Stories, Skills and Sustainability

Northern Ireland Screen is the screen agency for Northern Ireland. We are committed to maximising the economic, cultural, and educational value of the screen industries for the benefit of Northern Ireland.

Our three economic, cultural, and educational objectives are:

1. For Northern Ireland to have the strongest screen industry outside of London in the UK and Ireland;
2. To ensure the industry supports vibrant and diverse cultural voices that will be recognised and celebrated equally at home and abroad;
3. To mainstream the most successful screen and digital technologies education provision in Europe across Northern Ireland.

Our values are:

• Act as a champion for the screen industries in Northern Ireland
• Deliver an integrated strategy tying together economic, cultural and educational objectives
• Prioritise interventions that deliver the widest reach and contribute positively to social inclusion, diversity and equality
• Embrace all screen product
• Be customer facing and build on previous success.

Our education priorities deliver significant benefits both in terms of wider educational attainment and in terms of specific vocational skills.

We continue to deliver a broad range of activities and programmes through:

• Creative Learning Centres – the three CLCs support schools to innovate with digital technologies, creative learning techniques and new approaches to learning.
• Into Film – ensures that moving image has an important role to play in delivering a broad and balanced curriculum and is used by educators to bring subjects alive, develop key skills and broaden pupils’ access to culture.
• CCEA – we support Moving Image Arts through the annual awards and teacher training as we view it as one of the most significant first building blocks to the screen industries.
• Careers and Work Experience – we deliver unrivalled year-round industry work experience through ScreenWorks and Screen Academies for young people aged 14–19 that provides visibility and understanding of the jobs available in screen industries.
• Cinemagic – maximises the impact and reach of the screen industries to educate, motivate and inspire children and young people through film education programmes, festival screenings and masterclasses.
• Kippie – offers free courses to encourage young people aged 10–14 to consider a career in the video game industry, introducing students to the skills needed to make their own computer game.

A new Digital Skills Action Plan for 2024–34 has been recently launched so we want to reach more schools, teachers and young people. But our work can only be successful in enthusiastic partnership with schools so please reach out and work with us as we aim to provide opportunities for young people, regardless of background or circumstances, to experience, learn and develop creative and digital skills.

David McConnell
Head of Education, Northern Ireland Screen
Email: [email protected]

For further information visit www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk.

Nerve Centre

Nerve Centre was established in 1990 in Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland to provide a creative outlet for youth culture and the many young people who felt excluded from the arts sector.

Since then it has become many things to many people, from nurturing new music and film talent to its award winning creative learning activities and culturally significant projects. But one thing remains, its commitment and passion to transform lives through creativity.

More than 120,000 people a year benefit from Nerve Centre’s wide ranging programme of arts events, cutting edge projects, community relations activities, training opportunities, and industry standard production facilities.

For further information visit www.nervecentre.org.

Nerve Centre Creative Learning

Our Creative Learning Centres in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry exist to innovate and develop digital literacy and purposeful creative skills in children and young people, teachers, and communities.

We endeavour to build confidence and capacity within every organisation we work with so that skills are developed among key staff allowing programmes to remain sustainable beyond our involvement.

We also aim to stimulate the creativity and innovation of Northern Ireland’s young people and provide them with the skills to become active participants in the economy. Every year we run a wide-ranging programme of workshops and courses after school or in the evenings and during school holidays. For our latest opportunities visit our website.

Our Post-Primary programme offers support for schools and training opportunities for teachers to develop creative approaches to teaching and learning at Key Stage 3 as well as specialist support for subjects and qualifications including Moving Image Arts, Music, Technology, ICT and Media Studies.

Areas that we can support include:

1. Support for teachers and/or schools new to or considering introducing Moving Image Arts at GCSE or A level;
2. Opportunities for teachers to develop the creative use of technology within a subject area;
3. Opportunities to work collaboratively with other departments to develop cross-curricular programmes;
4. Enrichment programmes that provide first steps in a progression route into the BFI Academy, our NI Screen Academies and the Creative Industries;
5. Support to use our Shortcut films and resources within and across the curriculum.

NI Screen Academies

Delivered by the Nerve Centre on behalf of Northern Ireland Screen, Screen Academies provide training, mentorship and exposure to the film, TV, Animation, Games and VFX industry for young people aged 16–19 who are not currently at, or enrolled in, university. Local industry professionals share their expert knowledge and lead the hands-on industry standard training.

The Screen Academies are divided into unique areas focusing on the key industries of creative production in Northern Ireland. Each Academy will provide you with hands-on industry standard experience through a mix of practical learning, online tutorials, activities, and assignments.

Throughout each of the Academies you will build on your own experience and skills and develop your portfolio to make you more employable in the creative sector.

To find out more and apply for upcoming Academies and workshops visit screenacademiesni.org.

