The Master of Journalism - Documentary Filmmaking Specialisation (MJ-DFS) programme is a comprehensive professional programme that prepares graduates for successful careers across local, regional, and international markets. Our curriculum hones practical skills in documentary filmmaking, while also emphasising the importance of ethics, legal considerations, historical context, and journalistic principles of storytelling. Students develop both journalistic and artistic abilities to tackle diverse topics ranging from politics and society to personal narratives, crafting both compelling content and artistic expression. The programme equips students with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of narrative and visual expression across international TV, streaming platforms, online festivals, and cinema markets. We encourage innovative artistry, empowering students to create captivating works that resonate with international audiences. The curriculum covers all forms of documentary filmmaking, ensuring that students are well-prepared to apply these techniques to effectively convey their intended themes.
Entrance Requirements
1. A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification.
2. Applicants seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong in which the language of instruction and/or examination is not English are required to obtain:
(a) a score of 550 or above (paper-based test) or 80 or above (internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
(b) a minimum overall band of 6 with no subtest lower than 5.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or
(c) grade C or above in either the Overseas General Certificate of Education, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, or the Cambridge Test of Proficiency in English Language.
3. Candidates may be required to pass a qualifying examination and interview administered by the Journalism and Media Studies Centre.
4. Candidates who do not hold a Bachelor's degree from this University or another qualification of equivalent standard may in exceptional circumstances be permitted to register if:
- they have directed one to two award-winning documentaries or have extensive experience as producers of multiple award-winning documentaries, and - show proof of competence in the English language.
Candidates lacking a Bachelor's degree from this University or an equivalent qualification may, in exceptional circumstances, be considered for registration if:
- They have directed or produced one or two award-winning documentaries or possess extensive experience as a producer of multiple award-winning documentaries. - They provide proof of English language proficiency.
5. Applicants with exceptional qualifications may be offered early admission and be exempt from the qualifying exam, subject to an interview with the admissions panel.
Tuition Fee notes
Tuition rate applicable to local and non-local students:
Total 72 credits @HK$4,250 per credit
Download Documents
For additional information, we recommend reviewing the following documents:
The Faculty of Social Sciences was established in 1967, and has undergone rapid expansion and significant transformation since. The Faculty has six core Departments/Centre: Geography, Politics and Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, and Sociology, and Journalism and Media Studies Centre. The Faculty is also the home to eight multidisciplinary research centres. These link scholars in the same field with experts from diversified disciplines in The University of Hong Kong and other research institutions both in Hong Kong, Mainland China and elsewhere in the world; and to provide a convenient focus for research, teaching, professional training, publication and international scholarly exchange and collaboration on specific areas of interest.