Journalism & Digital Content Creation - Cork

This innovative MA programme produces graduates who can demonstrate essential skills in the fast-moving environment that is modern Journalism and Digital Content Creation.

Graduates will acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies that will equip them to work as professionals in the communications industry with a solid grounding in the tools and practices of journalism and digital content creation.



The programme is a well-rounded, professional programme that prepares graduates for entry-level positions in the media/communications industry. It stresses a balance of academic and practical modules in print, broadcast, and digital content creation. The programme has been modified to include a focus on marketing, advertising and general communications, and students will complete a mentorship programme in semester 3. Each student will work with a mentor who is highly experienced in the communications industry. This can also involve short placements in media/communications organisations.



This will enhance the skill set of students and open the door to a wider range of jobs and careers for them. The lecturing staff also plans to enhance the programme even further by adding data analytics and focusing more on live content creation, which will include desktop publishing skills and involve the department’s international student documentary film festival, ‘Story?’ There is a strong connection with industry, even as they learn, our students are producing work that is published in the national media. We’re equipping our students with all the skills that are requirements for today’s digital journalists and content creators: shooting and editing video, creating audio and podcasts, using social media, developing an online presence, and strong connections with industry.



Award

Master of Arts in Journalism and Digital Content Creation (Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications).

Stage 1/Semester 1:

Audio Broadcasting

Writing for Media

Media History & Society

Research Methods and Practice

Multimedia Production

New Media Workplace



Stage 1/Semester 2:

Visual Broadcasting

Features and Web Writing

Media and Communications Law

Cybercultures

New Media Production



Elective:

Studio Technology

Free Choice Module

Creative Thinking and Design

Event and Project Management



Stage 1/Semester 3:

Journalism MA Project

Entry requirements for this course will be in accordance with standard Institute admissions procedures. Entrants will be expected to hold minimum of a 2.2 honours degree. Admission to the course will be on the basis of interview. Recognition of Prior Learning will be applicable for candidates entering from the workplace or applying for admission from other institutes.



What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

Full-time

Application Deadline

Irish/EU: 16th July 2025. Non-EU: 31st May 2025.

90

This is a full-time programme which can be studied part-time, over two years.

EU applicants €5,000

Non EU Applicants - e-mail fees@cit.ie for details


Except where stated, course fees cover the cost of tuition only. Registration fees for professional bodies etc. are payable separately to these institutions.


Full-time (On Campus) EU Postgraduate Students will also be liable for the €7 USI Levy.


For further information on the USI levy please go to: http://www.citsu.ie/_7-levy


Students will be notified of their fees by email to their CIT email account and in all cases, course fees must be paid before attending lectures.


Students can check their account balance and pay their fees online at www.cit.ie/pay


Failure to pay fees on time will result in a late payment fee of 10% being applied and students will no longer have access to IT Facilities.


• Where course fees are being funded by an employer, you are asked to seek payment or reimbursement from your employer. Where an employer requires an invoice in their Company name the employer must e-mail fees@cit.ie with the relevant details and the amount of Fees they will be funding.


• For Semesterised courses, students pay for the relevant modules at the beginning of each semester. Payment of fees by laser, debit or credit card can be made online at www.cit.ie/pay or by phoning +353 21 433 5440.


Students should familiarise themselves with the relevant section of the Student Regulations.


Please note that the Fees Office will use your CIT email account for important communications.


Withdrawing from a course

Students who wish to withdrawn from a course must notify the admissions office and complete a withdrawal form. Where Students fail to inform admissions of their withdrawal they will remain liable for any unpaid fees on their accounts. E-mail admissions@cit.ie


Refund Policy

All courses at CIT will run subject to sufficient student numbers. Where a course cannot proceed, applicants will be contacted and advised on alternative study options.


• A full refund will be given to all applicants for courses which do not proceed.


• A full refund will be given to students who withdraw before 5th September.


• Where students pay the online application fee to accept an offer they have 14 days in which to withdraw and claim a full refund provided the course has not commenced.


• A full refund (less 15% administration fee) will be given to applicants for short courses, if requested up to one week after course commencement. No refunds will be given thereafter. A short Course is less than 12 weeks duration.


• A full refund (less 15% administration fee) will be given to applicants for semesterised and full year courses if requested up to one month after the commencement of Semester 1 and before the end of February for Semester 2. No refunds will be given thereafter.


• All applications for refunds must be made on the appropriate Refund Form which can be requested from the CIT Fees Office (email fees@cit.ie).


NB: Students are reminded to ensure that they have clearly understood all the terms of their enrolment with CIT, in particular clauses concerning refunds, deferments, waivers, course transfers, and visa applications (when applicable).

Course Start Date: 15th September 2025 (tbc)