Social Media Communications

The MA in Social Media Communications offers a critical examination of the history, operation, ramifications, functions, use and embeddedness of social media in all spheres of life. It is aimed at people who look for a critical reflection on social media, who wish to understand their uses, and also learn how to analyse and mobilize them strategically.

The emphasis of the course is on a social scientific understanding and analysis of the emergence and functions of social media in a globalized networked society.

The course addresses the way in which social media became involved in and change personal lives, habits and identities, social lives, the way in which we relate to and coexist with other people; the way in which we work and live our everyday lives; and life, which changes as a result of the ongoing engagement with social media by politicians, journalists and publics.

The main idea behind this programme is that social media leave nothing untouched, introducing changes, sometimes subtle sometimes more apparent, that must be mapped, studied and understood. Successful use of social media is premised on a deep understanding of their roles and functions and ability to analyse current and emerging practices and trends.

Programme Aims
To introduce students to theories, critical concepts and methods relating to social media.
To Investigate and relate institutional, technical and social factors shaping social media practices.
To critically examine social media practices by a variety of actors, including politicians, businesses, journalists and publics.
To analyse the impact of social media in politics, socio-cultural and economic life.
To enable students to develop effective social media communicative strategies.

Programme Academic Structure for 2023 - 2024, MA in Social Media Communications
This information is provisional & subject to change.

Full-time Programme Structure
Year 1 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
CM5002 Understanding Social Media 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
CM5003 Social Media:Structure, Practices&Application 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5033 Data Communication 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5630 Social Media, Journalism and Democracy 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
CM5700 Introduction to Research 5 Semester 1 0 100 1
CM5992 Research Methodologies 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5993 Digital Media Campaigns 5 Semester 1 0 100 1
CM5994 Dissertation / Major Project (by practice) 25 Autumn Semester 0 100 2

Year 1 Optional Modules -
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
CM5360 Media Audiences and Consumption 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM587 Gender and Sexuality in Digital Culture 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5963 Information, Manipulation and Democracy 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5970 Public Relations: Issues and Principles 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
UM405 Uaneen Non-Contributing Module Year long 0 100 1

Part-time Programme Structure
Year 1 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
CM5002 Understanding Social Media 10 Semester 1 0 100 1
CM5003 Social Media:Structure, Practices&Application 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5630 Social Media, Journalism and Democracy 10 Semester 1 0 100 1

Year 1 Optional Modules,
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
CM5360 Media Audiences and Consumption 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM587 Gender and Sexuality in Digital Culture 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5963 Information, Manipulation and Democracy 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5970 Public Relations: Issues and Principles 5 Semester 2 0 100 1

Year 2 Core Modules:
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
CM5033 Data Communication 10 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5700 Introduction to Research 5 Semester 1 0 100 1
CM5992 Research Methodologies 5 Semester 2 0 100 1
CM5993 Digital Media Campaigns 5 Semester 1 0 100 1
CM5994A Dissertation / Major Project (by practice) 25 Autumn Semester 0 100 2

Year 2 Optional Modules,
Code Title Credit Semester Exam % CA % Resit Category
UM405 Uaneen Non-Contributing Module Year long 0 100 1

Requirements
For admission to the MA in Social Media Communications programme, successful applicants will have -
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent,
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2024.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2024.

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to internationalapplications@dcu.ie

To apply for this programme:
• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.

• Provide a personal statement of 500-750 words (maximum) outlining:
(i) why you wish to study in the programme;
(ii) what aspects of your experience, educational and professional, make you a suitable candidate for the programme;
(iii) the impact that you expect the programme will have on your future career

Please note: applicants must prepare a tailored Personal Statement for each programme that they apply for. See Writing a Personal Statement Guidelines for advice on how to compose a personal statement.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

The programme commences in September 2024.

Careers
Graduates of the programme can be confident of finding employment in a variety of media related industries, in communication-related roles in other industries, or of broadening their horizon and prospects in their existing career. The programme will have immediate relevance for those interested in updating their knowledge and skills; for those who seek further specialization in an increasingly important field of communication; and for those looking for a shift in their career towards a more social and communicative role. In addition, the MA in Social Media Communications offers an excellent route for further academic progression.

Potential Careers:
Content Manager
Social Media Specialist
Digital Media Supervisor
Engagement Coordinator
Social Media Analyst
Online Community Manager
Public Relations Manager
Digital Marketing Manager