Documentary Film

Programme Overview

The Documentary Film MA at Tallinn University is a full-time postgraduate programme focused on the art, practice, and creative development of documentary filmmaking. The programme is offered by the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School in Tallinn, Estonia, and is designed to develop students’ knowledge and practical skills in documentary film creation.

Throughout the programme, students explore documentary filmmaking as both a creative and theoretical activity. The curriculum combines directing, producing, film language, storytelling, technical skills, analytical abilities, and individual authorship. Students study in a multicultural environment alongside lecturers and fellow students from different countries.

The programme has a nominal duration of 2 years (4 semesters) and comprises 120 ECTS. The main subject is Directing Documentary, and the programme is taught entirely in English.

What Students Study

The programme focuses on the creative and practical aspects of documentary filmmaking. Students develop their ability to create documentary films while gaining an understanding of film language, storytelling, directing, and production.

Each semester supports the development of both creative authorship and technical and analytical skills. Students create one short documentary film each semester, allowing them to progressively develop their filmmaking practice throughout their studies.

By the end of the programme, students complete a master’s film project together with a written Production Book.

Programme Structure

The Documentary Film MA consists of:

• Duration: 2 years
• Structure: 4 semesters
• Total workload: 120 ECTS
• Main subject: Directing Documentary
• Final result: Master’s thesis film and written Production Book

During their studies, students produce three short films and a master’s film project.

Study Environment

The programme is delivered at Tallinn University’s Baltic Film, Media and Arts School. Students study in a multicultural academic environment with lecturers and fellow students from various countries.

Students also have daily access to modern facilities equipped for TV, film, and editing work, providing an environment for developing both creative and technical filmmaking skills.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the master’s programme must hold a Bachelor’s degree or a corresponding qualification.

Applicants who are completing the final year of their Bachelor’s studies and do not yet have their final documents may initially submit a certificate showing their study results. The final diploma and transcript of records must be provided no later than July 1.

At least 60% of the possible maximum results is expected in order to qualify for studies at Tallinn University.

Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

All required documents must be uploaded with the application by the relevant application deadline.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for one of the stated exemptions.

Applicants who completed their previous level of education or previous studies fully in English in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, or EU/EEA countries may be exempt from submitting an international English language test, provided they submit attested proof from their previous educational institution.

Students who have completed International Baccalaureate studies may submit their graduation documents as proof of English proficiency.

Accepted English-language tests include:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
• B2 First / B2 First for Schools: 169 overall
• C1 Advanced: 169 overall
• C2 Proficiency: 169 overall
• TOEFL iBT: 72 for exams taken before January 21, 2026
• TOEFL iBT: 4 for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026
• PTE Academic: 59, with a minimum of 59 in each component

TOEFL results must be sent to Tallinn University online using the university code 0449. Cambridge English results must be made available in the online system for verification, while PTE results must be sent through the secure PTE portal.

Submitted language test results must still be valid. Invalid test scores will not be accepted.

Specific exemptions are also stated for applicants from Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania under the conditions described by Tallinn University.

Portfolio Requirement

A relevant creative portfolio is required for admission.

Acceptable portfolio materials may include:

• Photos
• Films
• Videos
• Essays
• Articles
• Poems
• Other relevant creative materials

Applicants must upload their portfolio as a Drive link.

Applicants must also review the programme-specific requirements for the Documentary Film MA programme and ensure that all required assignments have been submitted.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the programme is €2,300 per semester.

There is also a €100 one-time application fee.

Non-EU/EEA citizens are required to pay the first semester’s tuition fee before the beginning of their studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Documentary Film MA programme are equipped with knowledge and skills to pursue careers in documentary filmmaking.

The programme specifically prepares graduates for careers such as:

• Documentary filmmaker
• Director
• Producer
• Festival coordinator

Final Study Outcome

Students complete the programme with a master’s thesis film and a written Production Book. The final project represents the culmination of their creative, technical, analytical, and documentary filmmaking development throughout the programme.

Application Status

According to the provided source, the application period has ended.