Overview

The Fine Arts Documentary Film and Video at Stanford University provides a rigorous professional framework for students to master the conceptual and practical skills required for high-level nonfiction filmmaking. This Master of Fine Arts degree integrates historical and theoretical studies with intensive hands-on production to prepare graduates for influential careers in the global media landscape.

The curriculum is built upon a philosophy of independent media that prioritises aesthetics, social consciousness, and distinct personal perspectives. Students engage deeply with the documentary tradition while exploring alternative media formats and emerging directions in the field. This approach ensures that technical proficiency is always matched by a critical engagement with contemporary global issues.

Why Fine Arts Documentary Film and Video at Stanford University?

The programme is situated within the Department of Art & Art History, offering students access to world-class facilities and a prestigious academic environment. With a highly selective intake of only six students per year, the university ensures an intimate learning experience with significant faculty mentorship. The institution provides generous fellowship support, often covering the full cost of tuition and contributing towards production expenses.

Students benefit from the university's extensive resources, including the McMurtry Building and dedicated documentary film spaces. The programme's reputation is bolstered by its consistent presence at elite festivals such as Sundance and SXSW. Furthermore, the department maintains strong links with the School of Humanities and Sciences, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to film and media studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 21180 per semester
National fee: USD 21180 per semester
Local fee: USD 13240 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum combines core production units with theoretical studies in art history and film media. Modules may include:

Documentary Production
Film Studies
Documentary Film History
Art History
Art Practice
Visual Storytelling
Digital Video
16mm Film

Careers with Fine Arts Documentary Film and Video

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles within the film, video, and digital media industries. Many alumni pursue successful careers as independent documentary filmmakers, directors, and producers. The rigorous academic nature of the MFA also qualifies graduates to teach at the university level, contributing to the next generation of media practitioners.

The programme has a proven track record of alumni success, with former students having their work featured on PBS and the New York Times’ Op-Docs. Graduates often find employment in media organisations, production houses, and educational institutions, leveraging the extensive professional network established during their two years of residency.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Documentary M.F.A. Thesis Seminar I

Documentary M.F.A. Thesis Seminar II

Film/Video Writing and Directing

Nonfiction Film Production

Digital Video

Advanced Documentary Directing

Advanced Video Production

Producing Practicum

Theories of the Moving Image

Documentary Issues and Traditions

International Documentary

Documentary Perspectives I

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

45 alternative credits

45 units of study

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Fine Arts View 438 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.5

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

To apply for admission to the Art History coterminal M.A. program, students must submit the Coterminal Online Application and the following:

Statement of Purpose (up to 1000 words, double-spaced)
Current unofficial transcript
Coterminal Online Application
Preliminary Master’s Program Proposal; this is a form in the application packet. Specify at least 45 units of course work relevant to the degree program with at least 40 units in Art History.
Two letters of recommendation from Stanford faculty familiar with the student’s academic work, one of which must be from an Art History faculty member.

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

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Out-of-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year

Additional Details

per quarter

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 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.

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 Fine Arts Documentary Film and Video.

Available Scholarships

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