Year 1
| Semester 1 |
| Introduction to European Film |
| Cineclub – Film Analysis & Critic |
| Story & Origins |
| Cinematic Craft Skill 1- Non-Fiction |
| Semester 2 |
| World Cinema |
| Sustainable Filmmaking |
| Story & Film Language |
| Cinematic Craft Skill 2 – Fiction |
BA [Hons] Film: Pathfinder Joint International Programme
This innovative three-year European Film degree, delivered across multiple European locations with our FilmEU partners, positions you at the forefront of the global screen arts industry. You’ll develop a blend of traditional filmmaking techniques alongside modern innovations and specialisations.
Film: Pathfinder Joint International Programme
Applicants to the Film: Pathfinder Joint International Programme for intake 2026 will apply separately through the CAO for your preferred starting country, using the course codes below.
- DL860: National Academy for Theatre & Film Arts, Sofia
- DL859: Lusófona University, Lisbon
- DL858: LUCA School of Arts, Brussels
- DL857: National Film School, IADT, Dublin
As this is a joint international programme, you will study across multiple partner institutions during the three years, but your chosen CAO code determines where you begin your first year.
We strongly encourage you to apply to all available campuses and list them in order of preference when applying.
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What is the Film: Pathfinder Joint International Programme?
This joint programme emphasises practical learning, self-directed study, and international collaboration. The course offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both traditional filmmaking techniques and modern innovations, including cinema, television, immersive media, music videos, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and documentary production. Students will develop the skills to create high-quality content while staying ahead of industry trends.
What is FilmEU?
FilmEU is a European University Alliance dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in film, media arts, and the creative industries. Through joint degree programmes, shared resources, and cross-border initiatives, FilmEU prepares graduates to become adaptable, globally minded creative professionals equipped to meet the evolving demands of the screen industries.
Partner Institutions
Students will begin their study at one of these partner institutions each academic year:
- National Academy for Theatre & Film Arts, Sofia
- Lusófona University, Lisbon
- LUCA School of Arts, Brussels
- National Film School, IADT, Dublin
Additionally, you will engage with our associate partners:
These prestigious institutions offer diverse cultural and academic environments, ensuring a truly international and collaborative experience.
How to Apply
Applicants must list their preferred countries in order when applying. You will apply separately for each country through the CAO, and we strongly encourage you to apply to all available campuses.
Portfolio Submission
Only one digital portfolio is required, regardless of how many campuses you apply to. Please ensure your portfolio meets the specific requirements outlined for this programme in the Portfolio Guidelines booklet.
Portfolios are marked out of 1000 points, with a pass mark of 400 points (40%). Applicants who achieve a score of 400 or higher will be invited to a short online interview (approximately 10 minutes) to discuss their portfolio, motivation, chosen medium, and potential mobility plans.
Portfolio Submission deadline is 10th March 2026. Further details regarding Portfolio Submission are available here.
International Study Opportunities
The Pathfinder programme is a European degree where students engage in both digital and physical mobilities. You will start your first year at one of the base institutes, with hybrid classes co-taught by module leaders from different institutions. In the second semester of the first year, all students come together for a collaborative filmmaking project. In the second year, you will relocate to a different partner institution for two semesters, allowing you to tailor your learning path. In the final year, you can either return to your base institute or opt for further mobility.
What will I study?
Core modules include Film Theory and History, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, and Screenwriting. The curriculum also includes innovative subjects such as Digital Media Production, World Cinema, and Sustainable Film Practices.
You will have the freedom to select courses and projects that align with your interests and goals, with specialisations in areas like Directing, Producing, and Moving Image.
Cultural diversity is a cornerstone of this programme. By studying at different partner institutions, students will experience a dynamic educational atmosphere that enhances both their learning experience and professional readiness.
Assessment methods include practical assignments, written essays, and group projects. Hybrid modules will be co-taught and co-assessed by module leaders from two institutions.
What will I do?
- Gain comprehensive knowledge and technical skills in traditional filmmaking techniques and modern innovations, including cinema, television, immersive media, VR, AR, and documentary production.
- Acquire the ability to create high-quality content, navigate industry trends, and meet professional standards.
- Tailor your education by selecting modules and projects that reflect your interests and career aspirations.
- Immerse yourself in diverse cultural and academic environments through international mobility and hybrid learning.
- Engage in hands-on learning through practical labs, collaborative projects, and the use of industry-standard equipment.
- Build a global professional network through unique opportunities for international collaboration and mobility.
What modules will I study?
What will I do after I graduate?
National Film School graduates work across the Creative Industries as independent filmmakers, and as directors, producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, editors and sound designers, in addition to virtual reality, augmented reality and interactive media. Alumni success includes Oscar®, BAFTA and IFTA recognition.
Graduates may apply to any of the prestigious Erasmus Mundus MA programmes for example:
- DOC NOMADS the Erasmus Mundus Master in Documentary Film Directing
- FilmMemory, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Media Arts Cultures
- KinoEyes, the joint MA in Filmmaking
Postgraduate programmes at IADT include the MA in Screenwriting for Film + Television.
Further Details
Further details are available here: www.filmeu.eu/pathfinder.