Animation Academy

The Foundation Academy for Animation is a unique training programme focusing on 2D animation skills which are currently in demand in the industry. As a participant you will be introduced to the animation production process, learn about the diverse job roles within the industry, have the opportunity to create your own animation using Adobe Animate and receive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals working in the industry.

The Animation Academy is supported by Northern Ireland’s leading animation companies Paper Owl, Sixteen South, JAM Media, Dog Ears and ALT Animation. Participants will be given an opportunity to visit at least one major animation studio in Northern Ireland, network and be inspired by local industry professionals.

Games Academy

The Games Development Academy is a unique training programme which focuses on the core technical skills around computer game development and production. As a participant you will be introduced to the core facets of the games development process, from idea generation and refinement through to technical skills, before having the opportunity to create your own piece of work under the guidance of industry professionals. Participants last year had the opportunity to visit the bustling working environment of one of the largest local games development studios, Hypixel Studios in Derry~Londonderry.

The Games Development Academy is not just for Coders! If you are interested in Coding, Art, Animation, Storytelling, or simply Game Design, we want you to get involved. You may already have a skillset that can be effectively applied in the Games Industry!

VFX Academy

The Northern Ireland Screen VFX Academy offers training in the key creative and technical skills involved in VFX post-production. Gain experience and understanding on industry standard software such as Nuke, Blender, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects. Learn about how to prepare for and shoot for VFX, compositing, motion graphics, green/blue screen techniques and create visual effects as well as hear from those who are working in the industry, receive industry feedback and guidance on your career throughout the course.

All training is delivered by industry professionals working at the forefront of the VFX industry in Northern Ireland who are keen to see the industry grow with local talent.

This year we are excited to be working with Belfast Met to offer participants a visit to a Virtual Production studio with the chance to code and operate the brain of this set up. The VFX industry is moving fast and our academy is keeping up with that change. The Visual Effects Academy allows you to stretch your imagination, get creative and learn about the diverse job roles within the industry, with an opportunity to establish where your skills or aptitudes may lie.

BFI Film Academy

BFI Film Academy offers 16–25-year-olds anywhere in the UK opportunities to get to know more about film and how to make a career in the screen industries. A range of accessible activities, courses, workshops and events offer opportunities for those wanting to test the water through to those keen to hone their skills through our friends at Film Hub NI. The BFI Film Academy offer in Northern Ireland includes:

1. Short Courses in Film Production
2. LAB Industry Led Events
3. SCENE Networking Events
4. RECOMMENDS Screening Events
5. Specialist Residential Opportunities (UK wide)

The BFI Film Academy short courses are 12-week production courses to help train and inspire the next generation of filmmakers. The programmes have been delivered over the last 10 years at the Creative Learning Centres in Derry~Londonderry, Belfast through Nerve Centre or in Armagh through the AmmA Centre.

Offering at least 40 hours of industry standard training across a combination of practical skills workshops and film theory classes, the programme is of particular interest to students undertaking CCEA’s Moving Image Arts A level qualification. Participants receive masterclasses by key industry figures and make a professional film, working as part of a crew. A Level 2 NCFE qualification in Preparing to Work in the Film Industry is offered as part of the course.

Masterclasses with industry professionals during the course offer insight into careers and the working life of the screen industries. The programme is industry accredited with an opportunity to attend specialist residential programmes across the UK. BFI Academy students have attended talks with directors Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire), Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, Red Road), Glen Leyburn and Lisa Barros d’Sa (Good Vibrations, Ordinary Love); producers Andrew Eaton (Rush, A Mighty Heart) and Ivana MacKinnon (Slumdog Millionaire, Beast), Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey (Avengers Assemble, Atonement) and actors Bronagh Taggart (The Fall) and Adrian Dunbar (Line of Duty).

Over 600 young people have benefited from the programme through the Creative Learning Centres with 50 of them also participating in a fully funded residential programme offered at the prestigious National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield. Bespoke careers advice and signposting sessions are also included to support next steps, supporting young people aged 16–19 years to develop the skills and commercial and cultural knowledge to help develop a career in film.

Past graduates have gone on to work for Disney, BBC, HBO, Sky and RTE as well as attending Film Schools and Colleges across the UK.

For further information on the BFI Film Academy programme in Northern Ireland visit www.bfi.org.uk or screenacademiesni.org.

BFI Film Academies are supported by the Department for Education in England, the National Lottery, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.

Creativity is at the heart of AmmA Creative Learning Centre. We provide young people with opportunities to develop their creativity through digital technologies and a range of mediums. We explore the possibilities for self-expression in the areas of film making, animation, web design, game design, music technology, graphics, art and design, use of mobile technology, coding, 3D design and fabrication. In working with young people across Northern Ireland, AmmA is dedicated to enabling the potential of future digital makers.

