Overview

The Social Documentation programme at University of California, Santa Cruz is a professional graduate course dedicated to the craft of documentary media as a tool for social justice. Students are encouraged to go beyond traditional storytelling to explore the underlying causes of social injustice and the intimacy of human experience. This degree prepares creative individuals to document cultures and issues that are often overlooked in the current media landscape.

Why Social Documentation at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Founded in 2005, this programme offers a contemporary view of documentary practice that sets it apart from traditional film schools. Students benefit from a laboratory of discovery where they work alongside professionals outstanding in their fields. The curriculum balances technical training in equipment with a deep focus on world-views, ethics, and evidence-based narrative perspectives.

The department provides a dynamic environment where students can experiment with various mediums, including videography, photography, and audio. By training in both individual and group settings, participants gain the confidence to navigate the sophisticated world of international documentary production and independent media.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15102 per year
National fee: USD 15102 per year
Local fee: USD 15924 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build expertise in project planning, fieldwork, and post-production. Modules may include:

Social Documentation
Documentary Project Planning
Video and Sound Editing
Motion Graphics and Animation
Documentary Fieldwork
Social Science Methodologies
Post-production Video and Audio
Distribution and Social Media
Story Structure and Character Development

Careers with Social Documentation

Graduates are equipped with the analytical and technical skills necessary for diverse professional paths in the media and non-profit sectors. The programme prepares students for successful careers in independent documentary production and professional videography. Many alumni also find opportunities in human rights work, contributing creative expertise to international organisations and advocacy groups.

The training provided allows graduates to work as directors, editors, and producers within the film and digital media industries. Additionally, the focus on social science methodologies enables students to pursue roles in research and community negotiation, ensuring their work makes a tangible difference in the world of representation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Approaches to Social Documentary

Advanced Documentary Field Production & Editing

Project Planning for the Social Documentary

Practice of Social Documentary

Social Science Research and Representation

Ways of Seeing and Hearing

Studies & Practice for SocDoc, Filmmaking & New Media

Production, Analysis, Editing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-09 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

72 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Sociology View 372 other Masters in Sociology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Official transcripts

Supplemental Materials

Recommendations

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, up to 5 may be submitted.

An analytical writing sample (a research paper, professional report, substantial essay, or published work)

A resume or curriculum vitae

A sample of your documentary production work (a video or sound recording, oral history, ethnographic essay, photographic essay, or web page). The preferred format for submission of production work is via web, but hardcopy versions may be accepted in some cases. Documents will not be returned. If you are able to, please provide URLs to publications and documentary productions in your application. You must mail any hard copies of sample production materials (DVDs, CDs, portfolios, etc.) directly to the department.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15102 USD / year

≈ 15102 USD / year
Out-of-State

15102 USD / year

≈ 15102 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15924 USD / year

≈ 15924 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Documentation.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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