MPhil Ethnographic Documentary: The University of Manchester

Course description

This programme is aimed at those who have already completed the MA in VIsual Anthropology or an equivalent degree and want to develop their ethnographic documentary-making to a higher level. It is also intended for those who have equivalent professional experience and wish to engage with ethnographic film-making in an environment where there is a high level of lively academic debate and practical film-making constantly going on. This programme may be taken full-time over the course of a year, and over two years on a part-time basis. It is delivered b y staff of the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology.

After an initial period of preparation, students are expected to carry out fieldwork of at least three months' duration during which they shoot material for one or more films. Students work closely with a supervisor in the preparation of these film projects. This will largely involve independent study, but supervisors may also recommend that students register for courses that could help them in their development. They may also participate in regular seminar events at which fellow postgraduate students and staff screen their filmic 'works-in-progress'.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

Normally, applicants will have a UK Masters degree (or overseas equivalent) in social and/or visual anthropology or a related field as well as the necessary film competence.  However, they are keen to encourage applications from those who have equivalent professional experience.

English language:

Applicants whose first language is not English must attain one of the following:

• IELTS - Overall 7, writing score  7
• TOEFL - Overall 623, TWE 5 (PBT)
• TOEFL - Overall 263, TWE 5 (CBT).  This test is no longer available but results less than 2 years old can be submitted.
• TOEFL  - Overall 100, with 25 in each of the 4 sections (IBT)

Applicants with scores below their requirements may be eligible to attend one of their pre-sessional English courses.  Duration will be confirmed when an official result has been received.

Exemption to the requirements is at the discretion of the School. Applicants who have been taught and assessed in English on previous degrees may still be required to show proof of English proficiency via TOEFL/IELTS.

TOEFL Certificates - please designate the University of Manchester as a recipient of your result. The code is 0757.  Results must come directly from ETS (TOEFL).