Overview
The M.Phil. in Film Studies at Trinity offers two fascinating ways to pursue further analysis of film and the film industry at university:
The Theory, History, Practice strand is a unique opportunity to embark upon a detailed investigation into the intellectual currents and aesthetic concerns surrounding the study and practice of film and digital media.
The Screenwriting strand offers the opportunity to focus on writing for different screens in a critically informed and creative context.
At every step of the way your progress will be informed by an emphasis on independent study, critical thinking and creative practice. In addition, the course aims to develop the key transferable skills required for postgraduate study. These include research preparation, time management and oral and written presentation skills.
The M.Phil. in Film Studies: Theory, History Practice strand comprises 60 ECTS of taught modules and a 30-ECTS research component. It is a unique opportunity to embark upon a detailed investigation into the intellectual currents and aesthetic concerns surrounding the study of film and digital media. From the outset, questions of history, theory and context are brought to bear on issues of close analysis and interpretation. Elective modules in Screenwriting, Creative Documentary and Editing allow students to balance film theory and history with practice. In addition to the one-year full-time programme, the M.Phil. in Film Studies: Theory, History Practice strand is offered part-time over two years.
The M.Phil. in Film Studies: Screenwriting strand allows students to develop the skills required to write successfully for a range of different screens in a critically informed and creative context. It comprises 60 ECTS of taught modules and a 30-ECTS research component. The objective of the Screenwriting strand is to prepare screenwriters who can adapt to an industry that recreates itself regularly around technological advances. Students will select their chosen platform(s) when preparing their portfolio, bring their writing to industry standard and complete their studies with a research project screenplay in their chosen area of interest: feature film, television, on-demand broadcast, documentary, or adaptation. In addition to the one-year full-time programme, the Screenwriting strand is offered part-time over two years.
Course Structure
All students take six taught modules and complete a research module that includes a Research Project and Research Methodologies. Research Methodologies prepares students for the formal processes of research and writing at M.Phil. level.
Core and elective modules over the two strands vary annually but allow for distinct specialisms*:
M.Phil. in Film Studies: full-time pathway
Theory, History, Practice Strand | 3 Core Modules x 10 ECTS Research Methodologies and Dissertation/Dissertation with Practice 30 ECTS | 3 Elective Modules x 10 ECTS |
FS7026 Cinema and Ireland FS7031 Digital Storyworlds FS7038 Current Trends in Contemporary Film
| FS7015 Creative Documentary FS7014 Editing FS7020 Screenwriting FS7028 Critical Approaches to Cinema FS7040 Writing for the Small Screen FS7041 Writing for the Big Screen FS7042 Writing for Computer Games 1 FS7044 Writing for Computer Games 2 FS7045 Film Analysis | |
Screenwriting Strand | 3 Core Modules x 10 ECTS
| 3 Elective Modules x 10 ECTS |
FS7020 Screenwriting FS7040 Writing for Small Screens FS7041 Writing for the Big Screen
| FS7015 Creative Documentary FS7014 Editing FS7038 Current Trends in Contemporary Film FS7026 Cinema and Ireland FS7031 Digital Storyworlds FS7043 Critical Approaches to Cinema FS7042 Writing for Computer Games 1 FS7044 Writing for Computer Games 2 FS7045 Film Analysis |
*These module titles are for illustration purposes only; the School reserves the right to change modules
The full-time programme consists of two elements:
6 taught modules (10 ECTS each) delivered equally across two semesters (60 ECTS)
Research Project and Research Methodologies module (30 ECTS)
The part-time programme consists of two elements:
1. Year 1 (40 ECTS) = 3 core modules (30 ECTS) + 1 elective module (10 ECTS)
2. Year 2 (50 ECTS) = 2 elective modules (20 ECTS) + Research Project and Research Methodologies module (30 ECTS)
Core and elective modules available are linked to the strand chosen when applying for the programme.
Research Projects
Theory, History, Practice students submit either:
1. A written dissertation of approximately 15,000 words on an approved topic to be supervised by an appropriate member of staff
OR
2. A short film or a video essay plus a written component of 8,000–10,000 words on an approved topic to be supervised by an appropriate member of staff.
Approval to complete a short film or a video essay plus written component will depend on demonstration of the appropriate critical and practical skills and will be subject to approval by the Course Coordinator during Michaelmas Term.
Screenwriting students submit:
1. A research project of a screenplay
AND
2. A critical reflection of 3,500-4,000 words.
The exact nature and length of the research project screenplay will be agreed between the student and the strand coordinator and can include a feature film, a series of short films, an adaptation, television screenplay, or on-demand series
Study Film Studies (M.Phil.) at Trinity
Introduction to the programme MPhil in Film Studies by Assist. Prof. Justin MacGregor, Department of Film, School of Creative Arts, Trinity College Dublin
Course Details
Number of Places
24 PlacesNext Intake
September 2022
Course Director
Assist. Prof. Paula Quigley
Closing Date
22nd July 2022

Admission Requirements
Candidates should have a good honors 1st class or 2.1 B.A. degree (minimum "B", average 3.2 or above for North American students) or equivalent qualification with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6. Applicants to the Film, Theory, History strand must include a sample of their academic writing (approximately 1500 words) in film studies or a related area as part of their application. Applicants to the Screenwriting strand must include a 5-10 page sample of their creative writing as part of their application.
Course Fees
Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.
Apply
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
Get in Touch
Telephone Number
+353-1-896 3512
M.Phil. in Film Studies: Theory, History, Practice
Strand convenor: Assist. Prof. Paula Quigley (pquigley@tcd.ie)
M.Phil. in Film Studies: Screenwriting
Strand convenor: Assist. Prof. Justin MacGregor (macgregj@tcd.ie)
Website
www.tcd.ie/creative-arts/courses/
Register Your Interest
Register your interest in postgraduate study at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
As Ireland’s leading university, we offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes at masters, diploma and certificate level.
Trinity is an international university steeped in history, with a reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation.