Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MFA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
In your first year in SVA's MFA Social Documentary Film program, you will explore the past, present and future of the art of documentary film, while mastering the tools and techniques needed to tell compelling stories. Experiential learning begins immediately; you will complete five to seven documentary shorts in this first year alone.
In the summer between your first and second academic year, you will begin filming your thesis project, which you’ll edit and refine in your second year, informed by rigorous coursework and faculty guidance. You will also serve as a key production crew member on at least one other student's thesis project, allowing you to experience several essential roles that contribute to a successful film. A final screening for the department chair and thesis committee culminates the program leading to your degree. Following graduation, all students screen their films in a public Thesis Showcase, introducing their work to the larger film industry.
All students receive mentorship on their thesis films from a faculty advisor, a SocDoc alumni advisor, and engage in a post-graduation career consultation with an industry expert.
SocDoc also offers an Extended Three-Year MFA. The curriculum is the same as our traditional two-year graduate degree, but spread across three years, allowing more flexibility for working professionals in documentary and other fields to participate.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MFA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
In your first year in SVA's MFA Social Documentary Film program, you will explore the past, present and future of the art of documentary film, while mastering the tools and techniques needed to tell compelling stories. Experiential learning begins immediately; you will complete five to seven documentary shorts in this first year alone.
In the summer between your first and second academic year, you will begin filming your thesis project, which you’ll edit and refine in your second year, informed by rigorous coursework and faculty guidance. You will also serve as a key production crew member on at least one other student's thesis project, allowing you to experience several essential roles that contribute to a successful film. A final screening for the department chair and thesis committee culminates the program leading to your degree. Following graduation, all students screen their films in a public Thesis Showcase, introducing their work to the larger film industry.
All students receive mentorship on their thesis films from a faculty advisor, a SocDoc alumni advisor, and engage in a post-graduation career consultation with an industry expert.
SocDoc also offers an Extended Three-Year MFA. The curriculum is the same as our traditional two-year graduate degree, but spread across three years, allowing more flexibility for working professionals in documentary and other fields to participate.
Admission Requirements
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme