Film and Documentary Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University – Galway City

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Film and Documentary at ATU Galway is a dynamic three‑year honours degree that combines creative storytelling with hands‑on practical skills in film and documentary production. You’ll develop both the creative theories behind visual storytelling and the technical expertise needed to succeed in cinema, television, and the wider audiovisual sector.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in both the creative and technical sides of filmmaking. You’ll explore modules like Film Studies: An Introduction and Broadcasting Theory to understand the language of screen media, while practical modules such as Cinematography, Audio, Editing, and Film Practice 1: Documentary give you real experience behind the camera and in post‑production. Team projects and academic skills modules help prepare you for collaborative work and creative problem‑solving.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll deepen your craft with Film Practice 2: Fiction and Documentary Studies, encouraging exploration of narrative form, visual language, and ethical issues in documentary work. Courses in Visual and Critical Studies cultivate your ability to analyse films within cultural and theoretical frameworks, while continued Production Practice strengthens your technical fluency in camera, sound, and editing workflows.

Year 3

Your final year focuses on independent creative leadership and professional readiness. You’ll undertake a Dissertation in Media to showcase research and reflective practice, while advanced production modules such as Production Practice: Project Management and Entrepreneurship prepare you to lead real-world film and documentary projects. Study areas like Small Screen Studies and Film Studies: Critical Approaches sharpen your analytical and industry awareness, culminating in a portfolio-ready body of work.

Focus Areas

Screenwriting, cinematography, editing, audio production, production design, documentary and fiction film practice, visual effects, critical and historical studies.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to create compelling visual narratives, apply technical production skills across media formats, critically analyse film and documentary contexts, manage production projects, and collaborate effectively in creative teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree under the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), recognised for both professional practice and further postgraduate study worldwide.

Reputation (Employability)

While specific rankings for this programme aren’t published separately, ATU has a strong reputation in creative media education in Ireland, with graduates equipped for careers in film production, television, and digital media industries nationally and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At ATU, learning Architectural Technology is all about hands-on experience as much as theory. From your very first project to your final-year dissertation, you’ll be designing, modelling, testing, and presenting solutions in environments that reflect real architectural practice. You’ll work in dedicated studio spaces equipped with drawing areas and computer workstations, and you’ll use industry-standard software for both 2D and 3D design, modelling, and simulation. The program emphasizes collaborative projects, so you’ll work closely with classmates to tackle complex design challenges while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. You’ll also have access to ATU’s library resources and research support, helping you back up your creative work with evidence-based insights.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Dedicated design studios where you work on technical design projects and architectural briefs, using both traditional drawing and computer-aided workflows.
Access to the latest software and plotting facilities, giving you hands-on experience with the tools used in professional practice.
Project-based teamwork, where students collaborate on increasingly complex architectural and sustainability design challenges.
Application of 2D and 3D modelling and simulation software, preparing you for technical design work in areas like sustainable building upgrades.
Library research support and specialised training modules to help you find, evaluate, and use technical and regulatory information essential for architectural technology work.
Integration of dissertation research with studio projects, encouraging you to apply your own investigative work directly to design solutions and real buildings in your final year.

Facilities
ATU provides well-equipped studios, computer labs, and support spaces that allow students to practice architectural design and technical skills in professional-style environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Architectural Technology degree go on to build strong, practical careers where they help shape the built environment, working on real building projects and navigating complex construction requirements. Many find roles such as Architectural Technologist, BIM Manager, Building Consultant, or Technical Design Specialist in both private practice and the public sector:

Career Support Services: ATU’s Careers Service helps you from early in your studies with personalised career planning, CV and interview workshops, employer talks, and annual careers fairs. They also guide you on postgraduate opportunities and industry expectations, helping you enter the job market confidently.
Employment Outcomes and Starting Salaries: ATU graduates generally have strong employment outcomes, with many finding relevant roles or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. The active construction and engineering sectors in Ireland provide many opportunities for new professionals.
Industry Connections: The programme is closely aligned with the building and construction sector. You gain hands-on experience with digital tools like BIM and technical modelling software, and your project work mirrors real professional workflows, strengthening your employability in architectural firms, consulting practices, local authorities, and property development companies.
Accreditation and Long-Term Value: This Level 8 honours degree is nationally recognised in Ireland, respected for both professional practice and further study, and it provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth in the built environment.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue your studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Construction Project Management, Sustainable Built Environment, or Building Information Modelling. These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise and open doors to senior technical and leadership roles. As a Level 8 qualification, this honours degree also meets the entry requirements for Master’s programmes at ATU and other universities worldwide.