Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Immersive Media Production
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. There will be the option to do either an Erasmus Term, Work Placement, or Industry-linked project in Term 2 of Year 3.
The programme providers are Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) or Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE) for Years 1 + 2, and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT) for Years 3 +4. The providers have designed the programme together with a delivery model of:
Years 1 + 2 will be primarily based in BCFE or BIFE with some modules provided by IADT
Years 3 + 4 will be based in IADT
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
Accreditation and Embedded Awards
It is intended that all learners will complete the full four years of the programme and achieve the level 8 BA(Hons) Immersive Media Production award. However, during the course of their degree, some students may choose to exit the programme due to personal, financial or other reasons. In such cases embedded awards are available to allow the learner to leave the programme with one of the following awards:
- Having completed years 1 and 2: level 6 Higher Certificate in Immersive Media Production
- Having completed years 1, 2 and 3: level 7 BA in Immersive Media Production
Planned intake (number of places)
A max of 20 students will be accepted to each of BCFE and BIFE in Year 1.
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, BIFE 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 (optional)
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.
Contact Details
IADT
tertiary@iadt.ie