Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
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 addtion student will submit a thesis 12,000 - 15,000 words.
The programme is available on a full and part time basis.
Vision & Value Statement
This is an academic programme but is also suited to practitioners/professionals in a related field who wish to gain a broader understanding of the cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflicts. We value and therefore encourage our students to be active, motivated, autonomous learners who have a critical and reflective approach to the subject. We aim to provide a learning environment that will encourage students to think critically about the ways in which media interact today with war, conflict, and security in international contexts, both individually and as part of a group. As a result of this approach to learning, the programme uses teaching, learning, and assessment approaches such as seminar discussions, short and longer writing assignments, one-on-one advising, small group activities, presentations, internships, and engagement with practitioners.
Programme Outcomes
Students should be able to communicate in interdisciplinary, academic language about the cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflicts, with special emphasis on contemporary events.
apply knowledge in a variety of professional settings or in the form of further study, including at the doctoral level.
develop a sophisticated understanding of the ways in which media interact with war, conflict and security in international contexts.
display an understanding of interdisciplinary modes of study.
demonstrate an ability to communicate in writing and in public speaking with a variety of specialist and non-specialist audiences.
learn skills that will enable them independently to accumulate further knowledge in this or other subjects.
develop significant expertise in a chosen subject by writing a MA thesis of approximately 12,000 words with an individual supervision from an academic member of staff.
Students should be able to communicate in interdisciplinary, academic language about the cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflicts, with special emphasis on contemporary events.
Apply knowledge in a variety of professional settings or in the form of further study, including at the doctoral level.
Demonstrate an ability to communicate in writing and in public speaking with a variety of specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Develop a sophisticated understanding of how media interacts with war, conflict and security in international contexts.
Develop significant expertise in a chosen subject by writing a MA thesis of approximately 12,000 words with an individual supervision from an academic member of staff.
Display an understanding of interdisciplinary modes of study.
Develop skills that will strenghtn students ability to independently accumulate further knowledge in this or other subjects.