Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Film and Documentary

A three-year Level 8 honours degree for those interested in developing a career in film, documentary, television and the audiovisual sector. This programme is designed to provide a specialised knowledge of the history, theory and practical working of documentary and filmmaking. Embedded in the programme is the opportunity for ethical and philosophical discourse with regard to representation, media and new technologies.

The practical and technical skills options include such specialist areas as screenwriting, editing, sound, production design, cinematography, VFX (visual effects) and knowledge of the planning, budgeting and management requirements involved in shooting and delivering film and documentary projects. The programme has strong links with the audiovisual industry, including the Galway Film Centre.

Are you visually minded and curious about the world and society? Do you have a strong interest in films and how stories are constructed? Do you enjoy working as part of a team and developing ideas? This course involves working with both technology and people, so it will suit people who seek to challenge themselves, enjoy developing ideas and who can apply themselves to production deadlines.

Studying Film and Documentary will provide you with a specialised knowledge of the history, theory and practical working of documentary and filmmaking. The practical components include such specialist areas as screenwriting, editing, sound, production design, cinematography, 4D Design and knowledge of the planning, budgeting, and management requirements involved in shooting and delivering film and documentary projects.

This course involves working with both technology and people, so it will suit those who seek to challenge themselves, enjoy developing ideas, and who can apply themselves to production deadlines.

Studying Film and Documentary will provide you with a specialised knowledge of the history, theory and practical working of documentary and filmmaking. The practical components include such specialist areas as screenwriting, editing, sound, production design, cinematography, 4D Design and knowledge of the planning, budgeting, and management requirements involved in shooting and delivering film and documentary projects. 

Graduates will be equipped with a more considered set of specialist skills which will strongly position them to enter the competitive world of film and documentary, both nationally and internationally.

Career opportunities include: 

• Screenwriter, Script Editor, Researcher 
• Editor; Assistant Editor, Post-Production Co-ordinator 
• Audio - Location Sound Recordist, Post-production Sound Designer, Foley Artist 
• Production Designer, Art Director, Props, Set Dresser, Model Makers 
• Cinematographer, Camera Assistant, Data Wrangler, Script Supervisor 
• VFX - Compositor, Environmental Artist, CGI Artist, Rotoscope Artist Motion design/Matchmoving, VFX Supervisor 
• Production – Producers, Production Manager, Production  Co-ordinator, Assistant Director, Locations Manager 
• Director 

Entry Requirments
Leaving Certificate entry requirements for the Level 8 Honours Degree programme is Grade O6/H7 or higher in six (6) Leaving Certificate subjects including Mathematics, English or Irish. Two of the six subjects must be passed in higher-level papers at Grade H5 or higher with a minimum of 160 points.

Foundation Studies Certificate or any FETAC Level 5/6 award with three Distinctions will also meet the minimum entry requirements for Level 8 Honours Degree. 

Mature applicants 
Mature applicants (EU nationals aged 23 on or before January in the year of entry), do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements. It is Institute policy to reserve a minimum of 10% of places on each programme for such applicants. Mature applicants holding the Leaving Certificate can also compete independently on points within the standard application group.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning can be used to gain entry to years 2 or higher, or gain exemptions in accordance with Code of Practice No. 6 (Policy and Procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning). Prior learning can be certified or experiential and will be assessed in accordance with the code.

Holders of relevant Level 7 qualifications will be considered for entry to Year 2 of this programme.

FETAC
A minimum of 5% of places will be reserved for those with a full FETAC award.

Contact Us

Jill Bearsdworth - Programme Chair

Tel: +35391742722
Email: jill.beardsworth@atu.ie

School of Design & Creative Arts

Tel: +353 (0) 91 770661