BA [Hons] Immersive Media Production

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Immersive Media Production at IADT (Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design + Technology) is an exciting four-year degree that prepares you to thrive in the fast-growing world of immersive media — from virtual and augmented reality to 360° film and mixed reality storytelling. It’s ideal for creative thinkers who want to master storytelling, technical media production, and the latest immersive technologies through hands-on projects and industry-relevant learning.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build strong foundations in media production, learning essential technical skills and how to tell engaging stories across platforms, along with core principles of media management. You will explore introductory immersive production through modules like Intro to Immersive Media Production 1 and 2, supported by practical projects in video and audio post-production and collaborative workshop experiences.

Year 2:
Year two broadens your creative and technical toolkit with hands-on work in 3D modelling and asset creation and creative coding to bring virtual environments to life. You’ll also gain experience with production workflows, teamwork, and virtual production through modules like Production Sprint, Project Management and Workflows, and Motion Tracking, while developing professional skills in Personal Professional Development.

Year 3:
At IADT’s National Film School, you will delve into advanced concepts such as Storytelling for AR and VR and New Media Technologies, exploring how immersive experiences are designed and delivered. You will also undertake Professional Practice and a placement for real-world industry exposure, and start your thesis journey with Thesis Research Proposal while developing entrepreneurial skills in Business and Entrepreneurship for Creative Practice.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on creative independence and professional culmination. You will execute a Major Project and a Thesis rooted in your interests, alongside a Minor Project that allows you to experiment and specialize. This year is designed to integrate your learning into standout work that showcases your unique voice and capabilities as a practice-based creator.

Focus Areas:
Virtual and augmented reality, immersive storytelling, 3D modelling, creative coding, virtual production, professional media practice.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to conceive and produce immersive media experiences, apply technical and creative media production skills across VR, AR, and MR, work collaboratively in professional environments, and communicate complex ideas effectively through new media.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This programme is a validated Level 8 NFQ BA (Hons) award in Immersive Media Production (240 ECTS), recognised under the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, with embedded awards at Levels 6 and 7 where applicable.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
IADT is Ireland’s specialist institute for creative, media, and technology education and is home to the National Film School. The institute has a strong record of producing industry-ready graduates, with 92% of IADT graduates employed within a year of completing their studies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start, this degree immerses you in the real world of immersive media, giving you hands-on experiences that build both your creative confidence and technical skills. You won’t just study virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, 360° video, and virtual production in theory — you’ll use the actual tools and work in the professional-standard spaces where industry projects are made. As you progress, you’ll gain real-world experience through work placements, industry-linked projects, and opportunities to study abroad, all designed to prepare you for a career in the creative industries. Right from year one, you’ll have access to IADT’s specialist facilities and expert support, providing the ideal environment for experimentation, collaboration, and professional development.

Here’s a closer look at the practical experiences, facilities, and tools you’ll use throughout the programme:

Professional-grade National Film School with TV studios, green screen spaces, radio studios, control rooms, and production galleries used directly for student projects.
Computer and multimedia labs with advanced Mac and PC workstations for editing, 3D modelling, creative coding, immersive prototyping, and mixed reality design.
LED Wall immersive studio and Innovate Lab for virtual production work and visual effects experiments with real-time content playback and tracking setups.
Open-access campus computer labs and Wi-Fi along with technical support for software and hardware, allowing you to keep creating outside of scheduled classes.
Print and reprographics support and extensive library resources to support your research, documentation, and project development.
Professional Practice and Placement in Year 3, providing hands-on industry experience with organisations in immersive media, digital, film, and creative sectors.
Group projects and collaborative modules, such as Virtual Production, Game Engines + Motion Tracking, and Production Sprints, giving you teamwork experience that mirrors real production environments.
Opportunities for study abroad in your third year, providing exposure to international creative contexts and global industry practices.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Immersive Media Production from IADT opens the door to exciting roles in the rapidly growing creative and immersive technology sectors. You’ll be ready for positions such as immersive media producer, virtual or augmented reality content creator, 3D environment designer, or media production specialist in film, games, broadcast, and interactive experiences. The practical skills and portfolio you develop during your studies make you highly employable both in Ireland and internationally.

Your progression from study to career is supported and strengthened in several ways:

University careers support: IADT’s Careers Advisory Service helps you clarify career goals, refine applications, build portfolios, and develop effective job‑search strategies tailored to immersive media and creative technology industries.
Work placement experience: In Year 3, you undertake a Professional Practice + Placement, gaining valuable industry experience, workplace contacts, and a clearer pathway into employment.
Employment outcomes: Graduates are prepared for roles across TV, film, games, virtual reality, and augmented reality, and they also have the skills to work freelance or launch their own creative ventures.
Industry partnerships: Through IADT’s networks, including connections with the Media Cube, you gain exposure to companies looking for creative talent and opportunities to engage with the creative technology sector.
Accreditation value: Your Level 8 BA (Hons) award is part of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, providing a recognised degree that supports both career entry and further study options.
Graduation success: Students leave with a portfolio of projects, real-world experience, and a suite of technical and creative skills that make them ready to contribute immediately to the media, entertainment, and immersive industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue your education if you choose. Many graduates go on to pursue postgraduate study, such as a master’s degree or PhD in areas like immersive media, film production, virtual and augmented reality, or other creative technologies. Further study can deepen your expertise, open doors to research or teaching roles, and enhance your opportunities in specialised sectors of the global creative industries.