Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Film Studies

BA (NFQ Level 8)
I am an
Study Abroad

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact UsContact Us

Media literacy is a vital 21st century skill and the cultivation of such literacy is at the centre of this course. Students are encouraged to make connections between cinematic and televisual forms, to deepen their knowledge of screen cultures and, in particular, to ask serious questions about how representation, culture and politics interrelate. If you have a passion for media, this degree provides a unique opportunity for you to acquire key interpretive skills and hone your ability to make critically reasoned arguments. Film Studies will give you the tools to better understand how all the things we think of as entertainment actually create the world in which we live.

About This Course

Media literacy is a vital 21st century skill and the cultivation of such literacy is at the centre of this course. Students are encouraged to make connections between cinematic and televisual forms, to deepen their knowledge of screen cultures and, in particular, to ask serious questions about how representation, culture and politics interrelate. If you have a passion for media, this degree provides a unique opportunity for you to acquire key interpretive skills and hone your ability to make critically reasoned arguments. Film Studies will give you the tools to better understand how all the things we think of as entertainment actually create the world in which we live.

You will study classical and contemporary film, television and other media, and engage with relevant critical writing, building awareness of media in social, cultural, historical and theoretical contexts. You will explore politics, history and economics, social and cultural change in action. Modules include:

First Year

Introductions to Film & Media (including case studies in digital innovation, film, television, and other media forms) • Film History • Cinema Creatives • Media and Globalisation

Second Year

Horror • Action/Adventure • Documentary & Social Change • Irish Film and Television • TV History • Global Bollywood

Third Year

Animation • 21st Century Television • Chick Flicks • Feminist Media Studies • Wellness and Happiness Media • Irish Horror and Speculative Film • Cinema and the City: New York • Digital Media Cultures

Students attend a range of lectures, tutorials and screenings. They also undertake independent study.

Assessment takes different forms such as written assignments, presentations, group projects and end-of-trimester examinations. You might present a poster, create storyboards, make a video or record a podcast. In third year, all teaching takes the form of small group seminars.

Study Film Studies

English Latin
Art History History
Celtic Civilisation Irish Folklore
Drama Studies Irish Studies
French Linguistics
German Music
Greek Spanish
Greek & Roman Civilisation Portuguese

We have links with: • Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Germany • Sorbonne Université, France • University of Turin, Italy • University of Verona, Italy • University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands • University of Coimbra, Portugal • University of Barcelona, Spain • The University of British Columbia, Canada • University of Miami, USA • University of Otago, New Zealand

Graduates will have developed critical reflection and excellent writing skills as well as a thorough understanding of human society in the contemporary mediascape which provides grounding for a wide range of careers. Graduates have pursued careers in every sector of media and media culture both nationally and internationally including: Education (Schools and Universities), Broadcasting and Journalism (traditional and digital media), Marketing and Promotion (within and outside film and film industries), Arts Curation and Media Management (public and private bodies and institutions), Archival and Research roles including Collections and Information Services, Film and Television production (including creative and professional practice)

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of MA courses offered in the School of English, Drama and Film, including: Creative Writing, Literature & Culture; Gender, Sexuality & Culture; Writing for Stage & Screen. See www.ucd.ie/englishdramafilm/study/ postgraduate for more details.

UCD School of English, Drama and Film
p. +353 1 716 8323
e. harvey.obrien@ucd.ie


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 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FR20280 FILM - French New Wave Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20130 20th Century Television Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20160 Action Adventure Cinema - Genre:Action/Adventure Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20200 Horror Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20210 Women's Authorship in American Cinema Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20220 Everyday Experiences and Digital Media Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20240 Comics and Film: From Panel to Screen Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
MUS21020 Film Music Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20140 Irish Cinema & TV Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20150 Documentary and Society Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20230 Race & Migration in Media Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 5 of:
Choose ANY FIVE (5) Film Studies option modules. There are no core modules at Stage 2 for Film Studies joint majors.Students who wish to choose MUS21020 Film Music should only do so in the Spring trimester. Students may choose additional modules in place of electives if they wish.
FS20250 Intro to Experimental Film Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
FS30240 Digital Media Cultures Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
ITAL30330 Italian Cinema and Society Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
PORT30210 Migration Cinema in the Portuguese-Speaking World Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
CCI30010 Labour and Film Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
FR30400 FILM- Story of African Cinema Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
FS30360 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Cinema Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30220 Wellness & Happiness Media Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30230 Cinema and the City: New York Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30270 Irish Horror & Spec Film Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30300 Chick Flicks: Women and Hollywood Storytelling Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30320 Punk, Cult and Video Art Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30350 Cinema and Nation: Iran Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
MUS31180 Issues in Music, Sound and the Moving Image Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30170 Whiteness, Ethnicity & American Film Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30190 Animation Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30200 21st Century Television Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30310 Beyoncé and Tay: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Celebrity Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30370 Crisis-Masculinity on Screen Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
FS30240 Digital Media Cultures Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
ITAL30330 Italian Cinema and Society Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
PORT30210 Migration Cinema in the Portuguese-Speaking World Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
CCI30010 Labour and Film Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
FR30400 FILM- Story of African Cinema Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - *A1)1 of:
Choose ONE of the below 5cr modules.
FS30360 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Cinema Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30220 Wellness & Happiness Media Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30230 Cinema and the City: New York Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30270 Irish Horror & Spec Film Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30300 Chick Flicks: Women and Hollywood Storytelling Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30320 Punk, Cult and Video Art Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30350 Cinema and Nation: Iran Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
MUS31180 Issues in Music, Sound and the Moving Image Autumn and Spring (separate)  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30170 Whiteness, Ethnicity & American Film Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30190 Animation Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30200 21st Century Television Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30310 Beyoncé and Tay: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Celebrity Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Choose ANY TWO 10-credit modules from the option list.There are no core modules at Stage 3 for Film Studies joint majors.
FS30370 Crisis-Masculinity on Screen Spring  10

I chose this course to get a better understanding of something I feel so passionately about. I have always loved film and television, but more often than not I had a very onedimensional outlook on the things I was watching seeing them just as forms of entertainment. With this course my perspective completely changed. I now see how important media is at representing and creating culture. The historical perspective and understanding you gain is also something I didn’t expect. Through the wide and varied catalogue of films and shows you interact with, you can broaden your horizons tenfold, whether it be culturally, historically or theoretically. You will learn about culture and more specifically, how media is a significant tool in understanding it.

Jack Fleming, Graduate

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Film Studies:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
BAU5
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceEU
DN520
Joint Honours
Bachelor of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page