Journalism & Media Communications

Overview
Take on the challenge of entering the growing communication sector in Ireland and internationally.

This Masters programme delivers a comprehensive syllabus of media skills designed to equip you with the key practical competencies needed to work in a professional media environment today.

Why Study Journalism & Media Communications at Griffith College?
The MA in Journalism & Media Communications is conducted on both a full and part-time basis over a 1-2 year period and allows students to develop their own study path through the selection of elective modules. It is for people who wish to embark on a career in the fast-changing industry of contemporary journalism and media communications. Designed and delivered by journalism and communications professionals and full-time academics, the course immerses learners in a professional media production environment. The programme team cultivates among learners a commitment to the production of high quality and ethical journalism, as well as leadership and innovation skills.

- You will acquire the practical skills to conceive, produce, edit and publish their own media content.

- You will gain familiarity with multiple platforms: web, mobile, video, radio, print and photography.

- For the programme duration, participants are entitled to apply for a NUJ Press Card.

- You will gain a solid understanding of media theory, research methods and media law and ethics.

- You will significantly develop your writing, production and communication skills, exploring areas like reporting, feature writing and investigative journalism.

- You will be challenged in real journalistic situations in print, broadcast and online media in a media working environment through work with the college magazine, online publications and radio station.

- You will have the opportunity to create a professional portfolio of your writing, radio output as well as video and photography work to show future employers.

Course Highlights
- NUJ Press Pass for the duration of your study
- State of the art studios and facilities
- Build your own professional portfolio
- Study full-time, part-time or through blended learning
- Work on real-life journalistic situations
- Connect with industry leaders

Learners on the MA programme complete 12 taught modules plus a dissertation.

Core Subjects:
Media Law and Ethics
MoJo: Mobile Video Journalism
Radio Production
Research Methods
Sociology of the Media
Writing and Editing: News, Features, Content
Communications and Audience Theories
Online Media: Creation, Curation
Media Design and Production
Dissertation
Investigative Journalism

Electives:
Video Journalism and Documentary
Business of Media
International Media Landscapes
International Political Economy
Photojournalism
Sports Journalism
Shorthand

Applicants for this course should have a 2.2 degree in any discipline

In response to the worldwide closure of English Language Test Centres arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, Griffith College is now accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. This is a temporary measure for our intakes up to and including February 2022.

How to Apply
Applicants wishing to apply for this course can do so directly.

Please note: Our MA in Journalism and PR has two intakes: September 2020 and February 2021. Courses beginning in September run for 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Courses beginning in February run for 1.5 years full-time and 2.5 years part-time.

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

The programme runs full-time over one year with two semesters and an August dissertation submission. It is also run part-time over four semesters in two years with 13 of the modules delivered through 'blended learning' where learners view lectures and related reading online at their convenience. Candidates are encouraged to contact the faculty to discuss our flexible, student-oriented timetabling. September and February commencements are facilitated.

There are two intakes for this course, September and February. Learners starting in February will join the second semester of those starting in September. For this reason, courses beginning in February run for 1.5 years full-time and 2.5 years part-time.

Intake Dates
We run 2 intakes for this course commencing in Spring and Autumn.
February 2020*
September 2020

*subject to sufficient numbers.

Academic Progression
On completion of the Level 9 MA in Journalism & Media Communications, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.

Career Progression
Through the MA in Journalism and Media Communication, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong portfolio and covered a diverse range of media. Graduates from this programme are employed in a wide variety of fields across the communications industries. A sample of recent graduates' job titles include:

Senior News Reporter
Editorial Assistant
In-House Editor
Lifestyle and Entertainment Reporter
Video Producer
Web Partnerships Manager
Digital Content Executive
Communications Associate / Executive
Social Media Analyst / Manager
Research Assistant
Data Scout
Freelance Copywriter / Journalist / Producer
Mobile Journalist
Documentary Director