Media Studies

The Master's in Media Studies at MIC is an innovative programme that offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of contemporary media topics at an advanced level. These include streams in Film Studies, Audio Studies and Cultural Studies. All courses are taught by experienced researchers with practical knowledge of the industry and the small group sessions facilitate collaborative learning, both theoretical and practical. The programme enables graduate students to develop a deeper understanding of the field and provide the foundations for their own original research and career development.

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.

The programme is jointly offered by Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick. Teaching takes place in daytime on both campuses- depending upon the modules chosen by students and availability. The one-year MA is delivered over three semesters (but there is an option to complete it part-time over two years).

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. 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.

The programme also 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 Masters 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.

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.

Applications for September 2022 entry are now open.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications: 31 May 2022.

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 one-year MA is delivered over three semesters (but there is an option to complete it part-time over two years).

How to Apply
You can download and complete the application form below.

•The application form must also include your university transcripts.
•In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS is also required, or equivalent.

Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Realex here, and return the application form by email to: Admissions@mic.ul.ie or by post to: Admissions Office, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick, Ireland, V94 VN26.

Non-EU Applicants
You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying on +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790.

Download and complete the application form online (view course webpage link below).
•The application form must also include your university transcripts.
•In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS is also required, or equivalent.

Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Realex here, and return the application form by email to: International@mic.ul.ie or by post to: International Office, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick, Ireland, V94 VN26.