Since launching in 2004, AmmA has always worked closely with Moving Image Arts students and teachers. We deliver training in skills across all areas of film making, camera, lighting, editing, sound and production design. AmmA facilitates the progression of students’ skills, individually and in collaboration with others, using specialised equipment and software.

Moving Image Arts students also have the opportunity to join AmmA’s BFI Film Academy Short Courses, a prestigious programme of workshops and masterclasses by industry professionals, offering an in-depth knowledge of working in the film industry. Previous masterclasses have included: Seamus McGarvey (Cinematographer) Atonement, Black Mirror, The Avengers, Enigma plus many more. Enda Kenny (Costume and Production Design) Pirates of the Caribbean, Game of Thrones, The Golden Compass, King Arthur and more and Greg Spence (Producer on Game of Thrones).

Students work collaboratively to produce an original short film, from the conception of ideas right through to editing and showcase of the final product. The Academy provides the setting for participants to make connections with like-minded peers and film makers, enhance their skills in script writing, producing, direction, camera technique, sound, editing and broaden their knowledge of film.

Interested and enthusiastic Moving Image Arts students with a passion for film can apply for a place on BFI Film Academy Short Courses in September. The programme runs during the autumn term and participants can gain accreditation with an NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in the Film Industry on completion of the Academy.

‘During my time on the course, I learnt a lot, especially in terms of what to expect on a film set. I definitely gained a lot of hands-on experience in post-production, production and pre-production as well … really valuable stuff … gained a lot of tips and tricks from our tutors and learnt a lot in masterclasses. My dream role in this industry is to direct and in the short course, I actually got to direct a short film called Inside… that experience was so good. Taking part in the BFI course has actually opened a lot of doors for me, such as me being able to take part in a BFI Residential in Edinburgh … for anybody who is thinking about taking part in these short courses, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and definitely the most worthwhile on in terms of filmmaking … I’m so happy that I did it. It was amazing.’

- Ataigh King, AmmA BFI Film Academy Short Course 2022

For more information please contact Gráinne Cullinane by email at [email protected] or [email protected] and visit www.ammacentre.org.

Cinemagic is a highly acclaimed film festival for young people and an award winning film charity. Established and headquartered in Belfast 35 years ago, and delivering film education programmes and activities locally, nationally and internationally, the organisation is committed to transforming the lives of young people by maximising the impact and reach of film to educate, motivate and inspire young people.

Cinemagic embraces the magic of film, television and digital technologies to educate, motivate and inspire young people. Film screenings, film education, industry workshops, masterclasses, filmmaking projects and outreach activities help children and young people to learn about the world around them, build confidence, develop new skills, and meet new people from diverse backgrounds. For some, these opportunities might be the first step in a career in the creative industries. For others it might be the empowering boost of self-belief which builds resilience and aspiration.

The BFI Film Academy delivered by Cinemagic provides opportunities for aspiring young filmmakers to take their careers a step further with practical skills development opportunities connecting young people with industry.

Cinemagic’s annual Young Filmmaker Competition exhibits the work of young people from the UK and Ireland and celebrates young filmmaking talent. Annually Cinemagic programmes a practical weekend of activity for young filmmakers to network with peers and participate in Q&As and workshops with industry professionals to nurture, encourage and celebrate rising stars.

Cinemagic delivers highly successful Young Consultants panels and CineSeekers/CineFocus panels and the learning outcomes have been immeasurable in terms of developing literacy skills, appreciation of the world around us and creating active and memorable learning. The ethos of these panels is to promote and celebrate a diverse and varied range of international youth films. By providing the young audience with an outlet for world cinema, the aim is to develop and nurture a broader appreciation, understanding and love of film; as well as celebrating the stories, peoples and cultures from around the globe.

Annually the Cinemagic On The Pulse Festival celebrating the ‘shorts genre’ runs in March and the Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival runs in October/November.

For further information visit www.cinemagic.org.uk.

Into Film is the UK’s leading charity for film in education and the community. We provide screen industry careers information and advice, support young filmmakers, and bring the power of moving image storytelling into classroom teaching.

The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, and through other key funders including Northern Ireland Screen and Cinema First.

In Northern Ireland, the Into Film programme is enhanced with Northern Ireland Screen’s support to include a Games programme and Story Builder, a suite of teaching and learning resources to support storytelling through film and games across the key stages. Schools in Northern Ireland benefit from an offer of Teacher Professional Learning (TPL), workshops and resources and that support skills building for the Northern Ireland Screen Industries and beyond.

‘Story Builder: Games is an invaluable resource that enhances young peoples' idea development and literacy skills in a fun and creative way. We look forward to seeing their game ideas come together and maybe even spot some future BAFTA Young Game Designers – one of our flagship programmes to inspire the next generation.'

