MA in Journalism
Course Code:
DC600
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Duration:
1 yr
Introduction
DCU’s MA in Journalism provides an opportunity to study in the top-ranked journalism and media school in the country, and one of the top 200 in the world.
Your teachers are active researchers in their fields, and bring the results of their research into the classroom.
You’ll be part of the School of Communications, and be taught by experts in political, climate change, and data journalism, journalism and gender, and journalism history.
Alongside cutting-edge insights into the role of journalism in these different contexts, you will learn a range of practical skills, such as news reporting, video and audio journalism, mobile journalism (MoJo), and news design.
Your classes will take place in state-of-the-art Mac labs, radio studios, and a full-scale TV studio. You’ll learn alongside experienced industry practitioners. And you’ll get a six-week placement in a media organisation at the end of the academic year.
When you graduate, you will join an alumni network which includes some of the top names in Irish journalism. You’ll have all the skills and knowledge to go straight into a newsroom, but you’ll also be qualified to work in policymaking, public affairs, content creation, the NGO sector, broadcasting, or public relations.
Programme Aims and Objectives
The programme provides training and education for those interested in the journalism profession and its related fields. It balances practical, theoretical, technical and analytical elements to address the changing media environment and the new and increasingly diverse demands being made on entrants to journalism. Upon completion, graduates will have the skills, in-depth knowledge and understanding to begin to pursue a successful journalism career, whether in newspapers, magazines, online or in television or radio.
Programme Structure and Content
This one-year, full-time programme includes taught modules for two semesters, with a project or dissertation and an internship. The project/dissertation is a significant journalistic project or a piece of research focused on journalism. Students receive training in print, online and broadcast journalism. Students learn to work both on their own initiative and in teams. Modules are marked, in part or in whole, by continuous assessment, namely simulated newsroom exercises, preparation of features and news stories, online activities, broadcast packages, seminar presentations, and essays. Examinations and in-class tests are set in some modules. In the work placement which takes place in July and August, students gain experience and have the opportunity to practise their skills.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: VERONICA GUERIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship/bursary is awarded in memory of investigative journalist Veronica Guerin who was murdered on June 26, 1996, and who served on the governing body of NIHE/DCU from 1982 to 1992. See the details of the scholarship and how to apply here.
View the current course structure
DCU has been a leader in journalism education in Ireland for over three decades. DCU lecturers, with extensive experience in journalism practice across all media, have excellent industry links and are active in researching and analysing news media nationally and internationally.
Why Do this programme?
While strong writing ability is a prerequisite for entry, the programme is open to committed applicants from all academic backgrounds, from science and technology, through business and economics, to the humanities. Entry to the programme is competitive.
- The longest-established Masters in Journalism programme in Ireland.
- Lecturers with a wealth of experience in journalism practice.
- A broad mix of professional and theoretical training.
- Excellent working relations with media organisations, ensuring relevant and up-to-date course content.
- A commitment to the continuing need for serious professional journalism across all media platforms.
“Returning to study for a Masters in Journalism as a mature student in DCU proved to be an excellent experience. The course itself was well organised. Technology has moved on considerably since I was last in full-time education. DCU uses technology to make the student’s experience as straightforward as possible. The content was interesting and the lecturers were engaging. The modules training me to prepare content for print, radio, TV and digital media were well delivered. The more theoretical subjects, such as the examination of the future of journalism and ethics, proved to be very interesting. One of the reasons I chose this programme over other journalism schools was the promise of an internship. My two-month work placement at the Sunday Times newspaper delivered on that promise.” Tim Madigan, Graduate, MA in Journalism
Your ability to write clearly, quickly and accurately, and to process information speedily will equip you for a wide range of careers, not just those in journalism. Graduates work in a wide range of areas, including mainstream journalism across all media, nationally and internationally, and in organisational representation and lobbying and general communication roles. While many of our graduates find jobs in journalism, others pursue careers in related sectors such as NGO, corporate and political communication, advocacy for commercial, voluntary and public organisations, consultancy, academia, public administration, research, information and public relations.
Potential Careers:
- News Reporter (print, online, broadcast)
- Journalist
- Sub-editor
- Feature Writer
- Sports Reporter
- Columnist
- Producer
- Researcher
- Lobbyist
- Editor
- Advocate
- Public Communication Specialist
- Media Entrepreneur
- Advertising copywriter
- Broadcaster
- Journalist
- Picture researcher/editor
- Presenter, radio and television
- Press officer
- Public relations officer
- Publishing copy-editor/proofreader
- Writer, radio/TV/film
- Podcaster
- Videographer
Requirements
For admission to the MA in Journalism 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. More information about the English language requirements of DCU School of Communications can be found here.
Fees
Full time
EU Status Fee
€8,450
Non EU Fee
€16,000
Part time
EU Status Fee Part-time
N/A
Non EU Fee Part time
N/A
