Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Immersive Media Production

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Overview

The BA (Hons) Immersive Media Production is a comprehensive level 8 degree programme designed to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to produce immersive and engaging media experiences. This multidisciplinary field encompasses various forms of media, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and 360-degree video. Throughout the program, learners explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of immersive media, gaining expertise in areas such as storytelling, audio visual production, 3d modelling, coding and virtual production. By combining technical proficiency with artistic creativity, graduates of this degree programme are well-prepared to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of immersive media production, contributing to the development of cutting-edge experiences across industries such as entertainment, education, marketing, and training.

In this learner-centred programme, students are encouraged to actively engage in hands-on projects and collaborative endeavours. They have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art tools and technologies, honing their skills through practical applications and experimentation. The programme focuses on fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of the user’s experience in immersive environments. Learners also explore the ethical considerations and societal impact of immersive media, ensuring they develop a responsible and inclusive approach to their work. With a strong emphasis on both technical expertise and creative expression, this degree equips learners with a versatile skill set that enables them to push the boundaries of storytelling and create impactful immersive experiences.

Provider Locations and Structure

This is a new tertiary-level programme taught across 4 years.

Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) and Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT) have designed the course together, with this delivery model:

Years 1 + 2 are based in BCFE, with some modules provided by IADT.
Years 3 + 4 are based in IADT.
There will be the option to do either an Erasmus Term, Work Placement, or Industry-linked project in Term 2 of Year 3.

Course Content – For All Years

Year 1

Technical Skills
Storytelling Through Media
Media Management
Intro to Immersive Media Production 1
IADT Connect
IADT Skills Workshop
Broadcast
Media Production Project
Postproduction Video and Audio
Intro to Immersive Media Production 2

Year 2

Production Sprint
Project Management and Workflows
3D Modelling + Asset Creation
Creative Coding
Society + Media
IADT Elective
Virtual Preproduction
Virtual Production
Game Engines + Motion Tracking
Personal Professional Development

Year 3

National Film School Intensive
Storytelling for AR + VR
New Media Technologies
Digital Studies + Research Methodologies
Thesis Research Proposal
Business + Entrepreneurship for Creative Practice
Professional Practice + Placement

Year 4

Minor Project
Thesis
Major Project

Embedded Awards

This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 4 year programme. The programme is designed to support academic success despite challenges that may arise. If a student has to leave the programme before completing the final year, tertiary degrees include embedded awards. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in the programme. For this degree, they are:

After successfully completing Years 1 & 2	NFQ level 6 Higher Certificate in Immersive Media Production from IADT
After successfully completing Year 3	NFQ level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Immersive Media Production from IADT

The final level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Immersive Media Production degree is awarded by IADT.

Number of Places

20 students per year.

Entry Requirements and Eligibility

The minimum entry requirements for this programme are as follows:

Leaving Certificate with 2 x H5 plus 4 x 06 / H7, or full NFQ level 5 award, or equivalent. Applicants must also pass a portfolio assessment. Offers will be made on a first come first served basis.

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio* of work – in digital format – which should demonstrate their enthusiasm for the course as well as their interests and strengths. Typically, a portfolio will demonstrate the applicant’s technical and visual skills, creativity, self-motivation, inventiveness, experimentation, flexibility, and stylistic variation. Applicants are not expected to be experts in immersive media but should display an interest in, and capacity for, the discipline. Portfolios are assessed on a pass/fail basis. Applicants may be called for interview if additional information is required to make an assessment.

*Further information on portfolio requirements is available on request from IADT or BCFE.

All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English will need to submit evidence of one of the qualifications listed below before an offer of a place can be made:

TOEFL: 215 (Computer based test) or 80 (Internet based test)
IELTS: Composite score in the range of 6.0-6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any one component.
UCLES: Proficiency in English: Grade C or Advanced English: Grade A
CELTS: Equivalent score to above

There is no minimum maths requirement for entry. However, learners without O6 / H7 Leaving Cert Maths (or equivalent) will be required to complete an appropriate QQI Special Purpose Award in Maths.

Onward Pathways

The level 8 award may be a gateway to further education at a point in the future. Level 8 graduates may wish to apply to masters or PhD programmes in related areas of study.

The level 8 award may also provide a route into employment – for example, to entry level production roles in Immersive Media Production for TV, Feature Film, Games, VFX, VR, AR and Virtual Film Production. Graduates will also be equipped with skills and knowledge to work in a freelance capacity.

Special Features

In years 1 + 2 students will have the opportunity to engage with three IADT modules, providing an opportunity for them to familiarise themselves with the campus and to get to know students across a variety of programmes.