- Lisa Prime, Head of Children and Young People’s Programme at BAFTA

For more information visit www.intofilm.org

ScreenWorks, funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen and delivered by Into Film, is an exciting scheme to help young people in Northern Ireland aged 14–19 learn more about careers in the screen industries through hands-on work experience opportunities.

Placements with ScreenWorks offer young people unparalleled access to industry professionals on 3–5 day work placement across all five screen sectors – Film, Television, Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects.

Programmes take place throughout the academic year, and include:

• Costume Design
• Virtual Production
• Storyboarding and Concept Art
• Producing
• Hair, Wigs and Make-Up
• Visual and Special Effects
• Production Accountancy
• Animation
• Game Design
• Camera Operating
• and much more!

ScreenWorks is completely free and there is a travel bursary to reimburse all participants for their public transport costs. 

To find out more, or apply for a programme, visit www.intofilm.org/screenworks.

Working at BBC Northern Ireland: A Place for You

At BBC Northern Ireland, you can be part of a world-class organisation that serves a global audience. Every day, the BBC delivers an unmatched range of national and regional TV and radio, award-winning digital services, and BBC World Service content in 40 languages. With the UK public choosing the BBC 260 million times a day and a record global audience of 492 million people, our reach is truly extraordinary.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, where diversity of thought, background, and creativity is celebrated. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we actively encourage contributions from all individuals, regardless of background or protected characteristics. We are proud to hold the Bronze Diversity Mark, to be Lead Partners of Employers for Disability NI, and to be a Disability Confident Employer. We also offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates.

BBC Northern Ireland offers a wide range of roles and opportunities. Explore the BBC Careers Hub for listings in Belfast or Foyle.

To learn more about starting your career with us, visit the BBC Early Careers website or search for ‘BBC Get In’.

Empowering the Next Generation of Filmmakers

Two Minute Masterpiece is a talent development initiative that challenges aspiring filmmakers in Northern Ireland to explore their creativity and tell their unique stories. In partnership with Northern Ireland Screen, this programme offers emerging filmmakers the chance to produce a compelling two-minute film that reflects their creative vision.

Selected filmmakers are paired with industry mentors and receive a £2,000 production fund to bring their cinematic vision to life. These short films will be showcased on BBC iPlayer, offering valuable exposure to a wide audience.

Series 10 opens for submissions in November 2024. For more information, search for 'BBC Two Minute Masterpiece'.

Ace your CCEA GCSE exams with BBC Bitesize

BBC Bitesize provides extensive, curriculum-aligned resources for students in Northern Ireland studying Media at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Offering a mix of animations, live-action videos, interactive activities, and written content, these guides are designed to help you tackle coursework and prepare for exams with confidence.

Specifically created for Media Studies (Key Stage 3 and GCSE) and Moving Image Arts (GCSE), these resources are tailored to meet the exact requirements of the CCEA curriculum.

Discover more at www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize.

Belfast Metropolitan College’s Film and Television School, which is based at the Springvale campus, provides high-quality education in film and television production, as well as the wider media and music industry. The school offers a range of courses designed to equip students with the skills needed for various roles in the creative industries.

Belfast Met’s higher education courses include Journalism and Documentary Production, Sports Media, Screen Acting and Producing, Digital Art and Animation for Visual Effects (VFX) and Virtual Production, Music and Sound for Media, eSports, Graphic Design and Illustration, Commercial Photography and Cinematography, and Film Production.

The campus is equipped with high-end standard equipment and facilities, including a fully equipped, industry standard television studio, podcast studio, and virtual production facilities.

For more information visit www.belfastmet.ac.uk.

Northern Regional College deliver Further Education and Higher Education courses in Creative Media Production, specialising in TV and Film, Virtual Production, Digital Design and Marketing, Animation/Visual Effects and Games Development.

We are very excited about the future of the creative industries in Northern Ireland and are looking forward to playing a key part by training and upskilling students who are hoping to have a career in the creative sector. We are particularly excited about our new campus build in Coleraine, which opened in September 2024 and houses state of the art facilities including a bespoke TV studio spanning almost 200m2, a professional spec music recording studio and performance space.

Students interested in Creative Media, Music and Performing Arts should check out our courses and new campus by visiting www.nrc.ac.uk.

NWRC has an enviable reputation for training the next generation of film makers who go on to successful careers in all aspects of the industry.

The HND Film course (equivalent to Y1 university) is a natural progression for those who have studied Moving Image Arts at A Level. It is a highly respected two-year course which aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to progress to an undergraduate degree or find employment in the media industry.

The learning experience occurs in a fully equipped media suite with a high-spec TV studio with broadcast-quality camera equipment. We use the latest camera, sound and editing technology and focus on ‘project-based learning,’ replicating the industry environment so that our students gain valuable experience, knowledge and skills.

