Welcome to DocNomads^plus

The DocNomads^plus Joint Master in Documentary Filmmaking is an international master’s programme offered by a consortium of three leading universities.

In a two-year time span, this full-time master’s programme provides comprehensive training in documentary filmmaking – whether your focus is directing, producing, or pursuing an independent artistic vision.

Open to students from across the globe, DocNomads^plus combines academic precision with hands-on experience and takes place in three vibrant cultural hubs: Lisbon, Vilnius and Brussels.

The call for the next DocNomads^plus programme (2025-2027) is open now!

Apply now!

Programme

DocNomads^plus is a two-year, full-time, 120-credit Joint Master’s programme providing advanced training for an international cohort of aspiring independent documentary film directors, entirely taught in English. Building on the success of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master DocNomads (2012-2025), DocNomads^plus selects around 24 students each year. These students form a diverse group representing various social, economic and cultural backgrounds, from across the globe.

DocNomads^plus is jointly delivered by a consortium consortium of three leading universities: Universidade Lusófona ( Lisbon, Portugal) the National Film School (KIMO) at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (Vilnius, Lithuania) and LUCA - School of Arts ( Brussels, Belgium). Students proceed through the programme completing three semesters sequentially in Lisbon, Vilnius and Brussels, and return to one of these locations for their fourth and final semester, which is dedicated to the Graduation Film Project.

Our students develop outstanding creative, technical, and critical skills in documentary filmmaking. Education in film theory, history, aesthetics, and cultural studies goes hand in hand with intensive practical training delivered by seasoned professionals including film directors, sound engineers, directors of photography, editors, and many others.

One of the key strengths of DocNomads^plus is its focus on hands-on filmmaking. Students create at least 4 films, both individually and as part of group exercises, all tutored by experienced and passionate mentors. As a result, they graduate with extensive practical experience and an impressive portfolio demonstrating their emerging filmmaking skills.

The films of our alumni are consistently selected and awarded by major international film festivals, such as Berlinale, Cannes, IDFA, DokLeipzig, Visions du Réel, Sheffield Doc/fest, and many others.

Many alumni develop new film projects, for which they find international artistic recognition. They know how to attach partners, secure financing and negotiate distribution deals and hence enlarge the global impact of their work. Some alumni establish an advanced academic career by enrolling in PhD programmes focusing on documentary filmmaking, film studies or media research. Others build a career within the broader film industry, as a producer, DOP, editor or film festival programmer.

DocNomads^plus provides students with both practical filmmaking expertise and critical theoretical knowledge, indispensable to navigate and thrive in the versatile professional context, ensuring being qualified and groomed for a wide range of career paths in the documentary and film industries.

Programme details

Planning

Semester 1

Semester Film Project – 9 ECTS
Doc Skills and Teamwork – 9 ECTS
Professional Field – 3 ECTS
Cinema and Culture – 3 ECTS
Documentary Aesthetics and Research – 6 ECTS

Semester 2

Semester Film Project – 9 ECTS
Doc Skills and Teamwork – 9 ECTS
Professional Field – 3 ECTS
Cinema and Culture – 3 ECTS
Documentary Aesthetics and Research – 6 ECTS

Semester 3

Semester Film Project – 9 ECTS
Doc Skills and Teamwork – 6 ECTS
Professional Field – 6 ECTS
Cinema and Culture – 3 ECTS
Documentary Aesthetics and Research – 6 ECTS

Semester 4

Graduation Essay - 10 ECTS
Graduation Film - 20 ECTS
- Research and Production Process
- Pitch and Production File
- Graduation Film

How do I apply?

The DocNomads^plus Master’s programme is open to students from around the world who hold a Bachelor's degree in Film Studies, Arts, or Media Communication. Applicants with other degrees of at least EQF Level 6 may also be considered, provided they present a compelling artistic portfolio.

The application call for the 2025-2027 programme is open until April 24th, 2025, at 10:00 AM CET. All information regarding the application procedures, fees, and requirements can be found by clicking the “How to Apply” button below.

Apply now! How to Apply?

TUITION FEES:

Participation in DocNomads^plus programme for the 2025-2027 edition is only available to self-funded students. All students are required to complete compulsory physical mobility, consisting of four study periods across three countries.

The Tuition Fee for 4 semesters is 15 000 EUR.

This is to be paid in two instalments: 7 500 EUR before the beginning of the first semester 7 500 EUR to be paid before the beginning of the third semester.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TUITION FEES?

Participation in all classes offered within the DocNomads^plus curriculum
Access to film equipment and professional infrastructure (editing and sound studios)
Technical support by film professionals
Emergency and accident insurance
Support with administrative and organisational matters from consortium partners
Enrollment fees at the consortium partner institutions
All examinations and the issuance of the final diploma
A budgeted amount for costs related to graduation film production

Find more details on Tuition Fees on How to Apply.

Frequently asked Questions

How can I apply as an ongoing student if my diploma is due latest by 31 July 2025?

Apply for a certification of your expected diploma at the educational institution that will issue it. Remember to include exact dates of your study period and of the expected graduation.

What counts as a certified copy of the original document?

Certified copies are photocopies of original documents that are certified with a stamp and signature to confirm that the copies are true to the originals. New date of the certification must be included.

There is no English language test available before the application deadline. Am I eligible to apply?

No, you are not eligible to apply without an English proficiency certificate. Good to know: we also accept the DuoLingo English Test with a score of min. 110. This is one of the more affordable language tests that can be taken from anywhere anytime.

Can I apply with a fiction film as my previous film?

Yes, your previous film can be of any genre.

Video effects and sound effects are not accepted in the application film (“Around Me, in the Here and Now”). What counts as video and sound effects?

Unaccepted video effects are: time-lapse, stop/slow/fast motion, cross dissolves, filters, black-and-white, split screen, vignette, graphic animation. Sound in the film must be original recorded sound in-sync with the picture. You can improve the source sound and add your voice. But do not add music, neither sound design effects.

Where can I apply for a residence certificate?

In several countries local government offices can certify your address, however each country has different responsible authorities, you should find out about yours.

The local authorities in my country provide residence certificate only for foreigners. How can I verify my address?

Apply for a certificate at your place of work, study or training. Your address must be included in the certificate.

Find more Q&A’s in the PDF How To Apply

Still looking for answers?
Contact admissions@docnomadsplus.eu

Welcome to DocNomadsplus

The call for the next DocNomadsplus programme (2025-2027) is open now!