Prospective Students

Degree Information:

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.

School of Communications is pleased to announce a deadline extension for application to bursary awards for two of its programmes, MA in Film and Television and the MSc in Science Communication. One applicant to each programme will receive an award of €2000 based on the quality of the applicant's achievements and their personal statement, or 'statement of intent'.

This statement is part of the standard application process through the Postgraduate Applications Centre, a one-page rationale for why they want to do the particular course. The bursary competition is open to all applicants otherwise eligible for each masters' degree programme. Applications must be in by 5pm on August 20th 2012.

Aims and Objectives:

• 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.

Programme Structure:

This one year, full-time 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.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

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.

Career Prospects:

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.

Entry Requirements:

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. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be able to book their interview through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) website (www.pac.ie).

Dates for Submission of Applications 2013

EU Applicants
Applications are invited up to 31st July 2013. Applications received or completed after 31st July may be considered if further places remain on the programme. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview.

Non-EU Applicants
Applications are invited up to 15th July 2013. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)
When applying for this programme use the PAC code DC602 for the full-time programme and DC603 for the part-time programme.

Queries on completed applications should be forwarded to registry.pac@dcu.ie

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)