Students have an opportunity to work alongside industry professionals and to find paid work during the lifetime of their course.

We support aspiring creative talent to reach their potential in broadcast, film, TV, podcasting and content creation.

Students can enter employment in a wide range of roles within the film industry. Careers include screenwriting, directing, producing, documentary filmmaking or cinematography.

For further information visit www.nwrc.ac.uk.

The Northern Ireland Film and Television School is based at SERC, Bangor. At NIFTS we offer a full-time HNC with an optional second year HND in Creative Media Production. At NIFTS we have a fully operational broadcast studio and industry standard kit used to provide lessons in Audiovisual Storytelling, Documentary, Drama, Music Video, Camera, Lighting, Script Writing, Sound Design, VFX and Editing. The course is delivered by industry professionals via workshops, lectures, industry visits, guest speakers, location shoots and work placements.

Recent graduates have gone on to work on feature films, documentaries and television series for BBCNI, Clean Slate TV, Out of Orbit, Waddell Media and CSD Productions. Others have gained places on production trainee schemes including NI Screen’s prestigious Aim High or used the HND as a springboard into the third year of a Film Production degree.

Entry requirements – GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above, and a Grade C or above in A2 Moving Image Arts (or an alternative media related subject). If shortlisted, applicants will be asked to submit a 2–3- minute show reel that showcases their best production work.

At SERC we also deliver a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production, a two-year course equivalent to three A levels that can be used as a bridge to our HNC (with a merit or above grade profile).

Interested applicants seeking student finance should contact our careers and finance team who will help with applications and provide advice and guidance.

For further course information contact the course co-ordinator, Nik Thomas, on [email protected].

For more information on SERC visit www.serc.ac.uk.

Foundation Degree in Visual Media Arts (Film and Games pathways) Validated by Open University

The Foundation Degree in Visual Media Arts has been designed to allow students to embrace their creativity while learning industry standard processes relevant to the creation of content for the film and game industries. Course design has been informed by extensive consultation with industry experts to ensure that all our graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive world of visual media.

The course offers a unique fusion of technical knowledge with core artistic principles with a strong emphasis on the practical skills sought by industry employers. Modules will provide students with an understanding of core creative concepts, extensive training in the use of industry standard software tools and ultimately the ability to become fluent in the creation of content for video games or films.

Students can choose to specialise in one of two key areas:

• Film production
• Game development

The programme offers a range of specialised modules that will empower students to exit the course with a very robust and employable portfolio.

Core Units

Optional Units

On completion the course can be topped up to BA (Hons) Degree in Visual Media Arts – (1 Year Top-up) (Validated by The Open University).

Entry Requirements

School/College leavers must have reached the age of 18 years on admission. All applications will be individually considered. Successful applicants must have normally reached their 18th birthday by 31 August in the year of entry and have studied at Level 3 or above for a minimum of two years.

Applicants should possess a minimum of five GCSEs grades A, B or C (which should include English and Maths) or other equivalent qualifications. They should also have one of the following*:

• a UCAS tariff score of 32 or above; or
• a national certificate/diploma.

Entry can also be made from HE access, NVQs or by the college APEL (Accreditation of Experiential Learning) policy. 

For admission to this course the following qualifications are accepted.

• Two A levels (grades A–E) and three passes at GCSE (Grades A–C/4–9)
• BTEC National Qualifications Awarded by Pearson
• Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma
• Relevant Level 3 National Vocational Qualifications with Substantive Experiential Learning
• European, International or Welsh Baccalaureate
• Higher or Advances Highers of the Scottish Qualification Authority
• Irish Leaving Certificate with a combination of Ordinary and Higher levels
• Successful completion of an access course or relevant foundation Course
• A relevant BTEC Higher National Certificate Awarded by Pearson

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

Due to the highly creative nature of the discipline, students with exceptional portfolios of work that demonstrate competency and natural creativity will also be considered on individual merit.

Individuals with a relevant HNC qualification may be considered for direct entry to Year 2.

*In the event of over subscription entry criteria may be enhanced. Refer to general entry requirements.

International Entry Requirements:

• International students must meet the general entrance requirements for admission to any College First Degree, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma.
• English language requirements for international applicants is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE – Pass at Level 3 also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

For further information please contact:

• Enniskillen campus – [email protected] 
• Omagh campus – [email protected]

Visit the SWC website to view the Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts course overview - www.swc.ac.uk.

