Journalism

Join the School of Communications, where expert educators bring their cutting-edge research and professional experience directly to the classroom.



Learn from specialists in political journalism, climate change reporting, data journalism, gender studies in media, and journalism history. Gain practical skills in news reporting, video and audio production, mobile journalism (MoJo), and news design, ensuring you're equipped for the modern media landscape.



Our state-of-the-art facilities include Mac computer labs, radio studios, and a fully equipped TV studio. Your lecturers are seasoned industry professionals, offering insights and mentorship to prepare you for real-world challenges. Plus, at the end of the academic year, you'll have a six-week internship with a media company gaining invaluable experience and connections.



Upon graduation, you'll join a distinguished alumni network that includes some of Ireland's top journalists. Your training will prepare you to thrive in newsrooms, as well as in policymaking, public affairs, broadcasting, content creation, the NGO sector, and public relations.



DCU's MA in Journalism aims to provide students with a range of newsgathering and reporting skills, but also to equip them with critical perspectives on why journalism is important in different contexts.



Newsgathering skills are taught in two core skills-based modules, one in each semester.

In Semester 1, Journalism Practice: Writing and Reporting, focuses on news reporting techniques and on feature writing.

In Semester 2, Journalism Practice: Digital Storytelling looks at video journalism, radio journalism, and podcasting.



In both semesters, there are masterclasses featuring guest lectures from working journalists or visiting academic experts. Both modules also feature "newsdays" - newsroom simulation exercises, with students taking the roles of newsroom editors and reporters.



There are two other core (compulsory) modules, one on journalism law and ethics, and one on research methods and sources.



Students then choose two optional modules in each semester. The full course structure is set out below. Students are likely to be on campus five days a week.



Assessment is assignment-based, with 100% of grades for courses based on continuous assessment rather than exam.



Students also complete a dissertation or a journalism project, which has a deadline in late June, before embarking on an eight-week placement with a media organisation over the summer.

Requirements

For admission to the MA in Journalism programme, successful applicants will have -

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent

• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

1 year full-time.

The skills you'll develop in this programme—clear, rapid and accurate writing, along with the ability to process information swiftly—will prepare you for a diverse array of careers, extending beyond journalism.



Our programme equips you with versatile skills that open doors to a multitude of career paths, reflecting the diverse and evolving landscape of modern communication.



Career Area

Our graduates have successfully ventured into various fields:



Media: Many of our alumni excel in mainstream journalism, both nationally and internationally, across different media platforms.

Organisational Representation and Lobbying: Some graduates choose paths involving representing organisations and engaging in lobbying efforts.

Communication Roles: Our programme equips graduates for roles in general communication, be it within corporations, NGOs or government agencies.

NGO Sector: Some alumni find fulfilling careers in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Corporate Communication: Graduates enter corporate communication, where they manage communication strategies for businesses.

Political Communication: Others opt for careers in political communication, working with politicians and government bodies.

Advocacy: Many alumni engage in advocacy roles for various commercial, voluntary, and public organisations.

Consultancy: Some pursue careers in consultancy, offering specialised communication advice.

Academia: For those inclined towards academia, opportunities in research and teaching are available.

Public Administration: Careers in public administration are another avenue, contributing to governance and policy development.

Information and Public Relations: Graduates also succeed in roles involving information management and public relations.