Media & International Conflict

On this programme, students will develop an understanding of how media interacts with war, conflict and security in international contexts. The course provides an interdisciplinary approach that considers both cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflict. Students will focus on issues such as: public diplomacy and soft power, the role of new media in perceptions of conflict, the production, circulation and reception of imagery of conflict, and the effects of news reporting on government policy and NGO activity.



• The programme analyses the complex roles played by the media in the presentation of conflict situations and addresses the relationships of the media, government, military, and NGOs in framing perceptions of international conflict.



• This is the only graduate programme in Ireland and one of very few in the world that blends together elements of media studies and international affairs to provide an innovative and challenging course of study



• Students can expect to take modules similar to: Media and US Foreign Policy, New Media and New Conflict, Public Diplomacy, Challenges facing US Foreign Policy. In addition student will submit a thesis 12,000 - 15,000 words.



The programme will interest those seeking a career in international communications, professionals seeking more critical understanding of the international dimensions of their industry, and those wishing to prepare for advanced research in this area.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

AMST40480 Research Skills Seminar Autumn 10

AMST40580 News Media Today Autumn 10

AMST40620 Journalism & International Aff Autumn 10

AMST40650 Politics and Digital Storytelling Spring 10

AMST40700 Cyber, AI and Intern Conflict Spring 10

AMST40050 Minor Thesis Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:

Select ten credits of option modules.

AMST40590 Trump's America Autumn 10

HIS41780 Origins of Modern Diplomacy Autumn 10

HIS42840 Modern Asia Autumn 10

AMST40310 Challenges in US Foreign Policy Spring 10

GEOG40450 Critical Geopolitics and Diplomacy Spring 10

GEOG41120 Geopolitical Risks and Crises Spring 10

HIS42480 War, Peace, and Globalisation Spring 10

• An upper second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8), or the international equivalent in the subject area such as the Humanities, Politics, International Relations, Journalism or Media Studies but this is not an exhaustive list. Consideration will be given to students with a lower GPA but they will require an interview (via SKYPE or in person) and maybe asked for additional material



• Applicants whose first language is not English must normally demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

90

Z137: 1 year full-time

Z138: 2 years part-time.

Delivery: On Campus

MA Media & International Conflict (Z137) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7920

nonEU fee per year - € 19900


MA Media & International Conflict (Z138) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4760

nonEU fee per year - € 9950


***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Z137 Media & International Conflict Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



Z138 Media & International Conflict Master of Arts Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career Opportunities

The programme will interest those seeking a career in international communications, professionals seeking more critical understanding of the international dimensions of their industry, and those wishing to prepare for advanced research in this area.



Employers include: Microsoft, Kantar Media, Google, Mayo News, The Washington Marketing Group, Celtrino, Institute for International and European Affairs. Students who have undertaken this programme now work in a variety of areas including Think Tanks, journalism, research, technology, teaching, NGOs, and marketing.