Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Documentary Project
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 40.00
ECTS credit value: 20
Module code: LMD11803
Module leader: Sana Bilgrami
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

In this module you will complete a 10-25 minute-long creative documentary film, building on the research, development and production carried out in the first and second trimesters. You will develop proficiency in documentary filmmaking techniques, with an emphasis on post-production, and you will identify and solve creative and aesthetic problems in your filmmaking practice. You will be expected to analyse and justify your choices in documentary film practice to reflect appropriate negotiations and judgements of aesthetic, ecological, philosophical, ethical and political contexts.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically evaluate the relationship between documentary subject and form in your creative documentary film practice.

LO2: Plan a creative, intelligent and ethical approach to the subject of your film.

LO3: Critically appraise your documentary film practice with reference to key theoretical and philosophical debates.

LO4: Demonstrate professional documentary production and post-production skills and techniques in your creative documentary film practice.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 3, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module:
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Lecture 8 Lectures, screenings and discussions will support you to choose appropriate creative approaches and to develop your 'voice' in your own documentary practice.
Independent Learning Seminar 14 Seminars will enable interaction, peer support, community building, discussions and knowledge exchange around keys subjects and the development of your projects.
Online Demonstration 20 You will be able to access recorded lectures and demonstrations on key skills and techniques that will develop your documentary film post-production practice.
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 12 Online synchronous workshops will support your development of relevant skills for this module.
Independent Learning Tutorial 18 In tutorials, you will receive verbal feedback at regular intervals to support the development of your documentary film ideas and practice.
Online Guided independent study 328 You will work independently to complete your documentary film and your coursework for this module. You will be given the opportunity to either meet in-person or participate online at an international documentary film festival for in-person tutorials, and industry screenings and networking.
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Practical 75 1~2~4 Week 13 HOURS= 10-25 minutes A completed creative documentary film, between 10 and 25 minutes long, is to be submitted for assessment and screening.
Learning Log 25 1~3 Exam Period HOURS= 5000words/equiv This portfolio consists of your research, creative development, production and post-production notes and documentation compiled over the year across three trimesters. This will include a 1500-word critical reflection of the feedback you receive at the Critique for your completed documentary film.
Component 1 subtotal: 75
Component 2 subtotal: 25
Module subtotal: 100
2026/7, Trimester 1, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Sana Bilgrami
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Lecture 8 Lectures, screenings and discussions will support you to choose appropriate creative approaches and to develop your 'voice' in your own documentary practice. All classes are recorded, so you can access/re-visit recordings at a time and pace that is suitable to you. Students' consent will be sought to record the entire session, and if consent is withheld, only the lecture and screening elements will be recorded.
Independent Learning Seminar 12 Seminars will enable interaction, peer support, community building, discussions and knowledge exchange around keys subjects and the development of your projects. All classes are recorded, so you can access/re-visit recordings at a time and pace that is suitable to you. Students' consent will be sought to record the entire session, and if consent is withheld, only the tutor's input will be recorded.
Online Demonstration 20 You will be able to access recorded lectures and demonstrations on key skills and techniques that will develop your documentary film post-production practice.
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 12 Online synchronous workshops will support your development of relevant skills for this module. All classes are recorded, so you can access/re-visit recordings at a time and pace that is suitable to you. Students' consent will be sought to record the entire session, and if consent is withheld, only the tutor's input will be recorded.
Independent Learning Project Supervision 15 In Project Supervision sessions, you will receive verbal feedback at regular intervals to support the development of your documentary film ideas and practice.
Online Guided independent study 303 You will work independently to complete your documentary film and your coursework for this module. You will be given the opportunity to either meet in-person or participate online at an international documentary film festival for in-person tutorials, and industry screenings and networking.
Online Guided independent study 30 Reading Week: You will work independently to complete your documentary film and your coursework for this module.
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Practical 75 1~2~4 Week 13 HOURS= 10-25 minutes A completed creative documentary film, between 10 and 25 minutes long, is to be submitted for assessment and screening. If required, you will be offered reasonable adjustments for this assessment, which can be formulated through discussion with the module leader.
Learning Log 25 1~3 Exam Period HOURS= 5000words/equiv This portfolio consists of your research, creative development, production and post-production notes and documentation compiled over the course of the programme. This will include a 1500-word critical reflection of the feedback you receive at the Critique for your completed documentary film. If required, you will be offered reasonable adjustments for this assessment, which can be formulated through discussion with the module leader.
Component 1 subtotal: 75
Component 2 subtotal: 25
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Documentary Project (MA Creative Documentary Filmmaking)
 

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