BA in Film and Television Production

film courses ireland
Type
Undergraduate
Duration
3 Years Full-Time
Validated by
QQI
Mode
Blended Learning / Full-Time / Part-Time
Campus
Dublin
NFQ Level
7
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Course Overview

This all-action course, with a huge focus on building practical skills, will help you direct the career of your dreams.

Please note: This course is only taking direct entry applicants into Year 3. If you are interested in joining a BA from Year 1 please see our new BA in Film, TV & Screen Media Production.

Delivered in association with Pulse College and Windmill Lane Recording Studios, this exciting course has been created for people who have a passion for filmmaking and storytelling on screen and have already started to experiment in these areas.

Take a look at our final year student projects to get a glimpse of what you can achieve on the course. 

Check out some of our students' work below!

 

Why Study Film and Television Production at Griffith College?

The BA Film and Television Production is conducted on a full-time basis over a three-year period. The aim of the course is to assist enthusiastic students in developing the essential practical skills and knowledge required to work in the dynamic area of film and television production.

  • The course is designed to follow the full cycle of the film production process
  • Gain skills in idea generation and development, writing for the screen and visual storytelling, financing projects, cinematography, directing, producing, sound recording, on and offline editing, VFX, and sales and distribution
  • Full access to industry standard equipment and facilities
  • Fully equipped TV studio
  • Digital cinematography equipment
  • Access to Avid Media Composer, ProTools and Adobe Suite
  • On location sound recording equipment
  • Access to production spaces
  • Direct connections with the film industry
  • 80% practical modules and 20% theoretical modules
  • Only open as Direct Entry into Year 3.

Intake Dates

Please note: This course is only taking direct entry applicants into Year 3. If you are interested in joining a BA from Year 1 please see our new BA in Film, TV & Screen Media Production.

Our next intake for this course will be:

  • September*

*subject to sufficient numbers.

What our students say

Griffith College Film and TV Student

I had a fantastic four years studying at Griffith College. I was given many opportunities to work on real film and TV sets as well as working with some of the best equipment and people in the industry within the college. I'd highly recommend Griffith College for anyone who is looking to learn and develop their skills to a much higher standard, within this creative industry.

Luke Tablot
BA in Film and TV Production

Course Details

The central purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television Production is to develop in learners the essential knowledge and practical and technical skills necessary to express their creativity and to develop their abilities to work in the dynamic film, TV and screen media industries. The primary approach of the programme is practical with an emphasis on active- earning and the implementation of industry-standard processes – all underpinned by a theoretical and contextual framework. Learners are equipped to work in live TV broadcast environments as well as to produce location-based, single or multi-camera film, TV and online content.

The programme equips learners to adapt to evolving industry needs. Throughout the programme, industry awareness is developed alongside creativity, concept development, an awareness of history and theory, storytelling, industry-standard software and the ability to work individually and as part of a group. Graduates of this NFQ Level 7 programme are equipped with skills that meet the needs of emerging and pre-existing industry demands for numerous roles. Upon completion of the programme, learners are able to apply, and further refine, their acquired knowledge to a variety of professional working environments.

  • Full access to industry-standard equipment and facilities
  • Fully equipped TV studio
  • Digital cinematography equipment
  • Access to Avid Media Composer, ProTools and Adobe Suite
  • On location sound recording equipment
  • Access to production spaces
  • Direct connections with the film industry
  • Only open as Direct Entry to Year 3

Year One - Not accepting applicants

Learners assemble relevant information and research to assist in idea generation in order to develop and create original images and to observe, record and respond, exploring a wide range of art, design and screen media practices.

This module aims to demystify the writing process by equipping learners with foundational writing skills aimed at improving their attention to clarity, coherence and detail. Emphasising the importance of expressing concepts clearly on the page, this module introduces learners to the research and presentation skills required to write clear and compelling stories that are essential to the developmental stages of the scriptwriting process.

This practical module is based on current industry best-practice in short form screen media content production and emulates industry processes to equip learners with the basic practical skills to produce short-form audio-visual branded content /commercial content for multi-platform distribution. Learners are introduced to the practical skills needed in each phase of screen media production (Pre-production and Post-production) and make informed, logical and creative decisions at every stage.

