Film and Media Production Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University - Donegal Letterkenny Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Film & Media Production at Atlantic Technological University equips you with the creative and technical skills needed for a dynamic career in film, television, and digital media. You’ll learn how to develop ideas into compelling screen content while gaining hands‑on experience in production processes from pre‑production planning to post‑production.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build strong foundations in storytelling and media production, exploring core areas like digital media planning, film scripting, and editing concepts. You’ll work with tools and techniques for audio-visual content, gaining practical experience that prepares you for more advanced projects later on. You’ll also begin to understand key principles in cinematography and media theory that support creative decisions on set and in the editing suite.

Year 2
During Year 2, the focus shifts to refining your production competencies — from story development and camera techniques to sound design and narrative structure. Students engage more deeply with collaborative projects, planning, shooting, and editing pieces that showcase your growing confidence in filmmaking. You’ll also explore creative media practices that prepare you for industry standards in film and broadcast.

Year 3
The third year centers on advanced production work and creative expression, enabling you to lead larger projects and experiment with genre and form. You’ll tackle tasks like producing short films, developing specialised content, and working in team environments that mirror real-world media settings. By the end of this year, your portfolio will reflect a breadth of skills attractive to employers and collaborators.

Year 4 (Honours Final Year)
In your honours year, you’ll complete major individual projects that demonstrate your creative identity and professional capability in film and media production. You’ll also study industry practices in depth, preparing you for careers across media sectors or further study. This final year focuses on leadership in creative work — planning complex productions, mastering advanced post-production, and articulating a professional vision for your future.

Focus Areas

Film production, media storytelling, cinematography, editing and post-production, audio design, visual effects, project management

Learning Outcomes

Graduate with the ability to conceptualise and produce original screen content, apply practical technical skills across production workflows, collaborate effectively, and present professional media projects with confidence

Professional Alignment (accreditation)

This is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor’s degree recognised under the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, reflecting strong academic and professional standards in creative media education

Reputation (employability rankings)

Atlantic Technological University is a well-established technological university in Ireland, known for strong graduate outcomes and practical, industry-oriented programmes that build employability skills in creative sectors

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Atlantic Technological University, students don’t just study theory — you gain hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment and real production processes to develop practical skills that matter. From the start of the programme, you’ll work with industry-standard cameras, lighting, and sound gear, and engage in real film and media production exercises that mirror professional practice. The course emphasises active learning through workshops, team projects, and creative assignments, helping you build a strong portfolio of work. Being part of ATU’s creative arts environment also gives you access to spaces where you can experiment, rehearse, edit, and refine your craft within a supportive creative community:

Here’s what that looks like in action:

Practical use of industry-standard camera, lighting, and sound equipment in studio and on-location production work.
Collaborative projects where you plan, shoot, and edit short films and media pieces, reflecting real-world production team experiences.
Workshops and practical assignments in cinematography, editing, audio design, and production practice to apply your skills creatively.
Opportunities to work with digital tools and visual effects as part of coursework to develop confidence in post-production techniques.
Exposure to industry-relevant practices and guest insights to strengthen your readiness for a career in media and screen production.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Film and Media Production programme leave with the practical skills, creative expertise, and industry knowledge needed to thrive in the media sector. Typical roles include Film and Video Producer, Media Content Creator, Editor, and Cinematographer. With hands-on experience and a strong portfolio, students are well-prepared to enter the workforce confidently or take their skills to further study:

Graduate Support and Career Opportunities:

The university’s Career Development Centre provides tailored guidance, CV workshops, and connections to internships and job placements specific to media and creative industries.
Graduates of creative programmes at ATU have strong employability outcomes, with many securing professional roles within six months of graduation. Starting salaries in media production can vary but typically range from entry-level industry standards in Ireland, reflecting the practical skills gained during the degree.
ATU maintains partnerships with media companies, production studios, and creative agencies, offering networking opportunities, collaborative projects, and guest lectures from industry professionals.
The Level 8 Honours degree holds long-term accreditation value under the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, ensuring recognition both nationally and internationally.
Graduates leave with a portfolio of real-world projects, hands-on production experience, and the creative confidence to succeed in film, television, and digital media careers.

Further Academic Progression:
Students who wish to continue their studies can pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master’s in Film, Media Production, or Digital Media. Opportunities also exist for specialisation in areas like screenwriting, cinematography, or post-production, allowing graduates to deepen their creative and technical expertise while expanding career prospects.