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Griffith College Dublin

Journalism & Media Communications

Background to the course
The MA in Journalism and Media Communications offers a comprehensive multimedia syllabus designed with input from Irish journalists, academics and media practitioners. This has helped produce a course that is relevant to current and emerging job opportunities, as well as reflecting and adapting to technical, creative, social and market developments.

The programme allows students with an undergraduate degree in a non-journalism or media discipline, to acquire the skills of journalistic writing, production and communication. It integrates critical media understanding with application so that theory is combined with practice.

Students are challenged in real journalistic situations in print, broadcast and online media. The Writing and Reporting module, for example, facilitates learners reporting in both radio and print through its news days and participation in Griff FM, the college radio station. National Union of Journalists recognition of this programme entitles students to apply for a NUJ Press Card for the duration of their course.

MA Programme structure
The MA in Journalism and Media Communications is a 90 credit programme. There are eight mandatory modules and students select two electives from a choice of five. Shorthand is offered on the full-time programme as a non-credit elective.

Postgraduate Diploma Programme Structure
The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Communications is a 60 credit programme which consists of the ten taught modules on the MA. The programme is assessed mainly through continuous assessment with a strong emphasis on the student building up a portfolio of media content along with developing the academic depth needed for an MA. On completion, students possess an extensive array of skills enabling them to secure media based employment.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have a 2.2 degree in any discipline.

Duration

Full-Time 1 year, Part-Time 2 years.

Careers or further progression

Careers
Students are likely to find media-based employment as journalists in broadcast media, print, or as researchers, presenters, producers, or technical writers in media-related positions. Graduating students may be eligible to take up employment in areas where visual media or multi-media skills are in demand.

Graduates of this programme are currently working in TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and online media for major national and local media, at home and abroad.

Further enquiries

For Further Information
Please contact the Admissions Office
t: +353 1 415 0415
e: admissions@gcd.ie

Subjects taught

The MA is awarded on successful completion of 10 modules and a dissertation. The Postgraduate Diploma is awarded upon successful completion of 10 modules.

MANDATORY TAUGHT MODULES
Media Law and Ethics
Research Methods
Sociology of the Media
Writing and Reporting
Communications and Audience Theories
Investigative Journalism
Newspaper and Magazine Production
Online Media

MANDATORY MA DISSERTATION MODULE
Dissertation by writing or by practice

ELECTIVE TAUGHT MODULES
Choose two:
International Political Economy
Photojournalism
Sports Journalism
Video Journalism
Business of Digital Media (plus Shorthand, non credit)

Comment

Validated by QQI.

Enrolment and start dates

Application can be made directly to the GCD Admissions Office or via the website www.griffith.ie/apply

Applications for all direct entry programmes (undergraduate, postgraduate, part-time/evening time) must be made on the website www.griffith.ie/apply and relevant* supporting documentation can be emailed to admissions@griffith.ie or posted to:

The Admissions Office,
Griffith College Dublin,
South Circular Road,
Dublin 8.

*All applications for direct entry to undergraduate programmes should include a copy of official Leaving Certificate results with the exception of mature applicants (who must supply evidence of date of birth).