This module aims to provide learners with the fundamental skills vital to presenting and connecting with audiences either on or off camera. Learners are introduced to the essential production technologies in the multi-camera TV studio setting

Learners get to understand the importance of contextual references, to solve problems by applying knowledge and experience, to be able to initiate research and independently select media and to present a final major project and portfolio of work.

This module equips learners with an understanding of the universal principals of story and story structure in various modes, formats and genres of screen media production. The module goes into concepts fundamental to storytelling across a wide variety of distribution platforms. Learners discover how to structure stories develop narrative and character while also focusing on the skills necessary to communicate and connect with audiences as clients and consumers.

This module aims to equip the learner with the ability to produce engaging, coherent fiction ideas and to follow industry-standard workflows and processes through all stages of the film and screen media production cycle. This is a project-led, hands-on, practical module that aims to create a professional working environment conducive to individual and group learning.

The aim of the module is to enable learners to compare and contrast different historical periods and styles
in art and design, and understand their evolution through time. This subject area will also develop the
learner’s skills in visual analysis that will be required in other modules in the programme. The objectives are
to introduce learners to key historical styles and periods in European art and design from Neoclassicism
(c.1790) up to early Modernism (c.1914). Time will also be dedicated to academic referencing and essay
research

Year Two - Not accepting applicants

This module aims to equip learners with the ability to conceive strong, compelling narrative fiction and non-fiction ideas and to develop original material through all stages of the overall film and media production process. This is a project-led, hands-on, practical module that aims to create a professional working environment where learners are supported and facilitated by practising industry professionals
In meeting the module’s objectives:
  1. Learners are guided through the overall creative and technical production process by directing and producing a series of original short documentary and drama films.
  2. Learners are encouraged to make informed creative, logistical and technical decisions at every stage and, in this way, are equipped with the essential creative and technical elements necessary to generate and produce high-quality visual narratives

The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the fundamental production technologies in the multicamera TV studio setting. Learners are trained and tested – according to health and safety procedures – in each of these industry-standard TV studio technologies which includes rigging, set-up, operation and de-rigging.
The objectives of the module are that:
  1. Learners gain experience practising the skills necessary to perform the roles and responsibilities of each member of a TV studio crew.
  2. Learners also begin to develop their critical and creative skills in multicamera TV production.
  3. This module builds on the core single camera production skills gained on the first semester of the programme in the following modules: Production and Direction for Screen, Sound Recording and Production 1, Introduction to Production Design, Introduction to Cinematography and Introduction to Post-Production Editing 1

This module equips learners with foundational writing skills aimed at improving their attention to clarity, coherence and detail. Emphasising the importance of expressing concepts clearly on the page, this module introduces learners to the role and function of the key written materials required across the different phases of film and TV production in both fiction and non-fiction forms.
  • The first half of this module introduces learners to the core principles of how to write synopses, loglines, treatments and proposals for fiction and non-fiction. This stage of the module also engages with how to write pieces to camera and interview questions.
  • This module supports knowledge acquired in other modules (such as TV Studio Principles and Production and Direction for Screen) encountered at stage one of this programme
  • The second half of this module addresses the narrative requirements of story, genre, structure, character and dialogue. This culminates in learners generating and writing short dramatic scenes for the Production
    and Direction for Screen module in semester two of the programme.
  • Peer review of individual work and group pitching sessions bolster class interaction, build skills around verbal clarity and articulation, and reiterate the need for learners to write efficiently and precisely.
In this module weekly classes consist of lecture, tutorial, case study and practical writing exercises.

This module introduces seminal movements within the historical evolution of Irish, European and American cinema and TV, and in so doing, equips learners with a key analytical and contextual framework within which to deconstruct, analyse, and discuss, the origins and evolutions of screen content.
  • Encompassing the technological experiments of early filmmakers to the Renaissance of American filmmaking in the 1960s and the dawn of TV culture, this module breaks film and televisual history down into moments that have made significant contributions to the diverse forms of screen content that saturate contemporary culture.
  • Through rigorous discussion of landmark case studies and examples, learners are equipped with the skills to critically appraise and dissect audiovisual content for screen.
  • This module equips learners with the ability to articulate their own critical ideas around the role of film, TV, and related screen media in society.
  • Learners are encouraged to recognise film and televisual content as not only a series of movements or technical advances, but as an intersection of social, political, and production contexts that shift and evolve over time.
The themes explored across this module are reinforced and progressed by modules such as Screen Culture
and Theory, Research, Ethics and Audience, and Contemporary Audiovisual Culture

