Documentary Practice

Entry requirements

The minimum criteria for entry to this taught postgraduate programme is that applicants hold a minimum of a second class honours, grade two primary degree (Level 8) or equivalent professional qualification. In addition to the standard application form and personal statement outlining their interest in the course, applicants will be required to submit:

• a portfolio of previous work (this does not have to be to a professional standard, but should demonstrate basic familiarity with either video, photographic or aural story-telling

AND/OR

• a written proposal for a documentary project (video, photographic or audio), outlining the objectives, style and intended audience for the production.

Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.

In the case of international applicants, having educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language, they must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language, with a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Transfer from related Level 9 programmes in DCU or other third-level institutions is subject to having fulfilled educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This MA combines journalism, filmmaking and multimedia skills to provide a hands-on audio-visual and documentary practice programme.

The new MA in Documentary Practice draws from our 30 years of experience teaching film and television in the School of Communications. It's our response to the increasing interest from students and the growing demand in the industry for long form documentary content.

Furthermore, we provide access to cutting-edge facilities, including a recently constructed media studio equipped with leading industry grade digital cinema cameras, sound recording equipment, and editing tools. There is a dedicated post production lab and a screening room on campus that only students on this course have access to. This ensures our students have access to the best resources for honing their skills and achieving their creative aspirations.

The success of the MA in Documentary Practice contributes to DCU's School of Communications ranking in the top 200 communications schools worldwide in the QS World University Rankings.