MFA Social Documentation at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

The Social Documentation MFA is an interdisciplinary two-year programme in the Film and Digital Media Department that trains students to analyze contemporary social issues through documentary media. It fuses arts-based, social science and humanities research methods with documentary production practice. Full-time enrollment is required.

Faculty: Arts Division | Department: Film and Digital Media | Duration: 2 years; 78 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

A required core covers the theory, history and practice of social documentary, documentary research methods, field production and editing, and project planning, plus 15 credits of electives. Students work with three faculty advisors, shoot their project over the summer, and complete a documentary thesis (typically one 20-minute film) with a written thesis of about 15-20 pages.

Career pathways

Independent and community media, public broadcasting, media education and human rights work.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UC Santa Cruz graduate admission: bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited university awarded before the entry quarter, a B average or better in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, and demonstrated English proficiency. Applicants whose first language is not English: TOEFL iBT minimum 83 (4.0 on the 2026 scale) or IELTS Academic overall 7; waiver may be requested by applicants with a four-year bachelor's degree from an English-speaking institution. GRE General and Subject tests not required. Transcripts and three letters of recommendation (up to five accepted). Programme materials: writing sample (research paper, report or substantial essay), online portfolio of documentary work in video/film, photography or audio, project proposal stating the subject and research questions, and Statement of purpose and personal history statement. Application deadline: January 8. Application fee $135 domestic, $155 international.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,722 a year (2026-27). California resident graduate tuition; excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees and health insurance Source

International applicants: USD 15,102 a year (2026-27). Nonresident Supplemental Tuition, charged in addition to the 13,722 tuition for non-California residents and international students Source

Duration: 2 years; 78 credits

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