This module aims to provide learners with the fundamental concepts and skills necessary to analyse film, TV and other audiovisual media forms. By introducing learners to various approaches of analysis in terms of audiovisual production, narrative, aesthetics and reception, this module equips learners with the critical language necessary to thoughtfully engage with these forms. Comprised of case studies drawn from historical texts and contemporary media, emphasis is placed on applying theories and analytical frameworks to contemporary audiovisual culture.
The objectives of the module mean that there are four key components running throughout this module:
  • an introduction to audiovisual techniques that influence narrative and subjective agendas;
  • an overview of conventional modes of critical analysis;
  • an examination of documentary; and
  • an examination of audience and reception.

This module, aims for learners explore the elements of the art department as it relates to screen media. Focusing on the relationship between story, cinematography, and mise-en-scène, this module examines how these elements are intentionally placed within the filmic framework to ground the world of the narrative.
Objectives for the module:
  • Beginning with first principles, the subsequent weeks’ lectures draw back the curtain to identify the thought processes, strategies and crew roles and responsibilities that bring art direction to life. Topics covered include breaking a script down to storyboard out its constituent themes, look, and feel; exploring the options and drawbacks to set- and location-based work; as well as engaging with colour, lighting, costume, props and graphic design.
  • With these tools at hand, the final weeks of the course revert back to surveying narrative film and learners are required to present their own investigations into art direction on screen before expanding their understanding to the possibilities of VFX. As learners progress through the semester, the opportunity to bring their own short film work into the proceedings is encouraged.

This module aims to explore specialist technical skills in lighting and camera for digital filmmaking. It establishes core skills in camera operation, lighting technique and the handling of equipment. This module also aims to inform learners of the relationship between input to output screen resolutions, subsequent file formats and codecs used for best quality broadcasting to web-based usage.
The module’s objectives:
  • Through analysis of key case studies and practitioners, learners are equipped with a lucid understanding of cinematic aesthetics and styles and the vital role played by camera and lighting in visual storytelling for the screen.
  • Through a range of technical exercises, learners work in different roles in the camera crew to film short scenes, exercises which in turn support the films produced in the Production and Direction for Screen module.
  • Learners develop the ability to visually interpret scripts from a camera and lighting perspective and, in so doing, investigate the relationship between director, director of photography and other key heads of department.

This module aims to equip learners with a full working knowledge of the workflow in both the location sound and post-production sound departments.
The module’s objectives
  • Learners develop the practical skills necessary to achieve professional quality audio recordings for a variety of different types of screen media content. The location sound portion of this module includes basic audio theory combined with practical classes to enable learners to familiarise themselves with the equipment and techniques as well as the underlying theory used to capture professional quality audio.
  • This module provides learners with an introduction to audio post-production and sound design across a variety of screen media forms and modes.
  • Learners are encouraged to get as much practical hands-on time with the equipment as possible.
  • Learners are also encouraged to develop teamwork skills to help them support one another throughout the module.

This module aims to equip learners with proficiency in the basics of software used to edit digital video.
In meeting the modules objectives
  • Learners gain an understanding of the post-production workflow from viewing footage through to the creation of project deliverables.
  • This module also enables learners to take projects that have been conceived in the production and direction modules through to completion

This module aims to equip learners with a sound understanding of the basic technological aspects of interactive technologies within the overall context of interactive storytelling. It introduces learners to the core theoretical concepts and technologies for interactive storytelling.
The module’s objectives
  • Learners study practical examples of the use of interactive technologies in a narrative context, as well as their use in other related domains.
  • Within this module, learners use interactive technologies to create powerful innovate, interactive narrative experiences.

Year Three - Direct Entry Only

This module aims to have learners work independently to produce individual two-minute non-fiction documentary projects and also collaboratively as part of creative and logistical production teams to bring several short films, both fiction (5 minutes) and non-fiction, (5-7 minutes), through the various stages of pre-production, production/filming and post-production.
The module’s objectives
  • Learners gain experience and understanding of the director’s overall creative and technical process in visually interpreting and cinematically telling a story.
  • This module is designed to integrate other year two modules in both the assessment and realisation of the practical projects which serve to support the learners’ understanding of crew and production requirements for different modes of film and TV

The core aim of this module is to provide learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to produce content for screen.
The objectives of the module are:
  • To give learners a broad understanding of the key production concepts and practices required in the production environment.
  • To introduce the learner to film, TV and screen production principles and roles, and to provide an overview of the nature and scope of the production department and its role in successful production strategies.
  • Concentrating on both the practical and the conceptual facets of production for screen, learners gain insight into the process from development to research and from pre-production to production to post-production

The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the fundamental production technologies in the multicamera TV studio setting. Learners are trained and tested – according to health and safety procedures – in each of these industry-standard TV studio technologies which includes rigging, set- up, operation and de-rigging.

