Many people enter film and television, having completed a degree in a completely different area. DIT offers a post-graduate diploma in film production which would suit students with a degree in another area, says Nora French, head of DIT's department of communications.

The college's evening course in media studies was originally aimed at teachers, but now attracts a wide range of students. It's expected that this course will soon become an MA.

DCU's MA in film and television is primarily concerned with appreciation and criticism. There is very little practical content, says Muireann Ni Dhuigneain, DCU careers officer.

UCD has an MA in film studies covering the history, theory and practice of film-making in Europe (with particular reference to Ireland) and the US. UCD's school of film also offers an intensive summer course. A number of centres, including Film Base in the Irish Film Centre, the Nerve Centre in Derry, Galway Film Centre and the Cavern in Cork offer specific skills training, according to Tony Treacey, education officer with the Film Institute of Ireland.