- Where you can study
-
Wellington campus
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Specialise in Documentary and Factual for your Bachelor of Screen Arts at Massey
Commonplace across our national on-demand platforms and international streamers are documentary films, reality and formatted shows from around the world. Unscripted production is an exciting area of story-telling, requiring curiousity, research methodologies and interpersonal skills.
You will go on a journey of discovering compelling true stories and characters lighting the screens of Aotearoa, as well as the international market. This deep dive into documentary and factual development, production and post-production aims to equip students with essential toolkits to make films for film festivals – and the commercial world. The Documentary and Factual major goes beyond location filming – it also reveals the mechanisms of fun and formatted multi-camera, and studio shows .
We will explore the history, modes and theories related to documentary studies from its inception. From early forays into anthropological character portraits to modern day experiments with the form that challenge the idea of ‘based on a true story’. Along the way, you will discover more about your creative voice and the stories that are important to you. Students will also be working with clients throughout their degree generating online content.
Facilities
Facilities for Documentary and Factual include multi-camera broadcast studio, industry level cameras and lenses, lighting, sound equipment, and creative tech. Post-production facilities for Documentary and Factual also include edit suites, computer labs and a dubbing theatre.
Get the full picture
Further study
Extend your study and work on an independent research project in the Bachelor of Screen Arts with Honours or take a creative product or idea to market in the Master of Screen Arts.
Planning information
Planning information
Full-time study is recommended. You’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
About this major
The Documentary and Factual major in the Bachelor of Screen Arts consists of 90 credits.
Minors
Completing a minor is optional and may be a way for you to show the breadth of your degree.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major and be made up of at least 60 credits.
If you’re interested in doing a minor you should contact us using the Get advice button on this page. Our student advice team will be able to talk you through your options and help you plan your degree.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Bachelor of Screen Arts
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Screen Arts core courses
Documentary and Factual courses
Course code: 289117 Introduction to Factual Production 15 credits
An introduction to the principles and concepts of factual production. Students will also gain a creative and basic technical knowledge of the tools and techniques essential to the development and production of factual content.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289217 Documentary and Factual Production 15 credits
A further application of documentary and factual strategies that focuses on a client-based campaign which provides essential real-world experience. This course combines both technical and creative skills to specific briefs, develops proficiencies for industry-focussed storytellers and explores documentary history and theory to develop critical filmmaking practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289227 Documentary and Factual Project 15 credits
A dynamic studio-production experience, this course combines location-filming with multi-camera studio production, culminating with an original, live-streamed show. This course develops skills essential for industry-relevant crew and content-makers. Students intersect with documentary ethics and activism as they navigate stories and subjects for their group show.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289303 Advanced Practice Exploration 15 credits
Students engage in creative and technical exploration through the development of role specific skills in preparation for Major Project productions and industry. These specialized, area of practice learning modules include advanced equipment, techniques and processes specific to your chosen field.
View full course detailsCourse code: 289333 Screen Arts Major Project 30 credits
Work to an advanced technical, creative and professional standard in a collaborative production environment to complete a Major Project. Students will put into production the projects developed in the Major Project Development course managing deadlines and schedules to ensure project completion.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations. Once you have applied and enrolled we encourage you to book a Creative Review to ensure you are on the right track.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $9,957
- International students: $45,580
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Find more scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Potential careers include:
- producer
- director
- XR producer
- camera operator
- lighting technician
- editor
- content developer
- writer or show-runner
- archivist or archive research
- character and story researcher
- presenter
- podcaster
- online and content campaign manager
- network and platform format creator
- visual identity producer and set designer
- location and multi-camera studio director.
International students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated 5-star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
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