Screen Production (Documentary)

Make your own films, tap into Bristol's vibrant indie film sector, and develop the skills and network to succeed as a documentary filmmaker.

Why study screen production (documentary)?

Documentary filmmaking is one of the fastest growing sectors of the screen economy.

From feature length films to short online content, documentaries offer a powerful tool for storytelling, and engaging audiences in diverse subjects and causes.

New platforms and channels are opening up new opportunities for filmmakers to create documentaries for broadcast, web and film distribution.

Why UWE Bristol?

Aimed at students with some experience of film and video-making already, our MA Screen Production (Documentary) offers you access to expert support and industry-level facilities to take your work to the next level.

Covering the huge breadth of forms of documentary, you'll study wide-ranging filmmaking practices and apply these to producing your own films.

The course is practice-focused, expanding your experience of documentary filmmaking, and training you to be a 'thinking documentary filmmaker', as you learn from the work of great documentarists.

This course is integrated into the buoyant documentary sector of Bristol's audiovisual economy, where Channel 4 recently opened its regional hub, and commissioners are investing in documentary projects.

Some of the fastest growing indies in the UK, such as Plimsoll, Drummer, Silverback and Icon Films are based here and we work closely with local companies, as well as the BBC, to offer you varied production opportunities.

Working with Bristol Business School, you'll also build the skills you need to operate as a freelance, self-employed documentary filmmaker.

There'll be opportunities to network with other future creative leaders, working alongside students on our other postgraduate screen MAs.

The course includes company visits and guest lectures by leading industry experts.

Where can it take me?

You'll be equipped to follow a wide range of careers in the increasingly diverse field of documentary filmmaking, working for broadcasters or setting up your own independent film company.

You're most likely to first secure work as a researcher or production team associate in a larger production company, before seeking commissions to make your own documentaries. 

Holders of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5 out of 4 or 65% will be considered for postgraduate study.

To study at UWE Bristol you must demonstrate that your English level is high enough for university study. We accept a number of different Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for entry onto our degree courses, with IELTS being the most common. English language requirements vary slightly from subject to subject.

Please see a list of other acceptable English language qualifications.

• clicking the 'apply now' button on the postgraduate course page, and completing the online form, or
• applying through one of our agents or representatives in your country or meeting a representative at one of our regional offices.