Film Studies

The aim of this four-year, full-time (six-year, part-time) research programme is the generation of a contribution to knowledge and understanding in Film, Television and Digital Media by means of academic research. During the programme, students receive training in research methods and complete a thesis based on a key research question. The length of the thesis is normally 60,000 to 80,000 words. The duration of research is usually four years.

The Huston School of Film & Digital Media encourages PhD degree applications, its involvement is in collaboration with other disciplines within Arts; students undertaking doctoral studies in film will be supervised by a small team led by the Huston School but also involving an existing discipline of the university (e.g., English, French, History, Information Technology, Sociology and Politics for example) depending on the topic of their research. 

Areas of interest

• Irish film (all aspects) 
• Irish language and film 
• Cultural identity and the media 
• Adaptation and intertextuality 
• American cinema 
• Irish American cinema 
• Representing Sport 
• Godard 
• Film and Form 
• Silent Film 
• Low-budget and independent cinema 
• European cinema 
• Queer Cinema
• Migrant cinema
• Cinema and Space 

Requirements

• You'll need to submit a research proposal along with your application.  This application will take two steps:
• A potential supervisor must review and approve
• Submit your applicaton through the online PAC system.
• A candidate must have reached a high Honours Standard (or equivalent international qualification), at the Examination for the Primary Degree, or presented such other evidence as will satisfy the Director of the Huston School, the Head of School of Humanities and the College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies of his/her fitness.
• Minimum Grade Required 3.8 CGPA
• All applicants, whose first language is not English, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language. IELTS 6.5. TOEFL 92
• A personal statement
• Transcripts
• CV

The Film Studies program at the National University of Ireland offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees for domestic students are generally set according to the regulations of the Irish Higher Education Authority and are subject to annual updates. International students should expect higher tuition rates, which are also determined by university policies and government regulations. To assist students with financing their studies, the university provides several scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards, need-based grants, and specific scholarships for international students. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden and enable talented students to pursue their passion for film and media studies without excessive economic constraints.

In addition to scholarships, the university collaborates with various agencies and industry partners to offer bursaries, paid internships, and part-time work opportunities within related fields. These initiatives provide practical experience and financial support simultaneously. Students are encouraged to explore government-funded student loan schemes available through the Irish government, which offer favorable repayment terms for eligible applicants. The university’s financial aid office also provides guidance on application procedures for funding opportunities, budgeting, and financial planning, ensuring students are well-informed about available resources.

Overall, the combination of tuition policies, scholarship programs, industry partnerships, and government loans constitutes a comprehensive financing framework for students enrolled in the Film Studies program at the National University of Ireland. Prospective and current students should regularly check the university’s official website and contact the financial aid office for updated information regarding specific amounts, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. This multidimensional approach aims to make higher education in film studies accessible and affordable for a diverse student body, fostering academic excellence and creative development without undue financial hardship.

The National University of Ireland offers a comprehensive Film Studies program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the history, theory, and practice of cinema. The program aims to develop critical analysis skills and practical filmmaking abilities, equipping graduates for careers in the media and entertainment industries, academia, or related fields. Students engage with a wide range of film genres, national cinemas, and theoretical frameworks, exploring topics such as narrative structures, auteur theory, documentary filmmaking, and digital media. The curriculum often includes modules on film history, analysis, production techniques, screenwriting, and media ethics. Practical workshops enable students to acquire hands-on experience in directing, editing, and cinematography, fostering creative expression and technical proficiency. In addition, the program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating cultural studies, philosophy, and communications to provide a well-rounded perspective on cinema’s role in society. Students may have opportunities for internships, film festivals, and collaborations with industry professionals, enhancing their practical skills and employment prospects. The faculty comprises experienced scholars and industry practitioners who provide mentorship and up-to-date insights into the evolving media landscape. Graduates from the program have gone on to work in film production, broadcasting, journalism, academia, and digital media. The program is typically offered at the university’s main campus and is structured to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. Overall, the Film Studies program at the National University of Ireland offers a rigorous academic environment that combines theoretical inquiry with practical application, preparing students to analyze, produce, and critique films in a global context.