Journalism

The MA Journalism is a one-year, full-time programme that blends professional newsroom training with academic study of media and society. Students take core modules in reporting, law, ethics, and global media, alongside specialist electives in data, climate and science communication, and other areas. The programme culminates in a major project or dissertation.



Core modules include:



Journalism Bootcamp - intensive foundation training in writing, editing, interviewing, and multimedia reporting.

Multimedia Newsdays - newsroom simulations producing print, broadcast, and digital journalism to real deadlines.

Reporting Economics and Politics - subject knowledge and reporting skills in two key fields of public life.

Media Law and Ethics - press freedom, regulation, defamation, privacy, and ethical dilemmas in journalism.

Global Media and Society - critical perspectives on journalism, democracy, disinformation, and globalisation.

Final Project and Dissertation - an extended journalism project or research dissertation supervised by staff.

Elective modules:



Data Analysis and Visualisation for Journalists - telling stories with data, coding basics, and visual presentation.

Introduction to Investigative Reporting - methods and techniques for uncovering hidden stories, using documents, data, and sources.

Communicating Climate Action and Science - covering complex environmental and scientific issues for general audiences.

Other options - students may also select approved electives from across the University, including in Human Rights Law, Development Practice, and related areas, providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary study.

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).

Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.



Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required DJ6127: Global Media and Society

Required DJ6130: Employability and Career Skills

Required DJ6115: Journalism Bootcamp

Required DJ6122: Researching the Media

Required DJ6112: Multimedia Newsdays

Required DJ6143: Media Law

Optional LW5123: International Peace Operations

Optional LW5117: International Human Rights Law

Optional DJ6135: Reporting Economics and Politics

Optional DJ6124: Final Project for journalism, media and communication

Optional DJ6151: Introduction to Investigative Reporting

Optional DJ6144: Communicating Climate Action and Science

Optional DJ6157: Data Analysis and Visualisation

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

Next start date: September 2026

Graduates of the MA Journalism are highly sought after in Ireland and internationally across a wide range of media industries. The combination of practical newsroom training, academic study, and professional placements ensures students graduate with the skills, experience, and confidence to enter competitive news and communications roles.



Alumni work in national and regional newspapers, radio and television stations, digital-first outlets, wire services, and international broadcasters. Many also move into communications, NGOs, politics, cultural organisations, and digital media roles. Typical early career positions include reporter, sub-editor, broadcast producer, digital content creator, researcher, and communications officer. With experience, graduates progress into senior posts such as editor, correspondent, features writer, documentary maker, or newsroom manager.



Employers value the advanced writing, multimedia production, data analysis, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills developed on the programme. The ability to work under pressure, adapt to new technologies, and produce high-quality journalism across platforms prepares graduates for the realities of today’s media environment. The journalism profession is evolving rapidly, with strong growth in digital and multimedia roles, audience engagement, and data-driven reporting. Skills in verification, investigative methods, and multimedia storytelling are in demand across media, NGOs, and corporate communication sectors. The programme also provides an excellent foundation for further academic research, and many graduates have gone on to doctoral study and academic posts in Ireland and internationally.



Recent graduates have gone on to work at:



RTÉ TG4 The Irish Times Irish Independent TheJournal.ie BBC Reuters The Washington Post Politico Bloomberg Connacht Tribune Galway Bay FM Clare FM