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.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
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
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 |
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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.
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.
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
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Film Studies:
ROWCLASS | Apply to |
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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 |