FORMACIÓN / MÁSTERES
FORMACIÓN / MÁSTERES

Master’s Degree in Documentary and Non-Fiction

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Master’s Degree in Documentary and Non-Fiction

Overview Competencies Target Audience Admission Download the syllabus Apply Now
Online advisory
In-person advisory
Program details
Degree: Master’s Degree in Documentary and Non-Fiction
Modality: On-site
Place: Barcelona Campus
Start of the course: September 2026
Credits: 60
Language: Spanish
Master's Director: Christian Checa & Manu Yáñez
Price: 11.000€
Price early-bird (until april 10): 8.900€

Overview

The Official Master’s Degree in Documentary and Non-Fiction aims to train future creators and researchers in the field of documentary cinema and non-fiction narratives, with a particular emphasis on critical reflection on the ethical, social, and political implications of representing reality, as well as on its historical relevance and contemporary aesthetic and narrative possibilities.

Throughout the programme, students will analyse historical and contemporary documentary case studies in order to understand how ethical, formal, and methodological decisions shape narrative construction, the relationship with filmed subjects, and the social impact of the works. The evolution of documentary film from its origins to contemporary practices will also be examined, with special attention to transformations in documentary language and the emergence of hybrid, interactive, and transmedia formats.

Theoretical training is complemented by a set of practical courses focused on the development of non-fiction projects, in which students receive guidance and feedback from professionals with experience in the documentary field. In this context, students will develop skills related to screenwriting, directing, production, and documentary-specific techniques, as well as the conscious use of visual and sound resources to construct meaningful discourses that are coherent with the represented reality.

Beyond its creative and professional dimension, the programme fosters students’ development as researchers, encouraging academic and critical reflection on documentary and non-fiction. This training equips graduates to undertake analysis, research, and dissemination work in fields such as university teaching, specialised media, film festivals, cultural institutions, and spaces dedicated to audiovisual thought and programming.

Competencies

Creative and Narrative Competencies

– Understand and apply the theoretical, narrative, aesthetic, and sociocultural principles of documentary and non-fiction in the conception and development of audiovisual projects, coherently integrating reflection on reality, point of view, and project intent.

– Master the key elements of documentary storytelling, such as point of view, structure, rhythm, tone, use of time, and the relationship between image, sound, and editing in narrative construction.

– Understand and value the narrative and expressive roles of the different departments involved in documentary creation (directing, cinematography, sound, production, and editing), recognising their contribution to the overall discourse of the work.

– Develop an authorial and critical perspective in documentary creation, articulating a personal style that maintains coherence between thematic content, formal decisions, and the ethical implications of representing reality.

– Use space, time, and audiovisual resources expressively as fundamental tools for conveying meaning, emotion, and reflection within the context of non-fiction.

– Communicate ideas, projects, and documentary proposals effectively to diverse audiences—both specialised and general—in academic, professional, and cultural contexts.

Technical Competencies

– Understand and apply documentary- and non-fiction-specific techniques across the different stages of the creative process: research, development, filming, editing, and post-production.

– Design, plan, and execute the visual and sound treatment of a documentary work, integrating technical and creative decisions aligned with the nature of the project and its narrative and ethical objectives.

– Manage and structure recorded material through editing and post-production strategies that ensure narrative coherence, discursive clarity, and expressive effectiveness in the final outcome.

– Apply rigorous research methodologies in the development of documentary projects and academic work, critically using bibliographic, audiovisual, and archival sources.

Analytical and Planning Competencies

– Identify and analyse key moments in the historical evolution of documentary cinema, recognising major movements, authors, and works, and understanding their influence on contemporary non-fiction practices.

– Critically assess aesthetic, narrative, and technological transformations in documentary over recent decades, situating them within their social and cultural contexts and applying these insights to the creation of new projects.

– Analyse documentary works from a personal, critical, and creative perspective, using narrative, iconographic, and sound analysis tools.

– Search for, select, and use information rigorously, applying research methodologies relevant to documentary studies and to the development of creative or research-based projects.

– Work effectively in disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams, coordinating tasks, managing time, and actively participating in the design, planning, and execution of documentary projects.

– Systematically reflect on decisions made throughout research and creative processes, evaluating their ethical, social, and environmental impact and acting in accordance with professional and ethical principles.

– Develop autonomous learning processes based on analysis, critical reflection, and a comprehensive understanding of the audiovisual and non-fiction fields.

Interpersonal and Communication Competencies

– Communicate ideas, projects, and results clearly, coherently, and persuasively in academic, professional, and cultural contexts.

– Collaborate effectively within teams, demonstrating skills in coordination, shared responsibility, problem-solving, and collective development of creative proposals.

– Establish respectful and ethical communication with filmed subjects and technical and creative teams, fostering inclusive and responsible working dynamics.

– Practise active listening and value the contributions of all agents involved in the documentary process, integrating diverse perspectives for the benefit of the collective project.

Professional and Development Competencies

– Apply acquired knowledge and skills in real professional contexts within the documentary field, demonstrating adaptability, responsibility, and commitment to quality.

– Manage documentary projects from initial conception to completion, coordinating human, technical, and narrative resources, while addressing production, financing, and distribution aspects.

– Act in accordance with ethical, professional, and intellectual integrity principles, respecting human rights, diversity, and social responsibility in documentary practice.

– Critically evaluate one’s own work and that of the team, incorporating self-assessment and continuous improvement processes that contribute to professional and creative development.

– Generate knowledge through academic research or reflective documentary practice, contributing to the development of the documentary and non-fiction field from a critical and well-founded perspective.

Target Audience

The Official Master’s Degree in Documentary and Non-Fiction is aimed at graduates in Audiovisual Communication, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences, as well as graduates from other fields who can demonstrate a proven interest and/or prior experience in documentary filmmaking, audiovisual creation, journalism, research, or artistic practices related to non-fiction.

 

Admission

To apply for this programme, candidates must submit a portfolio and a video pitch. Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

– Video pitch: 10%
– Portfolio: 50%
– Academic transcript: 40%

In cases where it is deemed necessary to reach a final decision, the Master’s Programme Director may conduct an online interview with shortlisted candidates.

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