The BA Film and Screen Media provides a thorough education in the theories, history and practice of the moving image, from the beginnings of cinema to the present day.

The course is at the cutting edge of international studies in the moving image. You will study films from around the world and topics such as Hollywood cinema, film and new media, genre cinema, art film, silent cinema and national cinemas.

You will also study the theories and practice behind contemporary screen media (the Internet, social media, e-publishing) and have the chance to make short films and promos, collaborate on group projects, and develop short screen plays with our award-winning filmmaker and our film artist in residence.

Students also study two additional subjects in Year 1 selected from a list of 26 and continue with one of these in Years 2 and 3.

This BA course has a strong emphasis on developing your skills in the area of critical/theoretical analysis of film and media texts. You will acquire practical and transferable skills in digital filmmaking, collaborating on group projects (promos/short films), working on treatments and a short screenplay, and compiling a portfolio.

You will take a combination of courses on the theory and aesthetics of cinema and screen media and practical workshops on digital filmmaking and screenwriting. A short placement with the film or culture industries may also be offered (subject to availability).

Year 1 Modules:

Core

FX1001 Introduction to Film Studies (10 credits);

FX1002 Introduction to Screen Media and Culture (5 credits);

FX1003 Early Cinema: From the Magic Lantern to the Pioneers (5 credits);

FX1004 Introduction to Digital Media (10 credits)

Electives

plus two other First Arts subjects (15 credits each) from Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Year 2 Modules:

Core

Film Theory;  Studies in Cinema;  Making Digital Media;  Writing and the Screen;  Special Studies in Film;  American Cinema to 1960;  Special Studies in Screen Media

Electives

Sound and the Moving Image;  Modernism in European Cinema;  Cinema and Identity in Spain and Latin America plus one other Arts subject (20 credits) continued from First Year

Year 3 Modules:

Core

Contemporary Cinema;  Ireland on Screen;  Special Studies in Filmmaking/New Media;  Screen Industries;  Postmodernism in European Cinema;  Special Studies in Film

Electives

European Cinema;  German Film in focus;  Arts Subject continued from Second Year

See the College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on modules.

Leaving Cert entry requirements:

2017:  H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Mature students: Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest, and must apply for and sit the MSAP test.  Approximately three places are available for mature students.

International Students should visit the International Education website.

FETAC applicants: entry to the first year of this programme is available on a competitive basis to students who achieve a minimum of 4 Distinctions (i.e. greater than 80%) from any of the FETAC programmes listed on our FETAC pages: FETAC Requirements.

EU Applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.

Non-EU Applicants

Mature Applicants:  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.

Expected lecture hours: The course is a full-time, three-year BA degree. The minimum number of lectures and seminars each week will be six hours, to take place on campus. Blackboard, UCC’s learning management system, will be utilised as a support to seminars and lectures. In some cases, courses will include compulsory screenings of films.

Expected lab/practical hours: The practical modules will involve some extra hours of self-directed filming and editing. The module Screen Industries (With Placement), which will not be on offer every year, includes a short approved placement within the film, media or cultural industries. 

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May.  Not all modules will have formal examinations.  Many modules use other types of assessment including essay writing, oral presentations with technological support, portfolios, treatments, and practical projects. You will attain a set of skills that will prepare you for further education and aid you in various career paths.

Each module varies, but a typical five-credit module will consist of combinations of the following modes of assessment: one 3,000-word essay, or two 1,500-word essays, or a practical project plus class test, or a 1.5-hour exam. Ten-credit modules would typically involve one 1.5-hour exam plus two essays and one in-class presentation.

Dr Armida de la Garza, Senior Lecturer in Digital Humanities and Screen Media

Dr Barry Monahan, Lecturer in Film Studies, School of English, UCC

Professor Laura Rascaroli, Film and Screen Media, School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures (Programme Head)

Dr Gwenda Young, Lecturer in Film Studies, School of English, UCC (Programme Head)

Mr Dan O'Connell, Part-Time Assistant Lecturer in Filmmaking/Digital Media

Our technician, Barry Reilly, will be on hand to assist the students in their practical work.