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2019 Master of Arts Screen: Documentary

A still from 'What Do You See' | Dir. Michael Bonner

Applications open:
02 Jul 2018

Applications close:
17 Oct 2018

Duration:
2 years full-time

Attendance:
Three days face-to-face per week

Sydney

Domestic Fee:
$50,976 ($25,488 p.a.)

The fee shown is the indicative course tuition fee, expressed as a both a total course cost and per annum cost. For more information, see fees and scholarships below.

FEE-HELP and scholarships available

International Fee:
$101,952 ($50,976 p.a.)

The fee shown is the indicative course tuition fee, expressed as a both a total course cost and per annum cost. For more information, see fees and scholarships below.

Register Interest

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Become a creative leader in the global screen industry

The Master of Arts Screen: Documentary seeks to produce the next generation of professional documentary makers, dedicated practitioners who aspire to excellence, who are versatile, innovative, entrepreneurial and able to negotiate their place in the rapidly evolving and thriving non-fiction landscape.

For those of you with a passion for documentary, this intensive course is developed in conjunction with industry practitioners and has a focus on concrete opportunities to help you forge ahead in your career.

Is the 2019 Master of Arts Screen: Documentary right for you?

Why do this course

Since 2012 the documentary department at AFTRS has produced a slew of extraordinarily successful graduates whose features and shorts have screened all over the world, with some winning major prizes. The documentary department is committed to continuing its success in generating significant industry opportunities, networks and recognition for you.

What you can expect

You will explore applied documentary practice across different forms, working in both solo and crewed shoots to complete exercises in a range of styles. Working in cross-disciplinary workshops and on individual projects, you will expand your understanding of all aspects of documentary production, from the conception of ideas to pitching, large-scale production and the creation of market-ready elements.

Industry practitioners will contribute to the coursework program, providing insights to their practice. In small, cross-disciplinary groups, you will collaborate with your fellow students to develop a shared vocabulary for cinematic storytelling and life-long collaborative networks.

In the final year, you will create a funded major project using AFTRS’ extensive production facilities to realise your vision and undertake a professional placement.

Across the course, you will be supported to consider who you are as a creative practitioner and develop an adaptable, creative skill-set.  Learning to document and analyse your process through the development of a practice-based research project, you will understand how you have been informed by innovations and processes of the past, and how your practice engages with contemporary screen culture and its emerging trends and technologies.

Career opportunities

Many of our graduates have received development or production finance for long-form projects, leading to the release of feature and broadcast documentaries. Other graduates have gone on to secure significant roles at major production companies, or receive internships immediately upon graduation, both nationally and internationally.

AFTRS documentary alumni include: Larissa Behrendt After the Apology, feature documentary, (2017); Hollie Fifer The Opposition, feature documentary, (2016); Sophie Weisner Call me Dad, ABC (2015); Logan Mucha Love is Love, short (2016).

Meet our Head of Documentary

Rich Welch

Rich Welch is an experienced documentary curator, filmmaker and lecturer. As Festival Co-Director of the Antenna Documentary Film Festival, Rich…

Learn More

YOU WILL LEARN TO

Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of theory and practice as a professional and creative leader in their discipline.

Critically evaluate and apply a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling to create audience-engaged work for the screen.

Justify and implement a reflective creative practice that synthesises specialist knowledge, research and an understanding of personal process.

Apply an adaptable skill set.

Demonstrate an ability to lead, inspire and collaborate across diverse projects with a confidence in their creative voice and core value.

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 the Student Centre (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@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, contact the Student Centre.

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.

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

The Application tasks listed below are for the 2019 course, these tasks are, however, indicative of the 2020 application tasks. Confirmed tasks will be listed when the 2020 course opens for applications on 1 July 2019.

1. One-Page outline

Submit a 1 line and 1 page outline for an ambitious narrative feature documentary that would be feasible to develop through the MA Screen (submit as PDF file).

2. Three-minute non-fiction film

Shoot a 3 minute non-fiction film in any style (ob doc, archive, IV based, re-enactment etc.) that demonstrates:

(a) A strong sense of character.
(b) A compelling narrative.
(c) Exceptional use of visual and aural cinematic language.

(Submit as one media file)

3. Audio-visual creative statement

Make a 2 minute audio-visual work that presents who you are. How do you express your ideas? What stories do you want to tell and why? How do you collaborate with other creative practitioners? There is no set form here, you can record a piece to camera or make a work that expresses these ideas (submit as one media file).

4. Creative work

Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work. Be selective with your choices – we would like to see 2-3 examples of your work that effectively demonstrate your creative point of view and your technical and craft skills. These works can include any format: fiction, non-fiction or a mixture; linear or nonlinear, and film, video or other digital and online forms (submit as one media file).

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

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.

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

AFTRS Storytelling, Equity, Virgin Australia and Indigenous Scholarships available.

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. Obtain the application form

Contact the Student Centre on (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au to discuss your intention to apply and ask for an international student application form to be sent to you. DO NOT use the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of this page to apply online – this is for domestic students only.

3. 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.

4. Apply for the course

Send both your completed application form and the required documents back to the Student Centre prior to the closing date.

5. 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).

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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).

9. 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.

10. Receive student visa

Advise the Student Centre 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 Student Centre on (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@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 the Student Centre (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@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, contact the Student Centre.

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.

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

The Application tasks listed below are for the 2019 course, these tasks are, however, indicative of the 2020 application tasks. Confirmed tasks will be listed when the 2020 course opens for applications on 1 July 2019.

1. One-Page outline

Submit a 1 line and 1 page outline for an ambitious narrative feature documentary that would be feasible to develop through the MA Screen (submit as PDF file).

2. Three-minute non-fiction film

Shoot a 3 minute non-fiction film in any style (ob doc, archive, IV based, re-enactment etc.) that demonstrates:

(a) A strong sense of character.
(b) A compelling narrative.
(c) Exceptional use of visual and aural cinematic language.

(Submit as one media file)

3. Audio-visual creative statement

Make a 2 minute audio-visual work that presents who you are. How do you express your ideas? What stories do you want to tell and why? How do you collaborate with other creative practitioners? There is no set form here, you can record a piece to camera or make a work that expresses these ideas (submit as one media file).

4. Creative work

Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work. Be selective with your choices – we would like to see 2-3 examples of your work that effectively demonstrate your creative point of view and your technical and craft skills. These works can include any format: fiction, non-fiction or a mixture; linear or nonlinear, and film, video or other digital and online forms (submit as one media file).

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

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.

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

AFTRS Storytelling, Equity, Virgin Australia and Indigenous Scholarships available.

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. Obtain the application form

Contact the Student Centre on (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au to discuss your intention to apply and ask for an international student application form to be sent to you. DO NOT use the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of this page to apply online – this is for domestic students only.

3. 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.

4. Apply for the course

Send both your completed application form and the required documents back to the Student Centre prior to the closing date.

5. 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).

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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).

9. 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.

10. Receive student visa

Advise the Student Centre 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 Student Centre on (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@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.