Module Descriptors

This module will provide students with an introduction to documentary filmmaking with a contextual overview of the historical development of documentary, and an analysis of current trends and contemporary documentary forms. There will be a programme of lectures and screenings as well as practical workshops and development tutorials.

Students will participate in short group production exercises taking on a range of production roles which will rotate within the groups. They will initially produce and present a documentary proposal, either individually or in pairs. They will then work as part of a team to produce a short documentary project. Students will also participate in a presentation of their work to an audience of their peers and a panel of experts and write a reflective evaluation of their work which takes into account industry and creative contexts.

Development of transferable PDP skills, with an emphasis on:

• Applied knowledge and understanding


• Reflection on earlier achievement of goals


• Planning for future teaching and learning needs and support


• Future goal setting and action planning

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate a developed knowledge of filmmaking in the contexts of Documentary practice

L2. Demonstrate the ability to research, develop and present concepts for documentary films

L3. Participate in the production of a short documentary film as an effective member of a production team

L4. Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary documentary production contexts and creative debates

L5. Provide a reflective account of their own work in the context of contemporary documentary filmmaking

A broad knowledge of the scope, defining features, and main areas of documentary filmmaking.

Detailed knowledge in some areas.

Understanding of a limited range of core theories, principles and concepts, an awareness of the economic forces which frame the media, cultural and creative industries, and the role of such industries in specific areas of contemporary political and cultural life;

An understanding of the role of technology in terms of film production, access and use;

An understanding of the historical evolution of documentary, its aesthetic traditions and forms, and of their current characteristics and possible future developments;

Limited knowledge and understanding of some major current issues and specialisms in relation to documentary.

An understanding of key production processes and professional practices relevant to documentary, and of ways of conceptualising creativity and authorship.

Use a range of routine skills, techniques, practices and/or materials associated with documentary, a few of which are advanced or complex.

Adapt routine practices within accepted standards: Produce documentary work which demonstrates the effective manipulation of sound, image and/or the written word;

Produce work showing competence in operational aspects of media production technologies, systems, techniques and professional practices;

Develop substantive and detailed knowledge and understanding in one or more designated areas of the field;

Carry out routine lines of enquiry, development or investigation into professional level problems and issue:

Carry out various forms of research and documentary productions involving sustained independent enquiry.

Use a range of approaches to formulate evidence-based solutions/responses to defined and/or routine problems/issues.

Deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and making use, as appropriate, of a problem-solving approach;

Critically evaluate evidence-based solutions/responses to defined and/or routine problems/issues.

Retrieve and generate information, and evaluate sources, in carrying out independent research.

Convey complex information to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes

Communicate effectively in inter-personal settings, in writing and in a variety of media to present and promote documentary project concepts gather, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to formulate arguments cogently, and express them effectively in written, oral or in other forms;

Use a range of standard applications to process and obtain data

Put to use a range of IT skills from basic competences such as data analysis and word-processing to more complex skills using web-based technology or multimedia, and develop, as appropriate, specific proficiencies in utilising a range of media technologies.

Exercise autonomy and initiative in some activities at a professional level.

Work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, self-direction and reflexivity;

Initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work within various forms of writing or of aural, visual, audio-visual, sound or other electronic media;

Take continuing account of own and others’ roles, responsibilities and contributions in carrying out and evaluating tasks.

Work productively in a group or team, showing abilities at different times to listen, contribute and lead effectively;

Manage resources within defined areas of work. Manage time, personnel and resources effectively, by drawing on planning and organisational skills;

Have a knowledge of the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks which affect media and cultural production, circulation, and consumption; understand professional, technical and formal choices which realise, develop or challenge existing practices and traditions, and of the possibilities and constraints involved in production processes;

Deal with ethical and professional issues in accordance with current professional and/or ethical codes or practices under guidance.

Understand how media, cultural and creative organisations operate and are managed;

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

3.08

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.