Master degree
12 months
Application deadlines: April 30
Processing time: 30 days
Full-time
Intakes: September
International tuition: £16,950
Domestic tuition: £7,000
Program overview
There’s never been a better time to start a career in TV in Scotland. Channel 4’s new creative hub in Glasgow, the new BBC Channel and increased quotas for out of London production mean the Scottish television industry is thriving.
This MSc Factual Television gives you the tools you’ll need to create factual content for broadcast. Developed with industry and taught by experienced practitioners, this course is focussed on practice: growing ideas, developing proposals and making programmes.
You’ll learn how to develop factual content, how the modern television industry works and how issues of editorial and ethics affect programme-makers today.
The course will cover core areas of factual TV:
programme development
documentary
factual formats
specialist factual
During this course, you’ll explore ethical issues of representation, consent, trust and editorial control while learning about the business of factual content.
You’ll build up your practical skills with a series of creative challenges:
developing ideas in response to industry briefs
pitching ideas
getting feedback from staff and visiting experts
You’ll also develop and produce filmed pieces as part of the Documentary module.
Alongside practical projects, you’ll develop essential career skills through an industry experience module. You’ll be supported in researching and securing a placement, developing your own network of contacts, and making the first steps towards work.
Study options

This program can be done
On campus
Requirements
Exams:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS
- PTE
A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent in a Media or Communications subject such as Film and Television, Broadcast Production, or Journalism. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply.
You’ll be required to submit a written proposal of 600 words for an original factual television programme.
English language requirements:
IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each skill;
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 51 in each sub-skill;
IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
Career opportunities
You’ll be given many industry experience opportunities throughout the course. You’ll greatly enhance your employment prospects through working with professional briefs and interacting with a wide range of professionals currently working in factual production.
Several leading production companies offer placement opportunities to students on the course. Production professionals also contribute to the delivery of many modules. In responding to relevant briefs set alongside industry, you’ll cultivate communication, team working and interpersonal skills to a professional level. Pitching regularly to senior industry personnel will help you to acquire the entrepreneurial skills required of a 21st century media professional.
Campus location
Stirling
,
United Kingdom