MA / Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Digital Communications

The MA in Journalism and Digital Communications is Level 9, QQI accredited programme which runs on a full-time and part-time/blended basis. The course is for people who wish to embark on a career in the fast-changing industry of contemporary journalism and digital communications.

Participants in this MA take modules in data journalism, data analytics, and investigative journalism, acquiring skills that open up employment opportunities in quality journalism and the news industry. These transferable skills are complemented by a comprehensive range of digital communications production modules including radio and podcasting production, video storytelling, mobile video and media product design.

The programme allows students with an existing undergraduate degree in a non-journalism or media discipline, to acquire the skills of journalistic writing, production and communication. It integrates critical media understanding with application so that theory is combined with practice. During the course students are challenged in real journalistic situations in print, podcasting and online media and in doing so become aware of a media working environment.

The programme is assessed mainly through continuous assessment. As assignments are designed to reflect the specific educational requirements of each particular module, assignments can differ significantly from one module to another (e.g. essays in Sociology of the Media, research proposals in Research Methods; the production of a radio programme/ newspaper article in Writing and Editing, exercises in layout and design in Media Design and Production etc.)

On completion, students possess an extensive array of skills enabling them to secure media based employment. National Union of Journalists recognition of this programme entitles students to apply for an NUJ Press Card for the duration of their course.

Careers

Graduates of this course are likely to find media-based employment as journalists in print or broadcast media, or as researchers, presenters, producers, or technical writers in media-related positions. In addition to traditional journalism, graduating students may be eligible to take up employment in areas where visual media or multi-media skills are in demand. A sample of recent graduates’ job titles include:

 Senior News Reporter,
 Editorial Assistant,
 In-House Editor,
 Lifestyle and Entertainment Reporter,
 Video Producer,
 Web Partnerships Manager,
 Digital Content Executive,
 Communications Associate / Executive,
 Social Media Analyst / Manager,
 Research Assistant,
 Data Scout,
 Freelance Copywriter / Journalist / Producer,
 Mobile Journalist,
 Documentary Director.

Structure

The MA in Journalism and Media Communications is a 90 credit programme consisting of twelve taught modules. There are nine mandatory modules on the programme and students also acquire subject specialisations by completing two electives (from a choice of seven).

The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Communications programme is a 60 credit programme which consists of the twelve taught modules but does not include a dissertation.

Learn more about the course