COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Documentary Filmmaking at Aberystwyth University combines creative practice with critical engagement, offering students a unique opportunity to explore documentary production through the lens of environmental and cultural contexts. The program is designed for those who want to develop their filmmaking skills while addressing themes related to nature, landscape, space, and environmental politics. Set in a location rich in natural beauty and ecological significance, the course draws on the surrounding environment as both inspiration and subject matter for documentary work.Core modules include 16mm Filmmaking, where students gain hands-on experience with traditional film techniques, and Documentary Practices, a 40-credit module that builds advanced production skills and conceptual frameworks for documentary storytelling. The module Ecocriticism and Ecocinema offers a theoretical grounding in environmental representation in film, while Space, Place and Visual Culture investigates the role of geography and visuality in shaping narrative and meaning. The Practice Research Project serves as the culmination of the degree, allowing students to produce a substantial piece of work that reflects their creative and intellectual growth.Optional modules expand the interdisciplinary nature of the course. Behaviour Change in a Changing Environment explores psychological and sociological aspects of environmental communication, Engaging Publics examines strategies for public engagement in creative and academic contexts, and Indigenous Politics introduces global political perspectives on land, culture, and identity, enriching the thematic depth of students’ documentary work.Throughout the program, students benefit from access to professional equipment, expert supervision, and nearby resources such as the Centre for Alternative Technology and the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales. This MA provides a strong foundation for careers in filmmaking, media production, environmental advocacy, and further academic research, preparing graduates to create compelling, socially engaged visual stories that resonate with contemporary audiences.