Digital Policy

MSc Digital Policy
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
With support from Microsoft Ireland, UCD’s School of Information and Communication studies is establishing the Microsoft-UCD Digital Policy Programme with the goal of building digital policy training and capability in Ireland and Europe.

The MSc in Digital Policy is designed to prepare graduates for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying core topical, theoretical, and methodological issues that arise in digital policy today. The course will take a multi-disciplionary approach to investigating the institutional and public policy dimensions of the prevalence of digital technology, as well as the underlying social conditions (economic, political, and cultural) and public/private sector contexts that give rise to such technologies and their governance.

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

The MSc in Digital Policy is designed to prepare graduates for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying core topical, theoretical, and methodological issues that arise in digital policy today. The course will take a multi-disciplionary approach to investigating the institutional and public policy dimensions of the prevalence of digital technology, as well as the underlying social conditions (economic, political, and cultural) and public/private sector contexts that give rise to such technologies and their governance.

This MSc is available full time (one year) or part time (two years) and includes the completion of a thesis. The programme's core course modules are complimented by specific optional modules available within the school and through other select external schools.

Stage 1 - Core
Quantitative Data AnalysisIS40730
Research Theory and PracticeIS40820
Data & SocietyIS40840
Digital PolicyIS40910
Digital Policy IIIS40960
AI & EthicsIS40970
Platform GovernanceIS41050
Media Law & PolicyIS41190
Digital Policy ThesisIS41290

Applicants should present with a primary (bachelor's) degree in any subject with an overall score of 2.1 or higher.

Names and contact details of two referees who can assess their intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate

English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

While applications are accepted up to August of the year of entry, offers are made to suitably qualified candidates on a first-come-first-served basis so early application is recommended. Entry to the programmes is very competitive and the number of places is limited.

How to apply?
MSc Digital Policy FT (W471)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

MSc Digital Policy PT (W472)
Duration 2 Years Attend
Part Time Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.