Program Overview

Overview of the M.Phil. in Screen Studies

The M.Phil. in Screen Studies at Trinity offers the opportunity to focus on a variety of areas: writing for different screens, studying historical and theoretical trends in screen media, and/or creating a range of film and media outputs. The M.Phil. in Screen Studies allows students to develop the skills required to write successfully for and about a range of different screens in a critically informed and creative context, supported by the latest developments in media trends and digital content.

Course Details

• NFQ Level: 9
• Duration: One year Full Time/Two years Part Time
• Number of Places: 22
• Next Intake: 1 September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Dr. Jennifer O’Meara
• Course Director: Dr. Jennifer O’Meara
• Closing Date: 30th June 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a good Honours Bachelor degree of upper‐second class or above, or an equivalent qualification, in a cognate area. Applicants should upload either a creative writing sample (short story, screenplay, extract from a novel) or an academic writing sample (e.g. an essay from their undergraduate studies).

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

All students take six taught modules and complete a Research Project. Students have the flexibility to select a pathway that suits their interests. For instance, if you want to focus on writing for screens, you can undertake the core screenwriting modules and some elective modules, along with the 30 ECTS screenplay research project. Students interested in research and critical analysis can select more library-based modules and complete a traditional 30 ECTS research dissertation.

List of Sample Modules

• Core Module: Research Methodologies
• 3 Writing Modules x 10 ECTS (If choosing screenwriting as a focus):
  • FS7020 Screenwriting
  • FS7040 Writing for Small Screens
  • FS7041 Writing for the Big Screen
• 3 Elective Modules x10 ECTS:
  • FS7051 Film Analysis
  • FS7031 Digital Storyworlds
  • FS7026 Cinema and Ireland
  • FS7055 Contemporary Non-Western Cinemas
  • FS7XXX Artists' and Experimental Media
  • FS7048 Contextualizing Digital Art
  • FS7049 Digital Art as Critical Spatial Practice

Research Projects

• Creative Focus:
  1. A research project screenplay
  2. A critical reflection of 3,500-4,000 words.
• Research Focus:
  1. A dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words on a subject agreed between the student and their supervisor.
  2. A dissertation of 8,000 to 10,000 words that also includes a Video Essay of a duration and subject matter agreed with their supervisor.

Career Opportunities

This course prepares students for a variety of careers including screenwriting, media production, and education. Our graduates have pursued careers in the film and television industry, digital media, advertising, marketing, and arts administration. Some of our graduates also go on to do further research at Doctoral level.