Film & Screen Media

Course Outline

Our MA in Film & Screen Media is a one-year taught course that offers students advanced-level critical skills in the discipline of Film & Screen Media, training in digital filmmaking, and transferrable IT/web skills.



This exciting MA combines film studies in theory, analysis, history and practice, with an emphasis on encouraging students’ academic skills and creativity (in critical writing; filmmaking; film/media journalism; cultural administration). Students will benefit from specialised tuition in the areas of film and screen media and digital filmmaking and may also avail of voluntary work for cultural projects and film festivals, such as the Fastnet Film Festival, Schull.



With its annual seminar series of visiting speakers and guest practitioners, as well as mentorship by resident UCC/Arts Council Film Artist, UCC Film & Screen Media gives students ample opportunities to meet and be taught by professionals and experts. We are also the only Irish partner in the European University Film Award — an award of the European Film Academy (EFA) and Filmfest Hamburg presented and voted for by university students across Europe — with one student gaining the opportunity to travel to Germany to participate in the Awards.



Course Content

The MA in Film & Screen Media is a 90-credit course with both a taught and a research component. Students take core modules and a selection of optional modules and complete either a traditional research dissertation or a practice-based project under expert supervision.



You can opt to complete a practice-based project, incorporating a short film/visual project and a reflective piece (40 credits) or a 16,000-word research-based dissertation (40 credits).



Our students avail of specialised tuition in the areas of film and screen media and digital filmmaking, and benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, that include a large screen and surround sound system; Apple™ lab; digital cameras, and industry-standard filmmaking equipment; and teaching and performance space, all located in the heart of one of the most beautiful University campuses in Ireland.



Placement or Study Abroad Information

Students may have opportunities to avail of volunteering work with one of our Industry partners (Cork Film Festival; Schull Fastnet Film Festival; European University Film Award - EUFA).

Your can avail of a selection of option modules, in film studies, in filmmaking, in cultural/film studies, as well as a core module that offers advanced-level studies in film and screen media. In total students take 90 credits as follows:



Part I

FX6010 Irish Cinema: History, Contexts, Aesthetics (10 credits)

FX6017 Film and Screen Cultures and Industries (20 credits)

FX6018 Research Methodologies Seminar (10 credits)



plus 10 credits from the following:

GE6020 Questions of Adaptation and Adoption: ReWritings/ReViewings/ReReadings (10 credits)

FX6014 Introduction to Creative Practice (10 credits)**

MU6037 Music and Cinema (10 credits)



Part II

FX6016 Dissertation in Film and Screen Media Studies (40 credits) OR

FX6019 Creative Practice Project (40 credits)



Notes:

*CS6104 and CS6504 must be taken together. Maximum 6 FX students.



**FX6014 is an introductory module designed only for students that have not previously studied practical filmmaking.



Notes

- *FX6014 is an introductory module designed only for students who have not previously studied practical filmmaking.

- Not all optional modules may be available in a given year.

Requirements

An applicant will have a Second Class Honours, Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8 or equivalent) in the Humanities. Successful applicants will normally have evidence of successful performance in undergraduate modules taken in Film Studies and/or Media Studies and/or practical/professional expertise or qualification in the area.



Applications from students with a Second Class Honours, Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8 or equivalent) in a suitable subject may be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). These applicants may be requested to submit a proposal and/or attend an interview.



All candidates must satisfy a Selection Committee and must provide two written references.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

1 year full-time.

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

Our MA students can avail of a range of modules that combine theory/analysis with practice. The emphasis is on equipping you with transferrable skills in digital filmmaking, IT, and writing. Film and Screen Media offers a dynamic interface with the Industry and you can avail of cultural industry placements as well as masterclasses and tuition from industry professionals.



What can I do after I graduate with an MA in Film Studies?

Graduates of our master’s degree have developed careers in media and filmmaking, in cultural industries (including the programming and administration work with major film festivals); second and third-level teaching/lecturing; journalism (national and international); and library information. While studying for the MA in Film & Screen Media students have the opportunity to avail of placements within the Industry that will equip them with transferable skills and professional experience.



Occupations associated with the MA in Film Studies degree:

Film and Media Industries

Cultural industries

Journalism

Teaching

Academia

Event management

Public Sector