M.A. in Film and Television Studies

In the digital, cable and satellite age, film and television play an increasingly diverse role in the audiovisual and communications industry. This programme offers an in-depth study of Irish cinema and television from historical, cultural, social and economic perspectives.

If you have an interest in the audiovisual sector, either through your undergraduate studies, extra-curricular activities or simply through consuming film and television, this is a dynamic and unique Irish course. Our students often hold a primary degree in the humanities and social sciences but we are open to considering students from other backgrounds and those in employment, such as teachers, who want to utilise a career break or leave of absence.

Because of the complex issues raised in addressing questions of national identity, in what is perhaps the most resolutely international of all cultural industries, particular importance will be attached to the study of the concept of 'national cinema' in Ireland.

• To provide students with an intensive and rigorous grounding in film and television studies from a contemporary cultural perspective.
• To analyse the impact on Ireland of audiovisual policy in Europe and 'national cinema' developments in Europe, Australia and developing countries.
• To understand how and why Ireland and the Irish have appeared as they do on screen.
• To gain an insight into the inner workings of the Irish film and television industries and how this relates to the increasingly globalised international audiovisual arena.
• To bring critical perspectives into line with recent major developments in film studies, which have emphasised film-making and television production as social and economic institutions.

This programme comprises modules that are taught for two to three hours per week. Assessment is by course work and examination, and a dissertation must also be completed.

The programme is also available on a two year, part-time basis.

The course is unique in that it treats film and television simultaneously, recognising the web of connections between the two screen industries.

The course is also unique in Ireland in its treatment of film and television as both art forms and industries. Filmic and televisual texts are thus studied as texts and as commodities.

The course also offers practical skills-based modules on digital video and audio production, and in screen-writing.

The MA in Film and Television is taught through one of the handful of Irish university departments which is exclusively focused on the study of media and communications. As a consequence our modules are taught by specialists in the field using state-of-the-art production technologies, teaching methodologies and course materials.

Graduates from the course can expect to find employment in a range of media-related industries. Past graduates are employed in media institutions including RTE, TV3, the Irish Film Board and the European Union Media Desk. A number have gone into production companies either as employees or, in some cases, after having established their own production companies.

A significant number of graduates have also remained in academia, to complete doctoral degrees (in DCU and elsewhere), and from there to working as film/media studies lecturers.

Successful applicants will normally possess a good honours degree in the Humanities or Social Sciences or an equivalent qualification.

Assessment by Interview

Candidates should note that an interview is part of the selection process for this programme. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be available for interview.