The objectives of the module are that:

  1. Learners gain experience practising the skills necessary to perform the roles and responsibilities of each member of a TV studio crew.

  2. Learners also begin to develop their critical and creative skills in multicamera TV production.

  3. This module builds on the core single camera production skills gained on the first semester of the programme in the following modules: Production and Direction for Screen, Sound Recording and Production 1, Introduction to Production Design, Introduction to Cinematography and Introduction to Post-Production Editing 1.

This module aims to build on the theoretical frameworks encountered at stage one of this programme and applies them to the context of contemporary culture and the implications of ubiquitous screens. By combining discussions of traditional forms of film and TV content with digital forms of storytelling and story-making, learners deepen and refine their skills in researching and presenting critical findings and readings, in both written and oral expression. Key areas of discussion include: an assessment of filmmaking techniques that impact audience reception across a variety of film and televisual forms; an overview of core frameworks for analysis of screen content and their relevance; and a focus on the impact of digital technologies on both film and TV.
The module’s objectives
  • Upon completion of this module, learners are able to coherently discuss the social and cultural impact of the evolution of traditional media, contemporary digital forms and modes of accessibility.
  • Learners identify the ways in which digital media has heralded unprecedented change in the media industries. They learn about the ways in which broadcasters have responded to the pressures of streaming, piracy and video on demand.
  • The module engages with ideas surrounding medium-specificity and the stylistic demands of particular media forms in terms of content, style, genre, delivery, target audience and impact.
  • The module builds on the historical content encountered at stage one of this programme, referring to film and TV history, as well as to key theoretical frameworks, to clarify and consolidate discussion of contemporary developments within the context of the history of screen cultures

This practical work placement module aims to equip learners with an understanding of the constantly changing screen media landscape and practically prepares them to segue into industry. Throughout the module, learners rigorously research, connect with, and progress into, a selected area of the film, TV or screen industry. In this way, this module directly contributes to the deepening of knowledge acquired in other modules across this programme, as well as supporting the overall programme learning outcomes.
The modules objectives:
  • This module is organised around two phases. Phase one involves learners acquiring essential knowledge in developing a framework for appropriate workplace communication, interaction and behaviour.
  • Writing and networking tasks encourage learners to research, select, and (upon approval from module lecturer) approach individual industry figureheads with a view towards securing a work placement in an individual production or post-production company / facility.
  • This section of the module also explores the legal and business requirements of operating in the screen media sector, and features a discussion of different company types and forms of employment including self-employment.
  • Phase two of this module involves a work or shadowing placement in a professional industry environment. During this time, learners are required to apply practical and interpersonal skills to a variety of real-world production scenarios.
  • Learners acquire advanced knowledge in their selected field of pursuit. This occurs in a supervised context and learners are required to submit a reflective logbook upon completion of the placement wherein they identify new learning and knowledge. In this way, the module enhances both the employability, and workplace readiness, of learners.
  • This module equips learners with the skills necessary to develop skills aimed at preparing participants to provide a business service to the creative industries.
  • The learners gain a working knowledge of the ethical and fiscal standards of professional bodies and a practical understanding of the complex legal implications of intellectual property in the film and TV industries.
  • Communication skills are honed by pitching projects and connecting with industry professionals to draw on their expertise and experience

This module aims to build on cinematographic learning outcomes from stage one of the programme to develop advanced competency and skills in the areas of camera operation, lighting design and critical and creative analysis of the role of cinematography within productions. This module builds on core technical skills in camera operation and lighting techniques for digital filmmaking and screen media production. Learners are able to manage the technical operation of digital cinematography cameras and can make informed, confident and creative decisions regarding exposure control (aperture, ISO and shutter speed/angle), white balance and frame composition. This module advances the learners’ knowledge of recording codecs, capture and output resolutions, and keep them up-to-date with industry standard formats in a constantly evolving field. Through practical demonstrations and exercises, learners develop their technical and creative lighting skills and apply them across their productions

