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Master of Arts Screen: Documentary

Still from ‘The Caretakers’ | Dir. Kate Vinen

To find out about future offerings of this course, register your interest. For more information email info@aftrs.edu.au or call 1300 223 877.

Register Interest

FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER IN THE GLOBAL SCREEN INDUSTRY

In the digital era, documentary film and series have engaged and impacted international audiences like never before.

The Master of Arts Screen: Documentary will develop your directing, storytelling and leadership skills through hands-on specialist workshops, masterclasses and industry mentoring. You will work closely with students across disciplines including cinematographers, editors and composers to create world-class, market-ready projects.

AFTRS has been repeatedly named among the top 15 international film schools in The Hollywood Reporter’s annual roundup. This course will provide the skills required to become a successful documentary-maker in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

To get to know our lecturers, students and alumni, and get tips on how to ace your application, catch up on the information sessions from our 2021 Postgraduate Information Week.

download brochure

 

Meet AFTRS’ Head of Documentary Richard Welch

 

Go behind the scenes of the Master of Arts Screen: Documentary

Is the Master of Arts Screen: Documentary right for you?

WHY DO THIS COURSE

You will get access to tutors and guest lecturers with high-level industry experience, who will deliver hands-on specialist workshops, masterclasses, academic expertise and mentoring.

You will learn about visual storytelling and screen business, expanding your understanding of all aspects of documentary making, from story conception, development and pitching, to shooting and editing and the marketplace and distribution.

As well as working independently, you will collaborate with fellow students in small cross-disciplinary groups, developing and building future industry networks and collaborators.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Over two years, you will direct at least four films in the Master of Arts Screen: Documentary program, with shoots both on-location and in AFTRS’ world-class studios.

You will develop your creative voice through intensive practical workshops. This will deepen your understanding of documentary and best-practice collaborations, supporting you in becoming a creative leader.

The first year will explore the fundamentals of visual storytelling through hands-on workshops that increase in scale and complexity, including writing for documentary, advanced interview techniques and observational cinema. In the second year, you will direct a major project and a strategically aligned research project.

The course culminates in a short professional placement and includes engagement with local, national and international film festivals, broadcasters, distributors and funding bodies, providing professional networking opportunities and potential for future collaborations.

Career opportunities

AFTRS documentary graduates have screened their features and shorts all over the world, winning major prizes. Many graduates have become leaders in the Australian documentary industry. AFTRS documentary alumni include Robert Nugent, End of the Rainbow (2007); Rebecca Barry, I Am A Girl (2013); Sascha Ettinger-Epstein, The Oasis (2008), The Pink House (2017); Madeleine Hetherton, The Surgery Ship (2017), Larissa Behrendt, After the Apology (2017); and Hollie Fifer, The Opposition (2016).

Still from ‘What Do You See’ | Dir. Michael Bonner

Still from ‘The Flowers’ | Dir. Kate Vinen, DOP Petra Leslie

Still from ‘Auntie’s Last Supper’ | Dir. Kate Vinen, DOP Sam Steinle

Still from ‘Where is My Darling’ | Dir. Adam Finney

Behind the scenes of ‘Where is My Darling’ | Dir. Adam Finney

Still from ‘The Caretakers’ | Dir. Kate Vinen, DOP Petra Leslie

Still from ‘Auntie’s Last Supper’ | Dir. Kate Vinen, DOP Sam Steinle

Still from ‘The Reluctant Bride’ | Dir. Kate Vinen, DOP Petra Leslie

Meet Your Lecturers

Richard Welch

Richard Welch is an experienced documentary curator, lecturer and filmmaker, with over 20 years’ experience in the screen media industry.…

Learn More

Dr. Alejandra Canales

Dr. Alejandra Canales is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with an extensive career in directing, producing, curating and programming, and teaching…

Learn More

Kate Blackmore

Kate Blackmore is an Australian artist and filmmaker whose films have been presented across cinematic, broadcast and contemporary art contexts.…

Learn More

Kirk Marcolina

Kirk Marcolina has worked in television and documentary for over 25 years as a Producer, Director and Editor. Kirk’s features…

Learn More

You will learn to

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theory and practice as a documentary filmmaker

Apply a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling to create audience-engaged work for the screen

Implement a creative practice that synthesises specialist knowledge and an understanding of personal process

Apply an adaptable skill set

Demonstrate an ability to collaborate across diverse projects

Get Answers

How to apply

To apply you will need to:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).

2. Upload supporting documentation, which includes certified copies of your:

a) Proof of citizenship/residency
b) Highest educational qualification

3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.

4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact info@aftrs.edu.au.

Admission requirements

Places in this course are competitive and are based on merit selection.

1. PREREQUISITES

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training.

The typical duration of a bachelor degree is 3-4 years, and candidates applying by degree equivalence are required to demonstrate they have achieved corresponding learning outcomes by completing a similar volume of relevant work experience and/or training. If you wish to apply for admission to a postgraduate program by degree equivalence, you will need to submit a Degree Equivalence Form. For more information, please contact the Admissions team at applications@aftrs.edu.au.

