The Future of Storytelling:
Introducing the Master of Journalism - Documentary Filmmaking Specialisation
- First journalism master’s degree dedicated to Documentary Filmmaking Specialisation in Asia
- Pioneering initiative in Hong Kong's media education
- Equipping aspiring filmmakers with cutting-edge skills and knowledge
- Intensive one-year programme culminating in professional film projects
- Pilot programme starting from Fall 2024, with an expected enrolment of 18-20 students
Nurturing a New Breed of Documentary Professionals
Taught by renowned documentarians and practitioners around the world
Oscar Winner in Documentary Filmmaking
Award-winning Documentarian
Documentary Filmmaking Specialisation Academic Staff
Award-winning Cinematographer
Post-Production Specialist
Award-winning Producer
Producer and Documentary Filmmaker
Documentary Filmmaking Specialisation Mentors
Oscar-nominated Cinematographer
Renowned Documentarian
Documentary Filmmaker
Producer and Audience Designer
Documentary Sales Specialist
Course Overview
A total of 72 credits, including 5 core courses, 3 elective courses and capstone project
Core courses
- JMSC6085 Documentary film appreciation (Fall)
- JMSC6100 Documentary film production (Spring)
- JMSC6201 The art of non-fictional camerawork (Spring)
- JMSC6202 Audience design in documentary (Fall)
- JMSC6203 Post-production in documentary (Spring)
- JMSC6200 Documentary filmmaking capstone (Spring & Summer)
Elective courses
- JMSC6041 Special topic in journalism II: China documentary and society (Fall)
- JMSC6045 Storytelling for Social Impact (Spring)
- JMSC6046 Mastering Social Media for Journalists (Spring)
- JMSC6111 Long form and feature writing (Spring)
- JMSC6125 Generative A.I. in media applications (Fall)
- JMSC6130 News literacy and digital fact-checking (Fall)
- JMSC6132 Multimedia production (Fall & Spring)
- JMSC6140 A.I. and media innovation (Fall)
How to Apply
Required documents:
- Your previous work of film or documentary with a minimum length of 10 minutes. (showreel is not accepted)
- A document that includes the name, length, year of production, and summary of your work; a credit list containing the names of crew members and actors
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.
Programme Admissions Advisor(s)
Michael Shen
Tel: 3917 4415
Fax: 2858 8736
Email: mikeswh@hku.hk
Jason Hui
Tel: 3917 4113
Fax: 2858 8736
Email: jmscmj@hku.hk
Tuition Fee: HKD $306,000
Scholarship
Open to all applicants to the Master of Journalism - Documentary Filmmaking programme, funding 20 awards in various amounts.
Awards will be decided based on academic records, professional experience, and financial need.
Applicants are invited to apply for admission and the scholarship concurrently. Only applicants admitted to the programme will be considered for scholarship awards.
Click here to apply.
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