Media Studies

Key Features
The MA programme is interdisciplinary, drawing on theories and applications from a range of academic fields, including sociology, history, cultural studies, literary theory and linguistics. It seeks to analyse the historical, social and cultural contexts in which the media have been produced; how meaning is generated through the interplay of image, word and sound in media texts; and how the media impact upon their audiences as well as being invested with significance by those audiences.

Teaching takes place on the MIC campus and the modules offered depend on student choices and the availability of lecturers in any given semester. The one-year MA is delivered over three semesters (but alternatively there is an option to complete it over two years on a part-time basis).

The programme familiarises students with current issues and developments in Irish and international mass media and mass media theory, situating the analysis of Irish media within the context of post-Independence Irish society, culture and identity and examining developments in international media in their political, cultural and social contexts. Students develop the ability to analyse structures, trends and developments in the mass media and to undertake research, using a variety of methodologies, on key aspects of media production, texts and consumption.

Programme assessment is 50% of grade for a dissertation of 20,000 words (or agreed alternative) and 50% for successful completion of six modules from a wide suite of choices.

Please note: Students who do not undertake a dissertation but complete the six taught modules can graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies.

The following is the full selection of modules that students may draw from, the course team chooses the modules to be offered each year based on students' interests and on institutional resources.

• Critical Issues in Media Theory
• Mass Media Research Methods
• Radio: Invisible Medium
• Television Drama: Industry, Form & Audience
• Ireland and Film
• News and News Media
• Researching Irish Media Audiences
• Sociolinguistics of Irish Media
• Women and Ageing in Popular Culture
• Scriptwriting for TV Drama and Film
• Music and Sound in Popular Culture
• Media, Sport and Popular Culture
• Popular Music Studies
• Sound, Media & Society
• Community Media Engagement
• The Development of Irish Media: a Theoretical Overview

Applicants should have:
• 2.2. in relevant degree or media industry experience.

Some flexibility with regards to the scheduling of classes may be possible to facilitate students who are working full-time, so please let us know your needs when you apply.

English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of their proficiency level English in the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 6.5 – 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any one component, or IELTS equivalent accepted by UL. Such applicants will also be required to undergo an interview through English.

EU Applicants
Applications for the MA in Media Studies are now open.

To apply, please complete all the steps below:

Download and complete the application form our website.
You will be required to send your university transcripts.
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie.

Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 31st May 2024.

Non-EU Applicants
You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:

E: International@mic.ul.ie or T: +353 61 204988/ +353 61 774790

Entry requirements and the application process vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country, click here.
Please complete your application through PAC.
You will be required to upload your university transcripts
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) is required
The application fee is €50 and is non-refundable

Transferring from another 3rd Level Institution
The transfer route into MIC depends on the content overlap of your new and old course and the number of places on the new course in the year you apply. Before submitting an application you should contact international@mic.ul.ie where we will consider your case with the relevant Head of Department of the course you wish to transfer to.

EU/Non-EU Status Assessments
The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at MIC, i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third-level studies and would qualify for EU fees for example.

Programme assessment is 50% of grade for a dissertation of 20,000 words (or agreed alternative) and 50% for successful completion of six modules from a wide suite of choices.

Please note: Students who do not undertake a dissertation but complete the six taught modules can graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time. Delivery Mode: Face-to-face.

Applications for the MA in Media Studies are now open.

Career Opportunities
The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to advance to doctoral degree studies and to enhance career opportunities in the media industry and other professional fields.

All students undertake six taught modules, split over two semesters (full-time) or four semesters (part-time), and the focus of the final, summer semester is upon individual research and dissertation preparation. Students complete a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words on an approved topic.

While the course is mostly theory driven, some modules offer tuition in and assessment based on production. For example, some students learn to make a radio documentary and to master multi-track sound editing. The option to complete the Master's by writing a full film script rather than a traditional dissertation has proven popular in the past, particularly with those coming from an industry background.

The programme’s teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, presentations by guest lecturers, individual consultation with relevant lecturers, guided reading and written assignments.