BA (Hons) Film and Screen Media with year abroad

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Film and Screen Media at University College Cork is a dynamic degree that combines academic study of film history, theory, and screen media with hands-on practical filmmaking experience. Students explore everything from early cinema to digital media culture and can spend a year abroad at a partner university, gaining an international perspective and expanding their creative network.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in how films and screen media function as both art and cultural practice. Core modules such as Introduction to Film Studies, Introduction to Screen Media and Culture, Early Cinema: From the Magic Lantern to the Pioneers, and Introduction to Digital Media introduce key ideas in film history, aesthetics, and digital storytelling while developing analytical and practical skills.

Year 2
The second year deepens engagement with theory and creative practice. Students critically analyse complex audiovisual texts, study media industries, and complete creative projects that strengthen their skills in visual communication and media production.

Year 3 (Year Abroad)
The third year is spent abroad at one of UCC’s partner universities. This immersive experience allows students to study film and media from different cultural perspectives, gain international academic experience, and earn credits toward their UCC degree.

Year 4 (Return to UCC)
In the final year, students return to UCC to complete their honours degree. They integrate insights from their year abroad into final projects and continue advancing research, creative output, and critical understanding of film and media, preparing for careers or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Film history and theory, screen media culture, digital filmmaking, media analysis, international screen studies

Learning Outcomes

Develop in-depth knowledge of cinema and screen media contexts, analyse diverse audiovisual works, understand digital media industries, conceptualise and execute media projects, communicate effectively in written and oral forms

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA (Hons) is a nationally recognised undergraduate degree at NFQ Level 8, providing graduates with skills for roles in media, creative industries, journalism, teaching, or further postgraduate study

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCC is consistently ranked among Ireland’s leading universities, with strong graduate employment outcomes. Around 93% of UCC graduates are in work or further study within nine months of graduating, and the university is globally recognised for academic quality

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University College Cork, Film and Screen Media students don’t just study cinema and media in lectures — they gain hands-on experience making real films, using professional-standard software and equipment, and learning directly from filmmakers and media professionals. The programme emphasizes practice informed by theory, allowing students to work on creative projects early on, participate in workshops and screenings, and learn from guest masterclasses throughout their studies. Practical filmmaking modules, guided projects, and access to specialised facilities support both creative and technical development.

Students benefit from experiential learning through:

Campus facilities for production and editing
- Dedicated Film and Screen Media auditorium with screening and masterclass space
- Teaching and editing labs equipped with iMac computers
- Editing suites with software such as Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, Logic Pro, and Fade In for editing, sound design, post-production, and script work
- Access to professional filmmaking equipment, including digital cameras, lighting kits, and sound recording gear for coursework and creative projects
- Editing labs available for independent work outside class hours
Creative projects and group work
- Opportunities to make films under guidance from experienced practitioners
- Coursework includes developing treatments, scripting, shooting, and editing short films
- Collaboration with peers and resident filmmakers to develop team-based projects
Industry engagement and real-world exposure
- Regular guest speakers and masterclasses from filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters
- Partnerships with film festivals, such as Schull’s Fastnet Short Film Festival, offering exposure to professional contexts
- Public lectures and workshops that connect theory with current industry practice
Practical placements and work recognition
- Certain modules include short placements within film, media, or cultural industries
- Opportunities to gain recognition for professional work experience undertaken during studies
Digital tools and learning support
- Use of UCC’s learning management system to support seminars, lectures, and screenings
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard digital production and editing software

Progression & Future Opportunities

Students benefit from experiential learning through:

Campus facilities for production and editing
- Dedicated Film and Screen Media auditorium with screening and masterclass space
- Teaching and editing labs equipped with iMac computers
- Editing suites with software such as Final Cut Pro X, DaVinci Resolve, Logic Pro, and Fade In for editing, sound design, post-production, and script work
- Access to professional filmmaking equipment, including digital cameras, lighting kits, and sound recording gear for coursework and creative projects
- Editing labs available for independent work outside class hours
Creative projects and group work
- Opportunities to make films under guidance from experienced practitioners
- Coursework includes developing treatments, scripting, shooting, and editing short films
- Collaboration with peers and resident filmmakers to develop team-based projects
Industry engagement and real-world exposure
- Regular guest speakers and masterclasses from filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters
- Partnerships with film festivals, such as Schull’s Fastnet Short Film Festival, offering exposure to professional contexts
- Public lectures and workshops that connect theory with current industry practice
Practical placements and work recognition
- Certain modules include short placements within film, media, or cultural industries
- Opportunities to gain recognition for professional work experience undertaken during studies
Digital tools and learning support
- Use of UCC’s learning management system to support seminars, lectures, and screenings
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard digital production and editing software