Building on the audio recording skills and practices that learners have acquired in stage one of this programme, in this module, learners are introduced to more advanced practices, techniques and equipment in location sound recording. These techniques feed forward to assist both the editing and post-production sound departments. Consequently, learners begin to further enrich their knowledge and understanding of the nuances of post-production and sound design process. Learners are required to research, analyse and discuss case studies to support their ongoing learning in this module: this research is destined to support the evolution of their technical understanding, and creative decision-making, in their projects. Learners are also encouraged to gain as much practical hands-on time with sound recording equipment as possible, both inside and outside of class time

This module aims to expand the learners’ editing abilities, technical skills and creative engagement. This is achieved through study of the craft of editing taking examples from both fiction and non-fiction. Building on technical and creative skills acquired in the Editing and Post-production module at stage one of the programme, learners develop new skills and competencies in contemporary screen narrative practice and theory. Learners are equipped with skills that enable them to prepare, organise and create work using professional post-production workflows. The module aims are achieved through project-based learning exercises

Year Three Elective Modules

This module aims to builds on key writing concepts and abilities established at stage one of the programme to advance learner ability to conceive of, and write, strong, narrative fiction ideas for the screen. Over the course of the module, learners develop concepts and write short screenplays of different durations. Learners engage with central concepts surrounding character arc and development, story structure and progression, and genre. Additional assignments require learners to provide feedback and script editor reports on one another’s work thereby directly engaging with the development process at the heart of redrafting

This elective module aims to establish a clear foundation for all digital image-related understanding through practical demonstrations and historical contextualisation. Examination of landmark case studies and practitioners illustrate the artistry of visual effects and their diverse use within film and TV, with special emphasis placed upon the increasingly widespread use of what is an at-times almost “invisible” art. The goal of this module is to be less software specific, concentrating more on understanding the fundamental components that make up digital cinematography and how to manipulate them. Armed with this knowledge, the learner is able to problem-solve difficult shots and is better equipped to move with the rapidly changing landscape of visual effects software. From the outset, emphasis is placed upon the importance of planning, correct on-set acquisition and other considerations that support an understanding of both digital cinematography and visual effects production. In this way, practical demonstrations consistently reinforce the relationship between the possibilities of visual effects and storytelling across a variety of film and TV and screen modes

Timetables

How to Apply

Please note: This course is only taking direct entry applicants into Year 3. If you are interested in joining a BA from Year 1 please see our new BA in Film, TV & Screen Media Production.

Entry Requirements

5 O6/H7 grades, to include a language (English, Irish or another language).

Applicants to the programme must meet normal QQI requirements, Level 6 or equivalent, award on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Work experience/life experience: A CV that evidences a basic knowledge of digital editing software and post production workflow

Interview with Programme Director

English Language requirements

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

How to Apply

All applicants for Direct Entry to Year 3 must apply directly to the college.

Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):

If you are 23 years of age on or before the 1st January of the year you want to enter, you may apply as a mature student. Mature and part-time applicants must apply directly. Mature students will be asked for a copy of their passport. Part-time applicants under 23 years on 1st January will be asked for a copy of their passport, Leaving Certificate results / FETAC qualifications or equivalent and must meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme.

When our Admissions team receive your application they will be in contact with you directly.

If you wish to apply for advanced entry onto the course, please apply directly and a member of our team will be in contact with you to discuss your application.

Fees

For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.

Tuition Fees

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 3 fees only as we are only taking Direct Entry students into Year 3 of the course.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin 

EUR 7,600.00

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin 

Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Direct Debit Scheme

Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.

Sponsorship

Is your company paying for your course?

They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:

  • Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
  • Email: [email protected]

2% Learner Protection Charge

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

Progression

Academic Progression

Graduates of this course have the option to continue their studies at Griffith College, progressing into the final year of the BA (Hons) in Flm, TV and Screen Media Production, graduating with a Level 8 degree.

You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you

Career Progression

Through the BA in Film and Television Production you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong portfolio and developed strong studio & TV production skills. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:

  • Video Production Consultant
  • Production Manager
  • Field Producer
  • Script Development
  • Media Consultant
  • Cinematography
  • Sound Design
  • Screenwriting
  • Camera Operator
  • Location Manager

Ready to take the next step?