Directing Documentary

Scholarships Available

2 Years Full-time

Main Campus In person

Application deadline 9 May 2024

Apply now for Beaconsfield

Directing Documentary

COURSE OVERVIEW

Give yourself the tools and the confidence to become a successful documentary maker. 

We put storytelling at the centre of the filmmaking process, while at the same time encouraging you to experiment and develop your personal voice. You'll get the best practical experience possible, making 4 films during your time on the course.

Jessica Brady and Danielle Goff with Grierson Award, 2021
Ghada Eldemellawy with camera

"I am grateful to the NFTS for taking a risk and giving us the space to make a film which really pushes boundaries. This was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Jessica Brady
Recent NFTS Graduate and Grierson Award-winner

"At the NFTS, you are constantly learning on the job while guided by remarkable tutors. I was massively enticed by the amazing access to resources and the collaborations with other departments."

Ghada Eldemellawy
Course graduate, BAFTA and Student Academy Award nominated and Grierson Award-winner

Content Tabs

You'll collaborate with students in other specialisms to make several films and participate in practical projects, developing the vital skills of both directing and collaboration, as well as learn about commissioning, and the legal and finance side of getting a film made.

You'll also access vital networking opportunities as you will meet Industry professionals and attend at least one film festival. From the start to the end of the documentary filmmaking process - you'll leave fully prepared to launch yourself, and your films, into the Industry.

 

COURSE FACILITIES

Throughout the course, you will have access to Industry standard production facilities. You will be trained to use digital 4K cameras, a range of sound recording equipment and editing software.

Funding Available

The NFTS awards more scholarships and bursaries to British students, relative to the size of our student body, than almost any other educational institution in the UK. If you’re successful at gaining a place on the course, you will be contacted by our funding team with details on how to apply for one of these scholarships.

Upcoming Events

Tutors

Student Showcase

Play video
Happy - The Elephant In The Courtroom (trailer)
2023 graduation film

Director - Laura Rindlisbacher

Winner of the 2023 BAFTA Student Film Award for Documentary.

Play video
With Woman (trailer)
2023 graduation film

Director/Producer - Mia Harvey

Winner, ALL3MEDIA Best Student Documentary, Grierson Awards 2023

Play video
Cadáver (trailer)

2023 graduation film

Director - Benjamin Kodboel

Cadáver was shortlisted for a 2023 Student BAFTA award.

Play video
3 Promises (trailer)
2022 graduation film

Director - Mohamed Shalaby

3 Promises advanced to the semi-final round of the 49th annual Student Academy Awards.

Play video
The Violence Between Us (trailer)
2022 graduation film

Director - Camila Guerreiro

The Violence Between Us had its world premiere at Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, and was nominated for Best Student Film at the One World Media Awards.

Play video
Tease (trailer)
2021 graduation film

Director - Jessica Brady

Tease was named the Best Student Documentary at the Grierson Awards 2021.

*Video contains adult content, intended for mature audiences only. Viewer discretion is advised.*

Play video
Miss Curvy (trailer)
2020 graduation film

Director/Producer - Ghada Eldemellawy

Miss Curvy has been multi-award winning include the All3 Media Best Student Documentary Prize at the Grierson Awards, a finalist at the 2020 Student Academy Awards and was nominated for the British Short Film Award at the EE BAFTA Film Awards.

Graduate Success

The level of quality of both our students and the course means that students are regularly nominated for, and win, prestigious prizes around the world. In recent years they have been consistent winners at the Grierson Awards, as well Sheffield DocFest, BAFTA, Student Academy Awards, Royal Television Society, Hot Docs, Poitiers and many others.

Recent credits include...

Grenfell: The Untold Story

Director James Newton

BAFTA Craft Award Winner for Director: Factual, BAFTA Television Award nominated for Best Single Documentary and Royal Television Society Awards nominated for Best Single Documentary.

Grenfell The Untold Story still

Graduate Success

The level of quality of both our students and the course means that students are regularly nominated for, and win, prestigious prizes around the world. In recent years they have been consistent winners at the Grierson Awards, as well Sheffield DocFest, BAFTA, Student Academy Awards, Royal Television Society, Hot Docs, Poitiers and many others.

Recent credits include...

Being Blacker

Director Molly Dineen

BAFTA TV Award winner for Best Single Documentary (The Lie of the Land) and Best Factual Series (The Ark).

Being Blacker poster

Graduate Success

The level of quality of both our students and the course means that students are regularly nominated for, and win, prestigious prizes around the world. In recent years they have been consistent winners at the Grierson Awards, as well Sheffield DocFest, BAFTA, Student Academy Awards, Royal Television Society, Hot Docs, Poitiers and many others.

Graduate credits include...

Whitney: Can I Be Me

Director Nick Broomfield

Nick's other credits include Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie & Tupac, Sarah Palin: You Betcha!, Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer, and Kurt and Courtney.

Whitney: Can I Be Me poster

Graduate Success

The level of quality of both our students and the course means that students are regularly nominated for, and win, prestigious prizes around the world. In recent years they have been consistent winners at the Grierson Awards, as well Sheffield DocFest, BAFTA, Student Academy Awards, Royal Television Society, Hot Docs, Poitiers and many others.

Recent credits include...

Subnormal

Director Lyttanya Shannon

Lyttanya was named as one of BAFTA's 2021 Breakthrough talents.

Subnormal poster for Amazon Prime Video

Graduate Success

The level of quality of both our students and the course means that students are regularly nominated for, and win, prestigious prizes around the world. In recent years they have been consistent winners at the Grierson Awards, as well Sheffield DocFest, BAFTA, Student Academy Awards, Royal Television Society, Hot Docs, Poitiers and many others.

Recent credits include...

The Changin’ Times of Ike White

Director Daniel Vernon

Winner of the Best Documentary category at the 2020 Royal Television Society Northern Ireland Awards.

The Changin’ Times of Ike White poster