What is Film Studies?
Film Studies is a relatively new subject area (by comparison with, say, English) which has emerged in Ireland over the past 15 years or so. It is concerned with the study of film primarily from critical and historical perspectives.
Upon its invention over 100 years ago, film quickly emerged as a powerful and popular entertainment form, indeed the first worldwide popular cultural form, a position it maintains to this day.
Film Studies examines the history of this form; from silent cinema through a wide range of national cinemas, influential individuals to the blockbuster and independent films of today. It also asks questions about the ‘who, what and why’ of representation in film, taking advantage of a range of critical insights which have emerged alongside the development of the medium.
What is distinctive about the BA with Film Studies at NUI Galway?
Films are not produced in a vacuum. Film analysis requires knowledge and understanding of the complex historical and cultural forces that shape them. The BA with Film Studies is unique in that it allows you not only to study film in an in-depth and comprehensive fashion but it also follows the study of film not only in an indepth traditional Arts Degree at the same time, adding depth and range to your study of film.
Why study Film Studies at NUIG?
The Huston School of Film & Digital Media is the designated centre for the study and production of moving images at NUI Galway. Named in honour of the Hollywood director John Huston and his illustrious family, who spent nearly 20 years living near Galway, it is one of the most respected centres of its kind in Ireland. Alongside its BA CONNECT programme it offers six Masters programs in film and related areas making it an ideal place to begin your study of film as an undergraduate. As well as a team of excellent teachers and teaching facilities for screen education, we have an unmatched DVD library and regular visits from noted film studies and film industry professionals.
What will I study on the course?
Expect to watch a lot of films! The course will examine a wide range of issues relating to the history and theory of cinema from its beginnings in the late 19th century to its current status in the digital age. We examine issues such as Hollywood cinema, various national cinemas including Irish and European, issues relating to gender, violence, genre and technology, to name but a few.
Why is Film Studies a four-year degree?
The BA with Film Studies is a four year degree to allow for the study of the chosen specialisation alongside the standard BA course structure. In Yrs 1 and 2 you will take a number of Film Studies classes alongside your other subjects. In the 3rd year you will be off campus for the 1st semester, either at a foreign university or on work placement, with the 2nd semester spent studying only your specialisation. In Yr 4 you will take no Film Studies classes but will complete a senior project with a film emphasis in your 2 major subjects.
What career options will a BA with Film Studies give me?
The short answer is that the degree is very much what you make of it. For a start, you will be ideally positioned for further studies in the Humanities. Film Studies graduates will find their training useful for careers in teaching, the media, journalism, arts criticism, work in the film and television sector and publishing, among many others. Not only will you acquire first-class knowledge of the subject, you will also develop crucial transferable skills. You will develop critical and historical thinking, how to write and synthesise information, as well as gaining an insight into the structures and economics of the entertainment industries among others.
What Arts subjects should I take with Film Studies?
The Film Studies specialism can be studied in combination with most available Arts subjects - timetable considerations permitting. The subject matter of Film Studies is particularly compatible with subjects such as English, Modern Languages, History and Classics. As Film Studies is an international subject it is an excellent companion to the study of a language such as Spanish, French, German, and Italian, which opens up additional possibilities for international placement in Third Year.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
We estimate in or around 400 points. Minimum Grade HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate including: Irish, English, another language and three other subjects is recognised for entry purposes.
For more information, please contact Course Director: Tony Tracy, Huston School of Film & Digital Media, NUI Galway tony.tracy@nuigalway.ie