2. SELECTION CRITERIA

  1. Demonstrated experience or related skills relevant to discipline.
  2. A distinct creative perspective.
  3. A proven capacity for leadership and collaboration.
  4. A willingness and capacity to engage in critical thinking, reflection and research.

Refer to the Application Rubric for more information.

3. RESUME AND EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Provide a one-page list of your achievements, educational qualifications and work experience. You must also provide a certified copy of your highest education level.

4. PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP/RESIDENCY

Ensure you submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Application tasks

1. AUDIO-VISUAL CREATIVE STATEMENT

Make a three-minute audio-visual work that presents who you are as a creative practitioner.

There is no set form here, you can record a piece to camera or make a work that expresses these ideas (submit as media file).

In it you could explore the following questions:

  • How would you define your creative voice?
  • What kind of stories connect with you and why?
  • Do you think stories matter? Why?
  • How do you collaborate with other creative practitioners?

2. CREATIVE WORK

Submit up to 3 (three) examples of your work as a key creative. Total running time 15 minutes or 30 pages.

Be selective with your choices. Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work.

Your example(s) should effectively demonstrate:

  • Your creative intent.
  • Your technical and/or craft skills related to the discipline you are applying for.

These works can include any format: fiction, non-fiction, experimental; film, video, or other digital and online forms; linear or nonlinear; music scores (submit as media file).

Clearly outline your role on the work submitted in your portfolio (submit as PDF file).

3. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Personal Statement outlining why you want to study at AFTRS within your chosen discipline, plus your up to date CV and work experience.

Please write a one-page outline of your key objectives for studying at AFTRS. You may include information such as your personal history, your goals and ambitions, and where you see yourself at the completion of this program.

—

Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.

Please note shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit a supplementary task.

Fees and scholarships

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees shown above are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. They are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships

To ensure we reflect Australian society and Australian stories, AFTRS wants to work with students from a diverse range of backgrounds. To support this, the School has a range of scholarships available to assist degree course students with the costs associated with higher education.

Scholarship applications for 2022 open 19 July 2021. Find out more here.

Note: FEE-HELP and scholarships are available for eligible domestic students only.

International students

AFTRS welcomes international student applications into this course. You must be aware of your English language proficiency, visa conditions, health insurance and financial obligations you are required to meet as an overseas student.

Please refer to the International Students section for further information.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

International applicants must meet:

(a) the same academic admission requirements as domestic applicants, and
(b) a minimum English proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 8.0 IELTS (exemption categories apply).

HOW TO APPLY

To apply as an international student, there are several steps you will need to go through:

1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure that you meet the admission requirements above.

2. GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
You must provide the required application documents when you submit your application. These documents include:

(a) all application tasks,
(b) resume,
as well as certified copies of your:
(c) highest educational qualification,
(d) passport, and
(e) English language proficiency test results.

Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation made by an accredited translator.

3. APPLY FOR THE COURSE

Click on Apply Now and set up your account. Once you have your AFTRS login, follow the below steps:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).
2. Upload supporting documentation.
3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.
If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au.

4. WAIT FOR YOUR OFFER

Assessment of your application will take place once the closing date has passed. You will be notified if further documents or additional information is required. All international applicants who are considered for a place in the course will be required to attend an interview either in person (if already in Australia) or via online conference call (e.g. Skype).

5. RECEIVE AN OFFER

If your application is successful, you will receive an email with an Offer and Enrolment Guide comprising of:

1. Letter of Offer
2. How to accept your offer
3. How to pay your fees
4. How to obtain health cover
5. Enrolment information
6. Other related material

AFTRS also emails unsuccessful applicants.

6. ACCEPT YOUR OFFER

When you receive your Offer and Enrolment Guide, review your Letter of Offer and make sure all details are correct (including the exact spelling of your name). Accept your offer as per the instructions supplied.

7. PAY YOUR FEES AND OBTAIN HEALTH COVER

Make arrangements to pay your fees and apply for Overseas Health Insurance Cover (OSHC). Provide a copy of your OSHC to the Student Centre. You will then receive an email that confirms your enrolment, called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

8. APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA

Apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide your OSHC & CoE as part of this application.

9. RECEIVE STUDENT VISA

Advise the Student Centre studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au once you have been successful in obtaining a student visa. We will then send you additional information regarding commencing your enrolment in your course.

If you require assistance with any of the above steps, please contact the Admissions team on 1300 223 877 or applications@aftrs.edu.au.

Get Answers

How to apply

To apply you will need to:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).

2. Upload supporting documentation, which includes certified copies of your:

a) Proof of citizenship/residency
b) Highest educational qualification

3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.

4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact info@aftrs.edu.au.

Admission requirements

Places in this course are competitive and are based on merit selection.

1. PREREQUISITES

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training.

