Content and structure

[Translate to English:] Abbildung einer Filmproduktionssituation

Course content.

We live in a time in which “fake news” and “alternative facts” cloud our perception of reality. We see how simple truths are created in real time to generate media attention and manipulate the general public. What can documentary filmmaking achieve in the face of this global development?

Creating a documentary work requires critical and analytical thinking along with artistic sensibility. You will develop these skills in the areas of research, subject discourse, project development, forms of representation, implementation, interview methods, documentary observation, editing and copyright and labour law.

Course structure.

Academic year 1: Developing skills and creating a short documentary film.

During the first academic year, you will acquire knowledge by attending classes and lectures. You will also work on a documentary project to be completed together with students in the Master’s Majors in “Cinematography”, “Editing” and “Creative Producing”. In the process, you will receive support from mentors. 

Academic year 2: Preparing and undertaking your master's thesis

During the second academic year, you will build further on your knowledge of research is-sues in film studies at the University of Zurich. You will also begin working on your master's thesis, which will take the form of your own film. In the final semester, you will dedicate yourself entirely to completing your master's thesis, while continuing to receive support from mentors. Regular exchanges take place with students from the Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg and other European film institutions.

The Master’s in Film degree programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. You will earn 90 credits from your Major and 30 credits from your Minor, which can be a specialization of your Major or a subject that expands on or supplements your main study programme. You can find more information about the major-minor study model here.

As a general rule, the course extends over four semesters (full-time study).
Provided the head of the programme agrees, it is possible to combine the course with work outside of your programme of study. Only the first semester must be completed on a full-time basis. All compulsory session dates are communicated well in advance.

Skills acquired in the course.

Practical work:

You will gain artistic experience within a set production framework and schedule. Film work processes are initiated, tested, analysed and developed. As part of the Master's Major in “Documentary Filmmaking”, you will work on completing your master’s project in addition to a related, small project exercise. Your master’s project will be the research, conceptual de-sign, and creation of a short to medium-length documentary film.

Craft: Methods of film-making and film technology
You will develop your methodical, technical and practical film-making skills to a professional standard, together with the ability to incorporate dramaturgical, performative, visual and musical elements into a complete piece of cinematic art. In the process, you will have continuous support of professors, lecturers and specialist guests from the film industry. As part of your studies, you will attend classes and lectures on research, how to critically evaluate sources, and journalistic practices in film.

Theory:

You will learn how to approach research issues of film studies at the University of Zurich’s Institute of Film Studies, which will also involve completing a written master's thesis. However, the “practice-oriented theory” is also important. Therefore, you will systematically work on specific aspects of filmmaking while developing your short documentary project and master's thesis in order to acquire an analytical and conceptual understanding of your own creative work.

Admissions requirements.

You have taken your first step into the film industry, explored your own creative approach and have:

  • a portfolio of your previous artistic/film work with a focus on documentary film-making
  • successfully made a short documentary film
  • a concept for a short or medium-length documentary project (short or medium-length film or an online project) that you would like to film as your master's thesis 
  • the curiosity and desire to engage with the real world in a nuanced, critical way
  • a pressing need to tell stories that touch or provoke a reaction in an audience by engaging with issues that shape our society
  • the ability to critically engage with your own work, and enjoyment in doing so

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

  • Our professors and lecturers play an active role in the film industry and experts from the international film industry are frequently invited as guest lecturers. This means that you benefit from a curriculum that is guided by experience and real-life practice, whilst having the opportunity to build an extensive, professional and international network within the film industry. 
  • The Film subject area is always providing fresh inspiration for artistic research. For in-stance, the Immersive Arts Space, where research into future technologies of the audiovisual industry is conducted, was built next door to our film studio. Findings from this research are also directly incorporated into teaching, and new forms of audiovisual storytelling such as motion tracking, pre-visualization techniques and virtual production are developed, tested, and practiced.
  • Numerous festivals entries and a triple win at the prestigious student Oscars are testament to the impressive level of international success achieved by ZHdK students.
  • You benefit from our professors’ extensive industry experience and receive festival advice for your final thesis film.
  • The shared campus allows all the ZHdK disciplines to be in close proximity with one another and offers a diverse infrastructure of the highest calibre. Students have access to superbly equipped workshops, a museum, concert halls, sound and film studios, rehearsal stages, studios, a library, and exhibition spaces. A rooftop garden, cinema, music club, cafés and a canteen also enable students to meet for recreational purposes.
  • Master’s students benefit from a Major-Minor study model, which is a first in Europe and prepares individuals for a networked, digital and agile world of work.