The School of Arts, English and Languages

The School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s University Belfast offer a range of programmes relevant to students studying Moving Image Arts. Our programmes are delivered by a thriving community of scholars and arts practitioners based in world class facilities encompassing Queen’s Film Theatre and Film Studio, The Brian Friel Theatre and the Sonic Arts Research Centre. Graduates of our programmes have found employment across a broad range of Creative Arts sectors including at the BBC, HBO, Virgin Media, NI Screen, Belfast Film Festival and The Soundhouse. We are an Avid Learning Partner enabling us to provide our students with accredited training in the use of the industry standard software applications Avid Media Composer and Pro Tools. The School welcomes applications from those studying A level Moving Image Arts for any of the following degree programmes.

For further information visit The School of Arts, English and Languages website.

BA Hons in Film Studies and Production

The Film Studies and Production degree at Queen’s University Belfast balances filmmaking, creative practice and critical thinking. Students will acquire advanced knowledge and skills in digital production, screenwriting, directing, cinematography and editing, in tandem with developing their understanding of film and moving image and broader film culture. Classes take place in the cinema of the Queen’s Film Theatre, while practice classes are taught in our dedicated Film Studio with full broadcast-quality LED lighting and green screen. Students benefit from our cutting-edge digital production facilities including offline and online editing suites and use high-definition cameras, and lighting and grip kits for location work. Across the programme practice-based learning is framed by the study of film concepts, critical contexts, and current industrial practices. This approach encourages our students to become creative and critical practitioners with highly developed technical, practical and written skills. All of these skills enhance the employability of our graduates within the media and creative industries sector.

View BA Hons in Film Studies and Production course overview.

For further information on Film Studies and Production, contact Subject Lead Dr Alexander Fisher at [email protected].

BA Hons in Media and Broadcast Production

The BA Broadcast Production degree at Queen’s University Belfast is an exciting, creative and practical programme designed in collaboration with the media industry. Our students acquire advanced knowledge and skills in all stages of the media production process: pitching, commissioning, scripting, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, and audiovisual editing; in contexts such as television, factual, documentary, journalism, radio, podcasting and emerging digital media platforms such as interactive video, locative media, and immersive media (360/VR).

Our facilities include a 4K Television Studio, Radio and Podcasting Studio, eight Post-Production studios, three iMac labs and the world-renowned Sonic Lab – a 48-loudspeaker immersive media theatre. Students can access a variety of HD, 4K and 360 cameras, microphones and lighting for studio and location work.

The course also focuses on developing research and writing skills, critical thinking, reflective learning, and an understanding of the broader media industry and culture that helps our graduates succeed in the media and creative industries. Established in 2017, this exciting new programme has already seen its graduates find jobs with Paramount Pictures, BBC NI, BBC Scotland, BBC Manchester, STV, Q Radio, Stellify Media, Causeway Pictures, DAZN and a variety of independent production companies.

View BA Hons in Media and Broadcast Production course overview.

For further information on Broadcast Production, contact Subject Lead Frank Delaney at [email protected].

BA Hons in Film and Theatre Making

The BA in Film and Theatre Making combines the strengths of Queen’s highly regarded Film and Drama departments, offering students a unique opportunity to study the intricacies of production practice in both film and theatre. Over the three years of the programme, students will learn the basics of directing and acting, along with technical and production elements for both stage and screen.

View BA Hons in Film and Theatre Making course overview.

For further information on Film and Theatre Making, contact [email protected] or telephone 028 9097 5364.

BA Hons in Music and Sound Design

The BA in Music and Sound Design is one of a number of Music programmes delivered from the Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC). The programme provides students with the core skills and knowledge required for the design of sonic environments to accompany picture, stage, radio and gaming. Working from the world class music studios at SARC, students develop skills in sound synthesis, sound recording and editing, and audio mixing for picture in both stereo and advanced surround formats such as Dolby Atmos.

View BA Hons in Music and Sound Design course overview.

For further information on Film and Theatre Making, contact [email protected] or telephone 028 9097 4867.

For further information on any of these courses contact Arts, English and Languages, email [email protected].

The Ulster Screen Academy at Ulster University is one of the most dynamic and exciting places to study degrees in film, television, animation, design and games anywhere in the UK or Ireland. We have a world class reputation for being innovators in our field. We would be delighted to receive applications from those taking Moving Image Arts for a range of programmes. (Please visit the online prospectus for further details):

• BA Hons Screen Production
• BSc Hons Cinematic Arts
• BA Digital Media Production
• BDes Hons Animation
• BDes Hons Digital Design
• BDes Hons Games Design
• BSC Games Design and Development
• BA Hons Photography with Video

The Ulster Screen Academy brings together incredible courses across three campuses to help build the next generation of the screen industries workforce. We have world class facilities and incredible links with industry. We offer highly practical industry facing degree programmes. You can study in Coleraine, in the Northwest at our Magee campus or right in the heart of Belfast city centre in our brand new £364m campus at York Street, depending on which course you choose. The Ulster Screen Academy is the driving force behind Northern Ireland’s fast-growing screen industry. With a world class academic team teaching innovative, relevant and cutting-edge courses we produce highly skilled, award-winning graduates ready to excel in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy.

