Course Summary
The MA in Documentary Practice builds on 30 years of experience in teaching film and television in the School of Communications, and responds to growing student interest in, and industry demand for, long-form documentaries.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
• 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.
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.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible. All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available at the Application Weblink.
Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
A personal statement of 1,000 words (maximum) outlining their;
(i) suitability for the programme;
(ii) relevant recent experiences
(iii) involvements in projects or initiatives specific to the programme.
Please upload a CV under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section.
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.
If applicable, evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
EU Status Fee 8,600
Non EU Fee 16,400
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
Potential careers
sound recordist
camera operator
director
television producer
radio producer
researcher
editor
sound editor
In house communications
Public Service