COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Documentary at Liverpool John Moores University combines practical production skills with in-depth research and storytelling development to prepare students for careers in the documentary and media industries. The program is structured around five core modules, starting with Documentary Production, which equips students with essential technical skills in filming, sound, and editing for professional-quality documentaries. Research and Story Development 1 and 2 focus on cultivating critical research abilities and narrative planning, enabling students to conceptualize, structure, and refine compelling stories that resonate with audiences. The Documentary Platforms module examines the distribution and consumption of documentaries across traditional and digital media, helping students understand how to reach diverse audiences and adapt content for multiple channels. The program culminates in the Documentary Project, a substantial practical assignment where students apply their production, research, and storytelling skills to create a finished documentary work. Throughout the course, students benefit from hands-on experience, exposure to industry-standard equipment and techniques, and guidance from experienced academics and practitioners. By integrating creative, technical, and analytical approaches, the MA Documentary ensures that graduates leave with a portfolio of work, practical expertise, and the confidence to succeed as professional documentary makers, journalists, or media content creators in an evolving global industry.