MA Film, Documentary Filmmaking
What can documentary cinema achieve in times of “fake news”? In the Master’s Major in “Documentary Filmmaking”, we use well-founded research to help our students develop their own nuanced views and courageous attitudes. As a writer, you will look for your own cinematic narrative that can capture an audience whilst provoking a response.
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Course commencement
Autumn semester
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Application deadline
25 February 2025
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Standard period of study
4 semesters
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Coursework Major / MA
90 / 120 credits
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Main teaching language
German
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Tuition fee per semester CH / non CH
CHF 720 / CHF 1220
Programme
«There is an urgent need for the stories of people’s real-world experiences. It seems to be an especially appropriate time to assert the importance of documentaries in their ability to bring us a broader, more deeply engaged and more nuanced view of a fractured world.» – Simon Kilmurry, Director International Documentary Association
We live in a time when “fake news” and “alternative facts” cloud our perception of reality. We see how simple truths are invented in real time to generate media attention and manipulate a broad public. What can documentary cinema achieve in the face of this global development?
The Master’s in Documentary Film promotes well-founded research, a differentiated view and developing a courageous stance in its students. As authors, they seek their own form of cinematic narrative and expression with which to both capture and challenge their audience.
Students produce a medium- or full-length documentary film. They receive close supervision throughout, from developing an idea to post-production. Project-based coursework is complemented by theoretical, film-historical and practical input from leading national and international documentary filmmakers.
Major-Minor Programme Model
At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.
Possible minors for this major
Degree programmes beginning before the autumn semester of 2023 (BA) or before the autumn semester of 2024 (MA)
Before the autumn semester of 2023, there were eight bachelor's degree programmes and before the autumn semester of 2024, there were eleven master's degree programmes with numerous specializations to choose from. Interdisciplinary options were available in Z-modules and open courses from other subject areas.
→ Degree programmes beginning before the autumn semester of 2023 (BA) or before the autumn semester of 2024 (MA)
People
Head of Programme
Head of Major
Lecturers
Guests
Study projects
Students doing a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Film are required to produce a considerable number of films. Graduate films and selected semester projects can be viewed at www.filmstudieren.ch.