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Film Studies  (FMD1)

Academic Year 2025/2026
School
School of English, Drama and Film
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
Award
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Dr Martha Shearer
Overall Programme Credits:
Programme Credits:
N/A
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 10

Curricular information is subject to change.

Film Studies introduces you to the most influential art form of the twenty first century incorporating artistic, cultural, economic and technological dimensions. It concentrates on developing a critical engagement with all aspects of the production and reception of films, and of an understanding of their role and contribution to world cultures. You will study both classic and contemporary cinema, read writers and commentators on film from a variety of backgrounds, and learn to think and write about film. Perspectives on Film I and II provide an overview of developments in the art, culture and technology of film. Numerous modes of cinematic expression are analysed, and students are introduced to the concepts and critical vocabulary of cinema.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Presentations
  • Teamwork
  • Global awareness
  • Social responsibility
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-awareness


This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Cultural awareness, resilience and self-confidence e.g. Study Abroad/ERASMUS
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments
  • Development of self-reflection skills


Stage 1

Students may progress to Stage 2 having passed Intro to Film & Media (FS10010) and Intro to Film & Media Theory (FS10020).

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
FS10010 Introduction to Film and Media Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
FS10020 Introduction to Film and Media Theory Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Modules below may be taken as an additional option module as part of your programme. Students choose 5 credits of electives in Spring. However, Spring modules from the list below may be taken in lieu of your Spring elective.

It is recommended that you take 30 credits in the Autumn trimester and 30 credits in the Spring trimester.
FS10060 Cinema Creatives Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Modules below may be taken as an additional option module as part of your programme. Students choose 5 credits of electives in Spring. However, Spring modules from the list below may be taken in lieu of your Spring elective.

It is recommended that you take 30 credits in the Autumn trimester and 30 credits in the Spring trimester.
FS10070 Doing Film History Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Modules below may be taken as an additional option module as part of your programme. Students choose 5 credits of electives in Spring. However, Spring modules from the list below may be taken in lieu of your Spring elective.

It is recommended that you take 30 credits in the Autumn trimester and 30 credits in the Spring trimester.
GER10150 German History on Screen Spring  5