The typical duration of a bachelor degree is 3-4 years, and candidates applying by degree equivalence are required to demonstrate they have achieved corresponding learning outcomes by completing a similar volume of relevant work experience and/or training. If you wish to apply for admission to a postgraduate program by degree equivalence, you will need to submit a Degree Equivalence Form. For more information, please contact the Admissions team at applications@aftrs.edu.au.

2. SELECTION CRITERIA

  1. Demonstrated experience or related skills relevant to discipline.
  2. A distinct creative perspective.
  3. A proven capacity for leadership and collaboration.
  4. A willingness and capacity to engage in critical thinking, reflection and research.

Refer to the Application Rubric for more information.

3. RESUME AND EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Provide a one-page list of your achievements, educational qualifications and work experience. You must also provide a certified copy of your highest education level.

4. PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP/RESIDENCY

Ensure you submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Application tasks

1. AUDIO-VISUAL CREATIVE STATEMENT

Make a three-minute audio-visual work that presents who you are as a creative practitioner.

There is no set form here, you can record a piece to camera or make a work that expresses these ideas (submit as media file).

In it you could explore the following questions:

  • How would you define your creative voice?
  • What kind of stories connect with you and why?
  • Do you think stories matter? Why?
  • How do you collaborate with other creative practitioners?

2. CREATIVE WORK

Submit up to 3 (three) examples of your work as a key creative. Total running time 15 minutes or 30 pages.

Be selective with your choices. Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work.

Your example(s) should effectively demonstrate:

  • Your creative intent.
  • Your technical and/or craft skills related to the discipline you are applying for.

These works can include any format: fiction, non-fiction, experimental; film, video, or other digital and online forms; linear or nonlinear; music scores (submit as media file).

Clearly outline your role on the work submitted in your portfolio (submit as PDF file).

3. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Personal Statement outlining why you want to study at AFTRS within your chosen discipline, plus your up to date CV and work experience.

Please write a one-page outline of your key objectives for studying at AFTRS. You may include information such as your personal history, your goals and ambitions, and where you see yourself at the completion of this program.

—

Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.

Please note shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit a supplementary task.

Fees and scholarships

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees shown above are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. They are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships

To ensure we reflect Australian society and Australian stories, AFTRS wants to work with students from a diverse range of backgrounds. To support this, the School has a range of scholarships available to assist degree course students with the costs associated with higher education.

Scholarship applications for 2022 open 19 July 2021. Find out more here.

Note: FEE-HELP and scholarships are available for eligible domestic students only.

International students

AFTRS welcomes international student applications into this course. You must be aware of your English language proficiency, visa conditions, health insurance and financial obligations you are required to meet as an overseas student.

Please refer to the International Students section for further information.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

International applicants must meet:

(a) the same academic admission requirements as domestic applicants, and
(b) a minimum English proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 8.0 IELTS (exemption categories apply).

HOW TO APPLY

To apply as an international student, there are several steps you will need to go through:

1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure that you meet the admission requirements above.

2. GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
You must provide the required application documents when you submit your application. These documents include:

(a) all application tasks,
(b) resume,
as well as certified copies of your:
(c) highest educational qualification,
(d) passport, and
(e) English language proficiency test results.

Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation made by an accredited translator.

3. APPLY FOR THE COURSE

Click on Apply Now and set up your account. Once you have your AFTRS login, follow the below steps:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).
2. Upload supporting documentation.
3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.
If you require assistance, please contact applications@aftrs.edu.au.

4. WAIT FOR YOUR OFFER

Assessment of your application will take place once the closing date has passed. You will be notified if further documents or additional information is required. All international applicants who are considered for a place in the course will be required to attend an interview either in person (if already in Australia) or via online conference call (e.g. Skype).

5. RECEIVE AN OFFER

If your application is successful, you will receive an email with an Offer and Enrolment Guide comprising of:

1. Letter of Offer
2. How to accept your offer
3. How to pay your fees
4. How to obtain health cover
5. Enrolment information
6. Other related material

AFTRS also emails unsuccessful applicants.

6. ACCEPT YOUR OFFER

When you receive your Offer and Enrolment Guide, review your Letter of Offer and make sure all details are correct (including the exact spelling of your name). Accept your offer as per the instructions supplied.

7. PAY YOUR FEES AND OBTAIN HEALTH COVER

Make arrangements to pay your fees and apply for Overseas Health Insurance Cover (OSHC). Provide a copy of your OSHC to the Student Centre. You will then receive an email that confirms your enrolment, called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

8. APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA

Apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide your OSHC & CoE as part of this application.

9. RECEIVE STUDENT VISA

Advise the Student Centre studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au once you have been successful in obtaining a student visa. We will then send you additional information regarding commencing your enrolment in your course.

If you require assistance with any of the above steps, please contact the Admissions team on 1300 223 877 or applications@aftrs.edu.au.

DISCLAIMER: Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.

Sign up for updates on the Master of Arts Screen: Documentary, including information sessions and future offerings.