BA (Hons) Immersive Media Production

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

City of Dublin FET College – South West Campus

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Immersive Media Production at Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT) is a four-year degree designed to prepare you for the future of creative media. It combines cutting-edge technologies like virtual and augmented reality with strong storytelling and media production skills. This program is perfect for imaginative storytellers and technically curious students who want to create immersive experiences across film, gaming, broadcast, and next-generation digital media.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – BCFE

In the first year, you will build the technical foundation of immersive media, learning essential skills such as camera and audio production, editing, broadcast basics, and storytelling. You will work on real production projects that bring together your creative and technical abilities. Core modules include Technical Skills, Storytelling Through Media, Media Production Project, and Postproduction Video and Audio.

Year 2 – BCFE

The second year focuses on creative problem-solving and advanced technical tools. You will explore 3D modelling, virtual production, game engines, and creative coding. Team projects and modules like Production Sprint and Personal Professional Development prepare you for real-world media workflows and professional collaboration.

Year 3 – IADT

In the third year at IADT, you will deepen your creative and research practice, exploring immersive storytelling specifically for AR and VR. You will start your thesis research proposal and gain real industry experience through a professional practice placement. Modules such as Business and Entrepreneurship for Creative Practice help you prepare for a sustainable creative career.

Year 4 – IADT

The final year is focused on independent creative leadership. You will complete a major project and thesis, allowing you to define your own immersive media focus, whether in virtual production, interactive storytelling, experiential design, or media entrepreneurship. This year consolidates all your skills and prepares you for professional life.

Focus Areas

Immersive media technologies, virtual and augmented reality storytelling, 3D modelling and asset creation, creative coding, professional media production, research methodologies, and industry placement.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be confident creative practitioners, technically proficient in immersive media tools, skilled in media management and project workflows, able to research and lead complex media projects, and ready for roles across film, VR/AR, broadcast, games, and digital media sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor of Arts degree jointly delivered by BCFE (Years 1–2) and awarded by IADT (Years 3–4), with embedded Level 6 and 7 qualifications for students who exit early.

Reputation (Employability)

The program benefits from IADT’s National Film School reputation and BCFE’s strong practical media training, giving students a blend of hands-on experience and academic excellence. Graduates enter a growing field with opportunities in entertainment, training, education, marketing, and virtual experiences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At BCFE and IADT, you won’t just learn immersive media in a classroom — you’ll be doing it from day one. Through hands-on project work, real production modules, and industry placements, you’ll develop practical skills in cutting-edge tools like game engines, virtual production, and AR/VR storytelling, all while building a professional portfolio. The course emphasizes collaborative workshops and immersive production projects, giving you experience with the same technologies and workflows used in media industries today. This ensures your learning is directly aligned with professional practice and career readiness.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Collaborative Project Work: You’ll work on media production projects, including immersive media builds and virtual production assignments, where teamwork, planning, and execution mirror real studio workflows.
Industry Tools & Technologies: Gain hands-on experience with key tools in immersive media, such as 3D modelling, motion tracking, and game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.
Professional Practice + Placement: In Year 3, you’ll complete a placement module that provides real-world industry experience, working on live projects or with media companies.
IADT National Film School Facilities: In the later years, you’ll study at IADT, home to the National Film School, with access to professional production spaces, creative studios, and media labs supporting film, broadcast, and immersive media workflows.
Cross-Institutional Workshops: Early in the program, you’ll participate in workshops that connect you with expert tutors and advanced media facilities, enriching your practical experience before moving to IADT.
Portfolio-Driven Assessment: You will create a professional portfolio including videos, interactive media, 3D assets, and prototypes, showcasing your skills and creativity to future employers or collaborators.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Immersive Media Production go on to exciting careers where creativity meets cutting-edge digital skills. You could work as an Immersive Media Producer, XR/VR Content Developer, Virtual Production Specialist, or Digital Media Project Coordinator, applying the hands-on skills you built during the degree. The programme equips you to work across film, television, games, virtual and augmented reality, and digital experiences.

Here’s what supports your progression and opportunities beyond graduation:

University Career Services: At IADT, you’ll have access to career support including CV guidance, interview preparation, job opportunities, and help connecting your professional practice modules to real-world employment.
Work Placement & Industry Experience: The programme includes a Professional Practice + Placement option, giving you real industry experience and professional contacts that can often lead directly to a job.
Industry Connections: Through the National Film School at IADT, you’ll gain exposure to industry-relevant projects and networks across media, immersive technologies, and production sectors.
International Exposure: Opportunities such as Erasmus in Year 3 allow you to study abroad, broadening your global perspective and professional network.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: This is an NFQ Level 8 Honours degree recognised nationally and internationally, demonstrating that you have completed rigorous training in both technical and creative media work.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in film and TV production, immersive media creation, VR/AR experience design, game content development, and other future-focused media careers. Many also choose freelance work or launch their own creative ventures.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons), you can continue your studies at postgraduate level in areas such as media technology, digital storytelling, animation, or advanced immersive systems. You could also pursue research-focused master’s or doctoral programs if you want to push the boundaries of media innovation.