Global Media & Communication

The MA Global Media and Communication is a one-year, full-time programme that blends critical study of global media systems with practical skills in communication, analysis, and production. Students take core modules on media theory, democracy, digital communication, and research methods, alongside specialist electives in areas such as climate, science communication, and marketing. The programme culminates in a major research dissertation.



Core modules include:



Global Media and Society - critical perspectives on media systems, democracy, disinformation, and globalization.

Media Research Methods - introduces students to qualitative and quantitative approaches in communication research.

Strategic Communication - a comprehensive exploration of strategic communication and public relations, integrating both theoretical foundations and practical applications.

Media Law and Ethics - examines freedom of expression, regulation, defamation, privacy, and media ethics in global contexts.

Social Media and Digital Production - hands-on training in creating and managing content for digital platforms, combining technical skills with strategic communication practice.

Final Dissertation - an extended research project allowing students to explore a theme in depth under staff supervision.

Elective modules:



Communicating Climate Action and Science - strategies for communicating complex environmental and scientific issues.

Data Analysis and Visualisation - practical training in analysing data and presenting insights for media and communication.

Social and Digital Marketing - practical and theoretical training in digital campaigns, audience engagement, and brand communication.

Other options - students may also select approved electives from across the University, including Human Rights Law, Development Practice, and related fields, allowing for interdisciplinary study.

Programme for AY2025/26:

Semester 1 - Core

DJ6142 Global Media and Society (5cr)

DJ6129 Social Media & Digital Production (10cr)



Electives – choose 10cr from

DJ6132 Digital Sandbox (10cr)

DJ6135 Reporting Economics and Politics (10cr)



Other modules outside the discipline are also available in Human Rights, English Literature, Sociology and Politics.



Semester 2 - Choose 30 Credits from

DJ6132 Digital Sandbox (10cr)

DJ6157 Data Analysis and Visualisation (10cr)

DJ6158 Social Media and Digital Marketing (10cr)

DJ6144 Communicating Climate Action and Science (10cr)



Semester 3 - Choose from either

DJ6123 Dissertation (30cr)

Or

DJ6146 Final Project (30cr)



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in the subject area.

1 year, full-time

2 Years Part Time

Next start date September 2026

Graduates of the MA Global Media and Communication are highly sought after in Ireland and internationally across a wide range of sectors. The programme equips students with the skills, knowledge, and critical perspective to work in media, policy, NGOs, international organisations, and cultural industries.



Alumni pursue careers in:



International organisations and NGOs, focusing on communications, advocacy, and development.

Policy and research roles in European institutions, think tanks, and global governance bodies.

Media and cultural industries, including digital content creation, social media strategy, and audience research.

Journalism and news production, particularly in global, digital-first, and cross-border reporting contexts.

Corporate communications, public affairs, and consultancy in international business and technology sectors.

Typical early career roles include:



Communications officer

Policy analyst

Digital content creator

NGO campaigner

Social media strategist

Researcher

International news correspondent assistant

Public affairs associate

With experience, graduates often progress into senior roles such as communications director, policy adviser, media manager, NGO programme lead, or academic researcher.



Employers value the advanced writing, multimedia production, data analysis, and critical thinking skills developed on the programme, as well as graduates’ ability to work across cultures and adapt to evolving digital environments.



The programme also provides a strong foundation for further academic research, and many graduates progress to doctoral study or teaching roles in Ireland and abroad.