MA Documentary Production at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

Developed and delivered in partnership with the BBC, our MA Documentary Production course allows you to capture reality and tell stories that matter. This Master's course is designed for aspiring documentary producers who want to develop a distinctive creative voice while gaining the advanced professional skills needed to succeed across today's media industries. The world of documentary storytelling has never been more diverse.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Media | Department: Media and Journalism | Duration: 1 year full-time; 18 months (including Professional Placement) full-time | Study mode: full-time (optional professional placement) | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

You'll develop your skills through a blend of specialist industry input, real-world production projects, independent production and academic study, gaining the knowledge and experience to create compelling documentary content for a range of platforms and audiences. Working alongside BBC staff, experienced academics, technical specialists and visiting industry professionals, you'll explore every stage of the production process, from research and development to production, post-production and delivery. Modules include Television and Radio Production, Formats and Programme Development, Documentary Production and Form, Professional Practice, Production Lab, Major Project.

Career pathways

This course is designed to help you graduate with the confidence, professional skills and industry experience needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving media industries. Through a unique partnership with the BBC, you'll learn from industry professionals, experienced academics and visiting experts, gaining first-hand insight into current broadcasting, documentary and digital production practices.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in media studies, media production, media communication, film and television studies, radio and audio courses, performing arts or theatre, public relations, journalism, English, creative writing and screen writing. Prior experience of work in television, radio, online content production or other media related areas is useful, but not essential. Your achievements should clearly demonstrate a keen interest in the field of media production and you are advised to read around the subject of media and to explore examples. Your application should demonstrate your ability to generate and develop ideas, as judged by the MA team. We welcome non-traditional applications, particularly from applicants with substantial professional or production experience. IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,710 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 19,630 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 18 months (including Professional Placement) full-time

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