Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
To find out more about postgraduate courses, talk to academic staff, and explore finance options, join us for our Postgraduate Open Day on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
Documentary filmmaking is constantly evolving, thanks to the rise of internet and social media, there are now countless places for filmmakers to screen their work.
As part of this course you’ll:
We support all types of filmmaking, including campaigning and issue-led films, observational and character pieces, experimental films and wildlife documentaries.
The Northern Film School
The prestige of the Northern Film School will set you up to achieve your ambitions and our reputation will provide you with the foundation to becoming a successful documentary filmmaker.
Industry connections
We have contacts with the BBC, ITV and Channel Four and strong connections to Sheffield International Documentary Festival where you will have the opportunity to showcase your work.
Leeds School of Arts ‘When I feel like I’m sinking’ is a poem to mark the opening of the Leeds School of Arts building at Leeds Beckett University. Recited by the poet and Leeds Beckett graduate, Zodwa Nyoni, this short film showcases the creative work produced by our Performing Arts, Music and Sound, Filmmaking, and Creative Technologies students and graduates.
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in a cognate subject; at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for; or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applicants are required to submit an online portfolio of creative or other work relevant to documentary which includes a proposal for a new documentary film.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to attend an interview. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in a cognate subject; at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for; or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applicants are required to submit an online portfolio of creative or other work relevant to documentary which includes a proposal for a new documentary film.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to attend an interview. Candidates based overseas will be supported to undertake this electronically and/or by telephone.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
We conduct interviews as part of the admissions process and suitable applicants will be invited to an interview.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative or other work relevant to documentary which includes a proposal for a new documentary film.
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £8160 in Year 1 and £4080 in Year 2.
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £13260 in Year 1 and £6630 in Year 2.
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £8160 in Year 1 and £4080 in Year 2.
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
The tuition fee for students entering in 2026/27 is £13260 in Year 1 and £6630 in Year 2.
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £12,858, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
This course will prepare you for the collaborative environment of documentary filmmaking. You will gain the experience and knowledge you need to interpret your ideas and give them exposure to new audiences. Your technical and creative skills will enable you to make films you care about, ensuring your voice is heard and paving the way for your future career as a filmmaker.
My filmmaking course taught me how to work with other people in different kinds of circumstances. The highlight was shooting Border Patrol for our final degree project in Germany with an international crew. Winning the Student Academy Award has also helped me a lot with my career. I’m currently writing scripts for new projects including a mini-series based on Border Patrol and a 90-minute feature film.
Chris is a documentary filmmaker, editor and Senior Lecturer in Film Production and Post-Production.
Alex Ashcroft is a sound engineer and educator with extensive experience across audio disciplines including; location recording and post-production sound for film and broadcast, live music sound engineering and theatre sound mixing. His research centres around immersive sound design.
Philip Robertson is an Internationally renowned Cinematographer who also serves as the Senior Lecturer in Cinematography in the School of Arts. Robertson trained at the Russian State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow (VIGIK) and is a graduate of the Northern Film School.
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Leeds School of Arts Northern Film School facilities Find out more about our industry-standard film facilities
Northern Film School Showreel With its roots originating in the late 1970s in the Leeds Polytechnic Film Unit, the Northern School of Film and Television came into being in January 1990. Eventually simplifying its name to the Northern Film School and residing within the Leeds School of Arts at Leeds Beckett University, the Northern Film School offers filmmaking awards at BA (Hons), MA and PhD levels, attracting students from around the world.
Leeds School of Arts Leeds School of Arts encourages individuality, inspires creativity, and creates impact.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
