What is Film & Media Studies?
Film and Media studies allows students to develop marketable skills through the analysis of film, television, and new media. Students pursuing careers in film and media will study these texts through a critical lens by examining their theoretical, cultural, and historical impact.
What 3rd Level Courses are Available?
- Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Film Studies – the study of film and television as pieces of literature to be critically analyzed.
- Film Production – the study of how films and television are produced and distributed.
- Screenwriting – the study of creative writing for the stage and screen.
Studying Film & Media in College
Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational principles of film and media, including film creation, production, and distribution.
Depending on the focus of their film & media studies, students will likely move from exam-based modules to more hands-on production modules. Most media studies courses will combine lectures, exams, production projects, and written practical work as benchmark assessments for students.
Most undergraduate Film and Media courses in Ireland run for three or four years. In some cases universities will facilitate work or internship experience as a facet of their program.
It is common that all media-based courses will require students to complete long-term research or production projects including a final Capstone project. This will ensure the completion of a rigorous curriculum and prepare students for postgraduate studies or for their careers in film and media.
A bachelor’s degree in media studies is adequate for many careers in film and media. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working in film and television development, sound and picture editing, or animation.
Career Options
Graduating from college with a degree in film and media studies will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set. A media degree teaches students how to think both logically and creatively as well as equipping them with invaluable production and communication skills.
Many recent graduates have entered into ‘entry-level’ careers in film and media working as film and television developers, broadcasters and TV presenters, and as social media managers.
Other jobs that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for.
Related Jobs Include:
- News Broadcaster
- Film and Television Editor
- Producer
- Market Researcher
- TV Presenter
- Public Relations Officer
- Screenwriter
- Content Producer / Editor
- Sound Technician
- Director / Actor
Further Study
An undergraduate degree in Film and Media studies is often the first step towards further postgraduate study. Postgraduate students will often specialize in film production or analysis, depending on their desired career path after college.
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
- What points do I need to study Film and Media?
- Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best that you check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, English, Irish or another language.
- Are there any particular qualities you need to study Film and Media?
- Students interested in careers in film and media will need to enjoy media and culture as well as have a desire to work creatively in a challenging job market. You will need to be collaborative, innovative, perceptive and curious as well as being able to successfully communicate your own ideas and opinions.
- Where can I study Film and Media?
- Explore your options here.
Did You Know?
- The Great Train Robbery, released in 1903, is considered to be the first narrative fiction film! With a run-time of under 12 minutes, the film was produced by Thomas Edison’s Edison Studios.
- As of September 2020, the highest grossing film of all time was Avengers: Endgame earning over $3 billion at the box office.
- The very first drive-in movie theatre opened in Camden, New Jersey in June of 1933!
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