A first degree is desirable but not essential, as equivalent professional experience can be considered.

An awareness of and interest in current developments in documentary film is expected. Knowledge of film and media history and theory is not a requirement but we expect candidates to be interested in studying such questions.

International and EU students: If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English. Further information is available on our International Applications page.

Portfolio advice

Your application should be accompanied by an original documentary film idea. This is very much a way for us to assess your understanding of the documentary form so unfortunately we will be unable to advise you on its content. You are encouraged to submit a short showreel of existing documentary film production work with a clear note of your role in each productione

Application route

In order to apply you must complete an application form (4MB PDF).

Please also enclose a 2-3 page treatment for an original documentary. This is very much a way for us to assess your understanding of the documentary format, so unfortunately we will be unable to advise you on its content.

Please send completed application form and supporting work to: Postgraduate Admissions, Central Administration Office, 5th Floor Tower Block, London College of Communication, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6SB.

International students should use the international postgraduate application form which is available to download on the international office's web pages.

Home/EU student fee discounts

If you have successfully completed a UAL undergraduate degree, PgDip or PgCert, you will qualify for a £1000 discount from your tuition fees. For further information please contact pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk

Admissions enquiries

For enquiries about admissions please call the postgraduate admissions team on +44(0)20 7514 6569 or email pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for UK and EU student enquiries) or v.gavulic@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for international enquiries).