BA (Hons) Film and Screen Media

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) in Film and Screen Media at University College Cork offers a rich mix of film history, theory, and practical filmmaking. It’s ideal for curious, creative students who want to explore storytelling, screen culture, and digital media while developing both analytical and hands-on skills that are highly valued in the workplace.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build a strong foundation in film and screen media, exploring the origins of cinema and how media shapes culture. Core modules such as Introduction to Film Studies and Introduction to Digital Media combine theory with early practical experience in filmmaking and media projects, helping you develop critical thinking and creativity.

Year 2

Your second year dives deeper into film and media concepts with modules covering areas like documentary filmmaking, Irish and genre cinema, and American cinema and culture. You continue to develop technical skills while shaping your own creative voice, supported by workshops and critical analysis of different media forms.

Year 3

The third year lets you bring everything together with advanced study and creative projects. You can focus on production, analysis, or even study abroad, completing a portfolio or research project that showcases your skills and prepares you for employment or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Film history and theory, practical digital filmmaking, screen media production, media analysis, global cinema studies

Learning Outcomes

Understand and analyse film and screen media in context, create meaningful digital media projects, communicate ideas clearly in writing and presentations, work confidently with media tools, and think independently about cultural and technological change

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This honours degree (NFQ Level 8) from UCC is fully recognised nationally and internationally, meeting high quality standards and ensuring your qualification is well-regarded by employers and postgraduate programmes.

Reputation

UCC ranks among the top universities globally and is known for strong graduate outcomes, with most students finding employment or further study soon after graduation. Its humanities and creative programmes benefit from expert faculty and strong industry links in Cork’s vibrant film and media community

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UCC’s BA in Film and Screen Media, you don’t just sit in lectures — you get hands-on experience making films, editing media projects, and collaborating with peers and professionals. From day one, you’ll work with industry-standard cameras and editing tools in dedicated media labs, take part in screenings and masterclasses in a professional cinema-style auditorium, and build real creative skills that prepare you for careers in film, digital media, and beyond. The program blends practical workshops with critical study, giving you a chance to practise storytelling and technical craft alongside expert lecturers and visiting filmmakers. You’ll also have opportunities to take short placements and participate in film festivals, connecting you with the wider media community:

Professional editing and production facilities: Access labs with Apple iMacs and industry-standard software including Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, Logic Pro X, and Fade In for editing, sound design, and post-production work.
Film and screening spaces: Use the large auditorium in the Kane Building with HD projection and surround sound for screenings, seminars, and guest talks.
Industry-standard equipment: Borrow Canon film cameras, professional sound recording gear, lighting kits, and other filmmaking equipment for coursework and creative projects.
Collaborative projects and workshops: Work on both group and individual productions, developing scripts, shooting footage, editing, and presenting your work.
Short placements and festival links: Some modules include approved short placements in the film, media, or cultural industries, and you can engage with festivals like Schull’s Fastnet Short Film Festival, helping you build professional contacts.
Visiting practitioners and masterclasses: Benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and masterclasses delivered by established filmmakers, producers, and other media professionals.
UCC library and IT support: Access extensive library resources and IT services to support your research, writing, and media work throughout your degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Film and Screen Media programme move into a wide range of creative and media-related careers, from filmmaking and media production to arts journalism and cultural events management. Typical job roles include Film & Video Producer, Media Content Creator, Screenwriter, and Festival or Arts Administrator, and the degree also opens doors to broader roles in teaching, communications, and cultural organisations:

UCC Career Services: Students receive dedicated support from UCC’s Careers team, including career coaching, access to job vacancies and internships, employer events, and the Graduate Recruitment Festival where you can meet recruiters and practice interview skills. You can also gain recognition for your practical experience through the “UCC Works Award.”
Employment stats: UCC graduates are highly employable, with around 92–93% finding employment or further study within nine months of graduating, demonstrating the degree’s strong preparation for the professional world.
University–industry partnerships: The programme connects you with real industry experience through partnerships with events such as Schull’s Fastnet Short Film Festival and visiting filmmakers, giving you networking opportunities and practical exposure beyond campus.
Long-term accreditation value: This is an honours degree at Level 8 on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications, fully recognised nationally and internationally, meaning employers value your qualification and it provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates gain strong analytical, communication, and practical media skills, preparing them not only for creative industries but also for careers in digital communication, education, and cultural organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA, many students continue their studies by pursuing an MA in Film and Screen Media at UCC for advanced training in film, media, and digital practice. Others may choose research-focused postgraduate degrees like an MRes or PhD in Film and Screen Media if they are interested in academic or specialist research paths.