Journalism & Public Relations

Overview

Realise your creative potential and develop key media industry skills to specialise in public relations.



The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is accredited by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII). The programme is delivered on a full-time and part-time basis by academics and industry experts in the fields of public relations, communications, business and journalism.



The MA in Journalism and Public Relations provides students with a well-rounded internationally recognised communications qualification that prepares them for careers within the communications, media and public relations industries.



The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is designed to be delivered on a full-time basis over one calendar year and on a part-time basis over 2 years. Learners in the MA programme complete 11 taught modules plus a dissertation. The programme is intended to provide a continuous development experience for learners, in which academic reflection is combined with gaining practical and professional mastery of this dynamic and engaging field.



The first semester of this programme is designed to be commonly taught with MA Journalism learners while the second semester offers Public Relations specialisms. The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism & Public Relations consists of 11 mandatory modules and does not include a dissertation.



Why Study Journalism and Public Relations at Griffith College?

The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is recognised by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII).



The curriculum is structured to increase the employability of students and promote professional development in the communications sector. The course is conducted on both a full and part-time basis over a 1-2 year period. Learners will acquire the skills to conceive, produce and edit their own media and public relations content on all platforms including web, social, radio, print and mobile video.



Public Relations students will develop a critical understanding of the theory and practice of public relations, political communications and of the strategic role that communications play in the management of organisations. The programme has been designed in response to industry demands for well-rounded multi-skilled communications graduates.



• You will gain a theoretical understanding of the workings of the media industry including Sociology of the Media, Communications and Audience Theories and Research Methods.

• You will develop specific skills in journalism production through the Writing & Editing, Radio and MoJo modules, participating in Newsdays and delivering print, radio and mobile video news reports.

• You will develop an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of public relations, political communications and corporate communications.

• You will create high-quality media content and develop effective public relations strategies.

• You have the option of finishing the programme early without a dissertation and receiving a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism & Public Relations after completing 9 mandatory modules.

• You are assured of excellent teaching practices, using industry-standard techniques and technologies.



Course Highlights

• One of seven courses accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII)

• NUJ Press Pass for the duration of your study

• Build your own professional portfolio

• Study full-time, part-time or through blended learning

• Produce real-life public relations strategies.

• Connect with industry leaders.

Mandatory Modules

Communications and Audience Theories

This module enables learners to understand how audiences relate to media content and develops an ability to critically discuss the major paradigms and theories that have shaped the field of communications, including their historical development and current trends. The module offers learners an academic introduction to examples of research and theories potentially relevant to their dissertation. Learners also develop the ability to evaluate the spectrum of research and theorization on how media audiences are measured and how audiences behave.



Corporate Communications

The module aims to assist learners in developing core competencies required by the public relations industry, including, problem-solving, critical thinking and business acumen. It aims to assist learners in developing an in-depth knowledge of corporate structures and a critical understanding of the strategic role that communications and specifically public relations play within the management structure of organisations.



Dissertation

This module enables learners to identify and fully exploit available and emerging research resources in the conduct of their dissertation investigation to support and direct their research methodology or techniques. The module aims for learners to be able to rigorously apply appropriate research, design and implementation methodologies to the development of media content, practices, processes and/or techniques. The module also affords learners the opportunity to complete significant research into specialist topics and present findings, insights and hypotheses reflecting a mastery of the concepts and techniques involved.



Media Law and Ethics

This module aims to equip learners with an understanding of the fundamental principles of media law in order for them to be able to work confidently and competently within the legal boundaries as a media professional. The module develops in learners a practical working knowledge of legal principles so they can work competently as media professionals and avoid the pitfalls of contriving financial vulnerabilities, contempt of court, or professional disciplinary action.



MoJo: Mobile Video Journalism

This module aims to develop learners’ overall creative and technical production abilities by equipping them with the practical skills to approach the production of factual visual programming on mobile devices for multiplatform distribution. Learners critically evaluate professional video standards and conceive, shoot, edit and upload online their own short video programming using mobile phones. They also learn to transfer footage from mobile to desktop computer to develop more advanced editing skills. The module develops learners’ concept development skills and digital video production skills for mobile journalism.



Online Media: Creation, Curation

This module enables learners to be able to play a lead role in production teams which repurpose existing content for new and different online audiences, and to learn the key technical skills which allows them to plan, construct and develop their own and others’, online media artefacts. Learners develop the ability to use the current tools necessary for online journalism and the ability to apply these tools when creating journalistic content online. The module also develops learners’ ability to identify and evaluate trends and opportunities in online media, and also cultivates a critical comprehension in the design and construction of integrated web-based media content.



Political Communications and Public Affairs

This module aims to enable learners to develop the skills needed to adapt their journalism and other public relations skills to political and public settings. Learners develop the skills required, within an Irish and international context, to understand public relations in the wider political and public affairs environment. Learners will develop a critical depth to their work and gain an understanding of the relevant sociological, political and psychological theories that underpin the decisions made and strategies implemented in their professional public relations work.



Public Relations Theory and Practice

This module aims to facilitate a critical and practical understanding of the theory and principles of public relations where learners develop the skills and knowledge needed to become well-rounded communications professionals. The module equips learners with the practical skills and knowledge to make the transition from third level education to the public relations industry.



Radio Production

This module aims to enable learners to make great radio in a professional environment. Through edited and recorded as-live individual and group assignments, the module equips learners with the skills, techniques, research ability and the editorial standards which are necessary to work in news, current affairs, sports or light entertainment radio.



Research Methods

This module aims to deepen learners’ research skills, in relation to their module related assignments and later in the completion of their major dissertation or dissertation by practice. The module extends their abilities as self-directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing and evaluating their own work and that of others. Throughout the module, learners are required to engage in a number of research methodologies and current research issues and trends. The module also advances good project management skills and techniques so that learners can successfully deliver a research project including scoping media research projects and completing a literature review.



Sociology of the Media

This module aims to impart knowledge and practical awareness of how and why media institutions, practices and culture developed in the way that they have in western society. The module develops learners’ ability to focus on the media industries in a critical and evaluative manner in a broad social and historical context. Learners are required to critique media institutions within their interrelationship with society, politics and the economy and to apply theories of mass media. While enhancing research skills, the module also challenges learners’ understanding of the current media environment and requires critical evaluation of power relations as between owners, producers and receivers of information through forms of mass media.



Writing and Editing: News, Features, Content

This module aims to enable learners to attain the practical skills required to identify, plan, research, write and edit publishable news reports, feature articles and commercial content for identified audiences. Through practice, learners develop the ability to use social media platforms to promote their writings, and to develop their online profile on their own WordPress website. The module also cultivates critical thinking among learners in relation to the role of and the future of, journalism in democratic societies.?

A primary degree (2.2) in any discipline and interview



Griffith College is now accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency.

How to Apply

Applicants can Apply Online Directly.

1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time.



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.

Intake Dates:

We run two intakes for this course, commencing as follows:

Autumn: September*

Spring: February*



*subject to sufficient numbers.

Academic Progression

On completion of the Level 9 MA in Journalism and Public Relations, 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 Public Relation, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong portfolio and covered a diverse range of media. Graduates of this programme are regularly employed as PR practitioners and media content creators in public relations firms and in the press and communications departments of companies and NGOs. Graduates also work as journalists, news researchers and broadcast production managers across web, radio, TV, video and print media.



A sample of recent graduates’ job titles include:

• PR Account Executive

• Broadcast Journalist

• Content and Community Manager

• Communications Consultant

• Digital Engagement Officer

• Junior PR Consultant

• Marketing Manager

• News Research Assistant