For September 2025 entry, we have designed and launched a new BA Digital Media Production on the North Coast at our Coleraine Campus. We have also launched a new BSc Game Design and Development course on the Derry/Londonderry campus, and this year launched an MA in Film and Television Production in York Street. This means you can go all the way through to postgraduate student while building highly sought after skills, experience and portfolios at UU. Ulster University also leads a brand new £75m, 75000ft sq. Virtual Production studio complex. Studio Ulster is a world class visual effects studio that will open in Belfast in 2024 and will create more than 500 new jobs in the screen industries in Northern Ireland. Please see www.studioulster.com for information on this exciting future workplace.

The Ulster Screen Academy is also an Unreal Engine Academic Partner. Epic Games have endorsed our Animation, Games and Screen Production degrees for our use of the latest cutting-edge technology and their software engines. The Ulster Screen Academy recently invested £1.6m in a new state of the art Virtual Production training facility in Belfast.

BA Hons Screen Production (Belfast)

The BA (Hons) in Screen Production is an intensely practical, industry facing degree, designed for those who want to work in the film, television, or creative industries. This programme combines your interest in fiction and potentially a career working in television in a way that reflects how the industry works in Northern Ireland. You will study specialist skills modules in cinematography, editing, screenwriting, sound production, live TV, Visual Effects, Virtual Production and documentary to name a few. 

Screen Production combines the craft skills needed for fiction, documentary and live television production with the kind of research, theoretical and critical skills employers tell us are essential for new entrants going into the creative industries. The BA (Hons) in Screen Production is taught in a brand new studio complex in Belfast city centre. The huge array of industry-standard equipment available to you will enable you to finish your work to festival or broadcast standard. You will be taught by academics and industry professionals with years of experience in screen production, to give you the skills and confidence you need to succeed in your future career. Many of the staff, including the technical staff, have a vast array of film and broadcast credits on award-winning content gained over the past 20 years.

View BA Hons Screen Production course overview.

BSc Hons Cinematic Arts (Derry/Londonderry) 

In the age of streaming media (Netflix, Amazon Prime etc.) where content is constantly consumed, it is a very exciting time to be involved in cinema and film. Cinematic Arts will provide you with a whole host of essential skills required for filmmaking and image production across a range of platforms from mobiles and tablets through to modern 4k digital cinema screens.

A first of its kind course on the island of Ireland it has been designed with the future at the forefront, ensuring your skills remain relevant and preparing you for the ever-evolving professional world. Forging together storytelling with the very latest in professional film production standards you will develop key skills in filmmaking and image production, screenwriting for film and TV, cinematography, editing, acting and directing, and music and sound design.

This extremely practical course will get you industry ready and possessing the knowledge, skills and innovative drive to compete in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, the creative industries.

View BSc Hons Cinematic Arts course overview.

BA Digital Media Production (Coleraine)

Digital Media Production focuses on nurturing students’ creative talent, and developing the historical, theoretical and professional knowledges needed to create thoughtful and engaging content for a diverse range of audiences. The course encourages students to experiment, explore their creativity, disrupt and innovate.

Assessed through authentic, applied problem-based coursework and real-world briefs, the course helps students reflect on their own production work and develop a portfolio of contemporary creative outputs aligned to the ever-developing job market. Through mentorship and a strong creative community, the course champions students to develop their expertise and talent within a supportive community. The course focuses on sustainable and ethical production practices which are future-focused to help address current and developing global inequalities. It challenges students to explore local social, cultural, political and environmental inequalities and injustices and how they reflect larger entanglements.

The course helps students understand the history of a wide variety of media forms: print, motion design, video production, web design, visual culture, data visualisation, immersive media, business development, media management and social enterprise and how these media histories help us understand potential cultural, technological, aesthetic futures and professional vectors.

Through a deep understanding of our shared media pasts, our current social injustices, and a view to some of our probable collective futures, the programme of study fosters thoughtful, considered, socially responsible, creatively confident, digitally skilled and media literate graduates that are empowered to meet the fast changing regional, national and international professional challenges and drive positive disruption and change in the creative industries. 

View BA Digital Media Production course overview.

BDes Hons Animation (Belfast)

Animation has become an integral part of the film, television, games and design industries – from Jurassic Park to Avatar, Angry Birds to Call of Duty, Xbox to mobile. The field of animation has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. With new distribution methods and technologies, your work will have many paths to reach a worldwide audience.

During the course you will study drawing, the principles of animation and design, storytelling and narrative, design and the history, practice and theory of screen production. You will gain an understanding of creative and technical process using industry standard software in order to create interactive designs and computer animations.

