3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BA (Hons) Film Studies at IADT blends creative practice with critical thinking, giving you the tools to analyse film as culture and write your own original screenplays and stories. This degree suits students passionate about storytelling, especially those who want to explore film theory while developing ideas for screen, podcast, and TV projects.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in both creative and analytical skills. You’ll explore the basics of screenwriting in The Craft of Screenwriting and begin thinking about storytelling through modules like Podcasting and Film History & Theory, while courses such as Film Genre – Hollywood to Horror and Episodic TV Drama help you understand how stories work across different media forms.
Year 2
Second year deepens your understanding of cinema cultures and creative development. You’ll dive into Irish Cinema and Global Media Industries to see how storytelling connects with industry and society, and get hands-on with Creative Development and TV Drama Writing. Electives let you tailor your studies towards areas like documentary or genre analysis, including Documentary Studies or Film Genre – Action to Animation.
Year 3
In your final year, you’ll bring it all together with advanced cultural study and professional skills. World Cinema and Digital Cultures expand your critical lens, Business & Pitching for Creative Industries prepares you for real-world creative careers, and your Final Research Project lets you pursue an in-depth piece of original work that showcases your voice and vision.
Focus Areas
Critical film analysis, screenwriting craft, creative development, media industries understanding, pitching and professional practice.
Learning Outcomes
You’ll graduate able to critically interpret film and media, produce original screenwriting and storytelling projects, and confidently pitch and present creative ideas in professional settings.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This programme is awarded as a Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree and offers progression pathways into postgraduate study, including IADT’s own MA in Screenwriting, helping you refine your craft for industry or further research.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
As part of Ireland’s National Film School, Film Studies at IADT sits within a creative hub known for strong industry links across film, TV, and media arts, preparing graduates for careers in screenwriting, film and TV development, journalism, and digital storytelling.
At IADT’s Film Studies programme, you don’t just sit in lectures — you learn by doing. Throughout the degree, you’ll workshop ideas, write real scripts, and develop creative projects in environments that mirror professional practice, all while building a portfolio of work that showcases your voice. You’ll be studying within Ireland’s National Film School, which offers industry‑grade facilities and links to directors, writers, and producers, so you’re learning with the tools and spaces that professionals actually use. The hands‑on nature of the course prepares you for collaborative creative work, with plenty of opportunities for group projects, peer feedback, and pitching your ideas in a supportive environment.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
State-of-the-art production facilities: Work in fully equipped TV and film studios, digital video editing suites, and green-screen spaces designed for real production workflows.
Workshop-based writing and pitching: Core modules like screenwriting, creative development, and business & pitching for creative industries involve active workshops where you write, revise, and learn to pitch your ideas — essential skills for today’s media industries.
Collaborative creative projects: Work with classmates on creative development tasks throughout the course, gaining experience of teamwork that mirrors the collaborative nature of film, TV, and digital storytelling.
Professional placement opportunities: While Film Studies focuses on theory and writing, IADT supports placement experience through its placement programme, giving you a chance to grow professionally and connect with real organisations.
European collaboration and digital tools: Through IADT’s FilmEU alliance with leading European film schools, you’ll gain access to shared digital tools and virtual collaboration spaces that broaden your experience of international creative production practices.
When you graduate from the BA (Hons) Film Studies at IADT, you’ll be ready for a wide range of creative and media roles thanks to your mix of analytical thinking and storytelling skills. Potential career paths include screenwriter or script developer in film and television, researcher or critic in media and journalism, content creator or strategist in digital and social media, and cultural programmer or communications specialist in arts and culture. Your university experience opens doors not only to roles in traditional media but also to innovative digital storytelling and creative industries.
Here’s how IADT supports you on that journey:
Dedicated career support services: IADT’s student support teams help you prepare for work with CV advice, interview preparation, and connections to opportunities, giving you confidence as you step into your first roles.
Work placement connections: Through IADT’s placement programme, you can gain real-world experience and build professional contacts before you graduate, bridging the gap between study and employment.
Industry partnerships and recognition: Film Studies students are part of Ireland’s National Film School community, which links you with peers and professionals across Europe and expands networking opportunities within the global creative sector.
Scholarship and mentoring links: Students have access to competitive industry opportunities, such as scholarships and placements supported by major partners like Warner Bros. Ireland, offering experience, mentoring, and networking for emerging creative talent.
Accreditation and long-term value: This is a Level 8 honours degree recognised both in Ireland and internationally, giving you strong academic credentials that employers and postgraduate programmes respect.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates move into creative and media roles across sectors including film and television development, digital content production, media analysis, cultural programming, and communications — all grounded in the strong creative and critical toolkit you build during your studies.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue your studies at postgraduate level to deepen your expertise or specialise further. A popular next step is the MA in Screenwriting at IADT, where you can refine your writing craft and develop industry-ready projects. You also have options to explore other advanced programmes in film, screen arts, media research, or related creative fields — both at IADT and through international collaborations that can offer unique master’s level opportunities.



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