Formerly DL828 and DL830

BA [Hons] Design for Film

New and unique! Based in the National Film School, this is the only course in Ireland to bring together set designers, costume designers, character designers, model makers and digital artists, all learning highly specialised skills in a fully professional, collaborative context. Explore the worlds of character, costume, set, model making, games/VFX design for careers in film, theatre, television, entertainment and the digital narrative arts.

This course now combines the former courses, BA (Hons) Design for Stage + Screen and the BA (Hons) 3D Model Making + Digital Art to create this new course with five degree options in Character MakeUp | Costume Design | Production Design | Model Making | VFX/Games

This programme replaces previous degrees in 3D Design, Model Making and Digital Art and Design for Stage and Screen. Students have the opportunity to take part in an Erasmus Programme whereby they can spend a year studying overseas. BA Design for Film currently has Erasmus partners in Croatia, Finland, France, and Hungary. All students undertake a professional placement in work/industry at the end of their third year.

What will I do?

Work on a variety of speculative and realised projects in film, theatre, and other areas of the entertainment industry.
Work on a variety of introductory projects which establish the shared creative and critical skillset necessary for multiple aspects of design for film in Year 1.
Begin to focus on one of five specialist pathways of set designer, costume designer, character designer, model maker and digital artist in Year 2.
Explore more specialised creative projects in Year 3, and develop your individual skillsets and specialist creative profiles.
Work on combinations of individual or collaborative projects in Year 4, creating work at an advanced professional level with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the creative professions.

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Careers available to graduates include: digital character and environmental design for film, TV and games; VFX design and supervision for film and TV; animation, production/set design; theatre design, art direction; scenic art; art department; model making and prop making; architectural models; costume design, costume construction; character design make-up and prosthetics; post-production computer graphics and compositing for film and TV; experience design; heritage and museum design.; architectural and spatial visualization; retail design; and spectacle puppetry.

Graduates have progressed to MA level in areas including: Game Design, Design History and Material Culture, Communications Design, UX Design, Drama and Theatre Studies, Conservation and Archival Studies, Design for Material Futures, and Postgraduate Masters in Education. Other MA pathways include Design for Spectacle, Performance and Festival Arts, Arts Management, or any opportunity involving the planning, design and realisation of specialist original works for public and private cultural institutions.

What modules will I study?

Year 1

Design Spectacle – Design Core – Design Text – Design Frame. Study core design principles in modules relating to film and performance design (core, spectacle, text, frame) exploring design process, research and materials; the history and theory of visual culture; practical masterclasses; and an introduction to the faculty. This year gives a taste of the various specialisms, so will give you a solid basis for the programme.

Year 2

Design Dramatic Histories – Design Irish Drama & Film – Elective – Design Storytelling – Design Generations.
Experience various aspects of design creation and how design principles are used to create films, plays, games and events. This year is an opportunity to make your own responses to other sources with different historical and cultural influences. Study the history and theory of visual culture, film history, and an elective of your choosing from across the faculty.

Year 3

Design Research – Design Collaboration –Design Praxis – Professional Placement. Make work in one of the specialist pathways. Gain opportunities to be part of creative teams as a collaborative partner with other students and professionals. There is an opportunity to take on professional placements and live projects.

Year 4

Minor Project – Major Project – Thesis. Your opportunity to bring together all of the skills, creative understanding, and design knowledge gained on the course to make a self-directed Minor project and a Major project within one of the specialist pathways. Complete an independently-researched dissertation, and further develop business skills to help you prepare for life after graduation.

Cost for materials and/or field trips

Allow approximately €200.

Requirements

Course Code DL845 - Level 8
Application CAO
Duration 4 years [full-time]
Places 50
CAO Points New Course
Portfolio Yes
Min Entry Requirements 2 H5 + 4 O6 / H7
English: O6/H7
FETAC Entry Requirements Applicants with FETAC / QQI Level 5 or Level 6 Awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules.

We welcome applications from Mature Students who must apply through the CAO.