National Film School at IADT
Ireland's national film school, part of the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dublin, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs with strong ties to Ireland's growing screen industry.
Overview
The National Film School (NFS) at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) is Ireland's designated national center of excellence for film education. Located in Dun Laoghaire, a coastal town south of Dublin, the school trains filmmakers for Ireland's rapidly expanding screen industry, which has attracted major international productions including Game of Thrones, Normal People, and numerous feature films.
Ireland's film industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by Section 481 tax incentives, the expansion of Ardmore Studios and Troy Studios, and increased investment from international streamers. The NFS is positioned to serve this growing industry, training the next generation of Irish filmmakers and production professionals.
The school's facilities include studios, post-production suites, and screening rooms. The IADT campus provides a creative arts environment where film students interact with students in design, art, and technology disciplines.
Programs Offered
- BA (Hons) in Film and Television Production -- a four-year undergraduate program covering directing, cinematography, editing, sound, and producing
- BA (Hons) in Creative Music Production -- music production and sound design for screen
- MA in Screenwriting -- graduate screenplay development for film and television
- MA in Creative Producing -- a graduate program focused on development, financing, and production management
What Students Should Know
The National Film School teaches in English, making it fully accessible to international students. Ireland's position as an English-speaking country within the European Union (post-Brexit, it is the only native English-speaking EU member state) gives the NFS a distinctive appeal for international students seeking European film education without a language barrier.
Tuition for EU students follows Irish government fee structures, typically ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 euros per year depending on the program. Non-EU fees are higher but remain competitive with UK alternatives. Dublin's cost of living has risen significantly in recent years, and housing is a challenge for students, though Dun Laoghaire is somewhat more affordable than central Dublin.
Ireland's film industry connections are the school's primary career asset. Graduates move into production roles on Irish and international projects shooting in the country, and the school facilitates these connections through industry partnerships and internship programs.
Student films from the NFS regularly screen at Irish and international festivals, and the school's graduates have been nominated for IFTA (Irish Film and Television Academy) awards.
Notable Alumni
NFS alumni include emerging directors, writers, and producers who are building careers in the Irish and international film industries. The school's graduates are increasingly represented in Irish television, independent film, and international co-productions.
See Also
For understanding the European film industry and co-production, see International Film Markets. To plan your production, use the Production Budget Calculator.
