Film Studies

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.

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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.

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.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET


• Open Learning Entry Route


• Mature Entry Route


• DARE Entry Route


• HEAR Entry Route


• University Access