As animation is a highly collaborative environment you will learn the principles and practices through teamwork, while developing your individual professional practice. The course enables you to enter the industry with a range of exciting and rapidly evolving platforms as well as facilitating numerous opportunities for employment in a rapidly growing area at an international level.

This course aims to provide you with specialist knowledge and skills necessary to develop and adapt your chosen career in the diverse creative practices associated with animation. The course aims to contribute, through the education of its students as adaptive and resilient designers, writers and thinkers, to the local, national and international practice of design in its current and future forms.

View BDes Hons Animation course overview.

BDes Hons Digital Design (Belfast)

Our Digital Design course will equip you to shape the world we all live in. If (and this is all of us) you’ve used a website, phone app, social media or other digital interface, you’ve benefited from the work of a Digital Designer.

If you have an interest in digital products or Graphic Design and want to be the next innovator in a fast-changing world, this course is for you.

Even better, our course is highly rated by industry professionals and our contacts with world-class companies like Google, Adobe, BBC, Disney, Spotify, Deloitte Digital and others mean that you’re well positioned to land a job at the end of your studies.

A degree in Digital Design will offer opportunities in a wide range of exciting and well-paid careers, including app design and web design, user experience and user interface design, content design, digital marketing, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), and digital product design.

Our Digital Design graduates work in a wide range of industries to develop technologies and services we haven’t even thought of yet. Here’s your chance to get in at the ground floor and shape the future.

View BDes Hons Digital Design course overview.

BDes Hons Games Design (Belfast)

From Baldur’s Gate 3 to Pokémon GO, PlayStation to mobile, the video games industry is the biggest entertainment market in the world. Game Designers are an integral part of the development of games and often develop the initial game ideas, structures, rules and gameplay features.

During the course you will study key game design principles and theories that underpin the development of successful games. You will learn practical skills in game prototyping, UI design, level design, 3D art, game testing and game narrative techniques. Students will have the opportunity to create games for traditional and emerging platforms including contemporary technologies such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality devices allowing you to explore new possibilities in games.

As games are developed in a highly collaborative environment you will learn essential teamwork and communication skills through the development of interdisciplinary group projects. The aim course is to provide you with the necessary skills to fulfil a range of diverse employment opportunities in a rapidly growing area locally and internationally.

View BDes Hons Games Design course overview.

BDes Hons Game Design and Development (Derry~Londonderry)

Our new BSc in Games Design and Development is based in a new high-tech facility in our Derry~Londonderry campus. If you want to learn how to make, build and programme computer games, then this is the programme for you. From PlayStation to mobile, the video games industry is the biggest entertainment market in the world. Game Designers and Developers are an integral part of games production pipelines and often develop the initial game ideas, structures, rules and gameplay features right through to debugging and solving issues with coding.

During the course you will study key game development principles and theories that underpin the development of successful games. You will learn practical skills in game prototyping, UI design, level design, game testing and game narrative techniques. Students will have the opportunity to create games for traditional and emerging platforms including contemporary technologies such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality devices allowing you to explore new possibilities in games. As games are developed in a highly collaborative environment you will learn essential teamwork and communication skills through the development of interdisciplinary group projects. The degree is open to all and we welcome a diverse range of applicants from schools and colleges and those who have studied Moving Image Arts. 

Perhaps you were thinking of IT or computer science courses or similar. Why not work with computers in the creative digital sector and within the biggest entertainment industry in the world? You can start by studying our BSc Games Design and Development programme. 

View BDes Hons Game Design and Development course overview.

BA Hons Photography with Video (Belfast)

Photography and video constitute a hugely significant visual language which is always around us in film, art, news, advertising, editorial, fashion or commerce. Constantly evolving through changing technologies – darkroom, digital, AI and beyond – these essential visual mediums have shaped how we perceive the world and ourselves.

Our course equips students to become critical, independent thinkers and creators, capable of navigating lens-based media with ease. It is taught by a team of dedicated, respected staff who exhibit, research and publish internationally. We are passionate about photography and video for their creative and storytelling capabilities as well as their central role in the creative industries. We encourage and support our students to explore and question the world around them and become experts in their fields. Our students develop the skills to produce diverse, impactful work, grounded in a deep understanding of meaning and communication.

Our graduates work in the film industry, galleries, magazines, digital content, art therapy and editorial fields among others. They have won high-profile prizes, shown their work around the world and built diverse careers out of their studies here. From gallery to magazine, from breaking news to film set, studying photography with video gives students access to a huge range of art and commercial opportunities. Developing their own creative style and individual voice, students leave with a valuable set of skills and a fresh way of thinking that help them stand out as they embark on a career in an exciting sector.

View BA Hons Photography with Video course overview.

For more information regarding admissions please contact the Admissions Office Contacts or email [email protected].