MA Film and Screen Media

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Cork UCC

Program Overview

The MA in Film and Screen Media at University College Cork is a one-year, full-time program that blends advanced film theory with hands-on digital filmmaking and creative practice. It suits students who want to combine critical analysis with practical skills, preparing for careers in film, media, cultural industries, or further academic research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, one year)
Students begin with core modules that establish advanced knowledge in film studies and screen cultures. Courses such as Irish Cinema: History, Contexts, Aesthetics (FX6010) and Film and Screen Cultures: Form, Representations and Identities (FX6021) explore cinema’s historical and cultural dimensions. Alongside these, Research Methodologies Seminar (FX6018) equips students with academic tools for both critical writing and creative projects.

Optional modules allow students to tailor their learning. For example, Introduction to Creative Practice (FX6014) provides filmmaking training for those new to production, while Music and Cinema (MU6037) examines the interplay between sound and image. Students also engage with Archives and Appropriation: Preservation and Creative Reuse (FX6022), which emphasizes film heritage and innovative reuse of archival material.

Final Project (Summer term)
The program culminates in either a traditional dissertation (FX6016) or a creative practice project (FX6019). The dissertation involves a 16,000-word research thesis, while the creative project combines a short film or visual portfolio with a reflective essay. Both options are supervised by UCC’s expert faculty and supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including digital cameras, Apple™ labs, and industry-standard editing equipment.

Focus Areas

Film theory, screen cultures, Irish cinema, digital filmmaking, archives and preservation, adaptation, music and cinema, creative practice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

Develop advanced critical and analytical skills in film and screen media.
Gain practical expertise in digital filmmaking and creative projects.
Acquire transferable skills in IT, writing, and cultural administration.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is aligned with Ireland’s growing film industry and cultural sector, offering placements and voluntary work with partners such as the Cork Film Festival, Fastnet Film Festival, and the European University Film Award (EUFA).

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCC is consistently ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide (QS World Rankings), with strong recognition in arts and humanities.
The program’s unique blend of theory and practice, plus mentorship from the UCC/Arts Council Film Artist in Residence, ensures graduates are well-positioned for careers in film, media, journalism, teaching, and cultural industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of the MA in Film and Screen Media at UCC is how much of your learning happens through hands-on practice and immersion in professional environments. You won’t just study film theory — you’ll actively create, edit, and screen your own projects using industry-standard tools. The program is designed to give you both academic depth and practical expertise, supported by UCC’s state-of-the-art facilities and strong links with Ireland’s film industry.

Here’s how you’ll gain real-world skills and experience:

Specialist editing labs: Two fully equipped labs with professional applications such as Final Cut Pro X, Da Vinci Resolve, Fade-in, and Logic Pro X. These labs are available to all MA students and provide the same tools used in professional film production.
Apple Authorised Training Centre: UCC’s Department of Film and Screen Media is officially recognised as an Apple Authorised Training Centre for Education, ensuring you receive certified-level training in digital filmmaking software.
Screening facilities: A large auditorium with a state-of-the-art 9.1 Cinema Surround Sound system and projection equipment, used for seminars, masterclasses, and screenings of student and professional films.
Film equipment access: Students have direct access to cameras, sound recording gear, and production equipment, enabling them to produce short films and creative projects as part of coursework.
Group projects and creative practice: Modules such as Introduction to Creative Practice and Archives and Appropriation encourage collaborative filmmaking, where students work together to design, shoot, and edit projects.
Industry engagement: Opportunities to connect with the Cork Film Festival, Fastnet Film Festival, and European University Film Award (EUFA), offering exposure to Ireland’s vibrant film culture.
Artist in Residence: Mentorship from the UCC/Arts Council Film Artist in Residence, who guides students through creative projects and provides professional insights.
Library and archives: Full access to the Boole Library and UCC’s film archives, supporting both research dissertations and creative practice projects.

This program ensures you graduate not only with advanced critical knowledge but also with the practical filmmaking skills, industry connections, and creative confidence to thrive in the cultural and media sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in Film and Screen Media at UCC are well-prepared for diverse roles in the cultural and creative industries. Many go on to careers as Film Programmers, Media Journalists, Cultural Administrators, and Digital Content Creators, while others pursue filmmaking or academic research. The program’s unique mix of theory and practice ensures you graduate with both critical insight and professional skills.

Here’s how UCC supports your future success:

University career services: The UCC Career Services team provides tailored support, including employer networking events, CV workshops, and one-to-one guidance for arts and humanities graduates.
Employment stats: UCC consistently reports strong graduate outcomes, with over 90% of postgraduates employed or in further study within a year of graduation.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from collaborations with the Cork Film Festival, Fastnet Film Festival, and European University Film Award (EUFA), offering exposure to Ireland’s vibrant film culture and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Long-term accreditation value: The program’s recognition as an Apple Authorised Training Centre for Education ensures graduates leave with certified-level digital filmmaking skills valued worldwide.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni have progressed into roles in film criticism, festival programming, cultural policy, and creative production, while others have pursued doctoral research in film and media.

Further Academic Progression

After completing the MA in Film and Screen Media, students can continue their studies at UCC through PhD research in Film and Screen Media, supported by the university’s strong research culture and facilities. Graduates also have the option to pursue advanced interdisciplinary programs in Digital Humanities, Cultural Policy, or Media Studies, building on the critical and creative foundation of the MA.