BA [Hons] Film

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Film at the National Film School at IADT is a practice-focused degree that allows students to explore filmmaking across drama, documentary and experimental forms while developing a strong personal creative voice. It is well suited to students who are passionate about visual storytelling and want hands-on experience in film production, theory and professional practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations in Film and Storytelling

In the first year, students build a strong grounding in filmmaking through modules such as Silent Cinema, Screen Skills 1 and 2, Telling Stories, and Hollywood Cinema and TV History. The focus is on learning core production techniques, understanding film language, and beginning to develop confidence in visual storytelling through practical projects.

Year 2: Developing Creative and Technical Skills

Year two expands students’ creative range with modules including Documentary Development, Visual Drama Production and Post Production, and European Cinema Past and Present. Students explore different film forms while strengthening their technical skills and critical understanding of cinema within a wider cultural and historical context.

Year 3: Professional Practice and Industry Experience

In third year, students prepare for the realities of the film industry through a Professional Placement and modules such as Business and Entrepreneurship for Creative Practice and Irish Film History Past and Present. Alongside industry exposure, students begin more focused research and creative work that supports their developing specialisation.

Year 4: Major Creative Projects

The final year is centred on independent creative practice through the Minor Project, Major Project and Thesis. Students produce substantial original film work that reflects their artistic identity and professional readiness, creating a strong portfolio for employment or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Film production across drama, documentary and experimental forms, screen storytelling, cinematography and editing, creative research, critical film studies, and professional portfolio development.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong practical filmmaking skills, the ability to work collaboratively and independently, critical and creative thinking, professional awareness of the screen industries, and a portfolio of original work suitable for entry into film and media careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree within Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications and provides a strong foundation for employment in the screen industries or progression to postgraduate study.

Reputation (Employability and Recognition)

IADT’s National Film School has an international reputation and has been recognised by leading industry publications as one of the world’s top film schools. Graduates have gone on to achieve success at major international film festivals and within the global film and television industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is central to the BA (Hons) Film at the National Film School, IADT, where students develop practical skills by actively making films throughout the programme. From the beginning of the course, students work in professional production environments, gaining confidence with industry-standard equipment, collaborating with peers, and learning how real film projects are developed from concept to screen. As students progress, learning increasingly reflects professional practice, preparing them for work in the screen industries.

This hands-on approach is supported through a wide range of practical opportunities and facilities, including:

Purpose-built film and television studios within the National Film School, including HD-capable studios, green screen facilities, control rooms, radio studios, a scene dock and newsroom
Access to professional camera, lighting and sound equipment used across drama, documentary and experimental film projects
Digital editing and post-production facilities with advanced Mac and PC workstations
Regular collaborative projects where students work in crews, gaining experience in directing, cinematography, sound, editing and production roles
A compulsory professional placement in Year 3, allowing students to gain real industry experience and build professional networks
Opportunities to study abroad through Erasmus exchanges during Years 2 or 3
Access to IADT’s library and learning resources supporting film theory, research and creative development

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Film at IADT move into a wide range of creative roles across the film and screen industries, using the strong practical and storytelling skills developed throughout the programme. Alumni commonly work as filmmakers, editors, cinematographers and producers, contributing to film, television and digital media projects in Ireland and internationally:

Career outcomes: Graduates find work across film and television production, directing, cinematography, editing, production coordination, documentary filmmaking and content creation for broadcast and online platforms.
University support for employment: IADT’s Careers Service provides tailored careers guidance, portfolio and CV support, interview preparation and access to industry opportunities, supporting students during their studies and after graduation.
Industry connections: The National Film School has long-standing links with the screen industries, and its graduates have achieved recognition at major international film festivals, helping students build credibility and professional networks.
Accreditation and long-term value: This programme is an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree, supporting long-term career development and recognised progression within the creative industries.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni from the National Film School work across Ireland’s film and television sector as well as in international production, post-production and creative media roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates who wish to continue their studies can progress to postgraduate programmes in film and screen disciplines. IADT offers pathways into master’s level study such as screenwriting and creative production, allowing students to further specialise, develop advanced projects and strengthen their professional profile for senior creative or academic routes.