A significant milestone was marked this April as the Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production celebrated its 20th anniversary.
On 20 April, a special commemorative event took place at the Nemeton TV studios, bringing together graduates, industry partners, and current students to celebrate two decades of innovation, training, and achievement in Ireland’s media industry. The event was also streamed online, enabling alumni and industry colleagues from across Ireland and beyond to take part in the celebration.
The Higher Diploma in Arts in Television and Media Production is delivered by South East Technological University (SETU) in partnership with Nemeton TV, one of Ireland’s leading production companies, with the support and funding of Údarás na Gaeltachta since 2006. Running annually from September to May, the Level 8 programme has built a strong reputation as one of the most industry-focused courses of its kind in Ireland.
Irial Mac Murchú, CEO of Nemeton TV, expressed his gratitude to Údarás na Gaeltachta for their continued support. He also spoke of how important the graduates were to the success of the company: "In 2025, Nemeton TV showcased 270 games… and we would not have been able to do that without the people who came from the course. And I am happy to say that the best days and the biggest days are still ahead of us, with all of your support."
Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, Chair of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Board, echoed this: "This Higher Diploma plays a central role in the story of the Irish language media... and here are the people who are promoting the language both in this country and abroad. A new generation has emerged that sees the Irish language not just as a hobby, but as a cornerstone of our professional lives."
Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU spoke of the impact of the course: "This course shows what can be achieved through the power of positive and productive connection when education providers like ourselves and industry partners like Nemeton, supported by a state agency like Údarás na Gaelttachta, work together to deliver a shared goal.
The results can be really transformative and that's what we see here in this fantastic work."
Dr. Richard Hayes, VP of Strategy at SETU was key in the early days of setting up the course and said: "It's important to celebrate longevity; this isn't just a long-standing course, but one that has continued to deliver for the industry, it has delivered for the company, for the locality and for the language and that is what we're here to celebrate."
Since its establishment, the programme has been guided by a clear philosophy: that third-level education should be relevant, dynamic, and closely aligned with industry needs. This approach has ensured that graduates are well prepared for successful careers in television and media production.
Over the past two decades, the programme has produced directors, editors, producers, and technical specialists who have made significant contributions across the Irish and international media landscape. Graduates have also achieved notable success at the SMEDIA Awards, reflecting the strength of the training and the creative talent emerging from the course.
The programme works closely with key industry partners including Nemeton TV, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Gréasán na Meán, TG4, and SETU Waterford, ensuring that students gain practical, hands-on experience and direct insight into professional production environments.
Alongside the flagship diploma, the programme offers a range of specialised short courses designed to support skills development across the sector. These include training in camera work for sports broadcasting, directing and sound for outside broadcast productions, VT operations within OB trucks, and Transition Year introductions to filmmaking. A new course exploring the ethical use of AI within the media industry, supported by Gréasán na Meán, further demonstrates the programme’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological and creative developments.
Now celebrating 20 years, the Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production continues to play a vital role in developing the next generation of media professionals in Ireland.
The next course will commence in September, continuing the programme’s mission to equip students with the practical skills, industry insight, and creative confidence needed to thrive in modern television and media production.
