Digital Policy

MSc Digital Policy will be hybrid learning of online & face-to-face environments.

UCD’s School of Information and Communication studies has estabished the Microsoft-UCD Digital Policy Programme with the goal of building digital policy training and capability in Ireland and Europe.



The innovative programme mixes the abstract and the applied with modules from the School of Information and Communication Studies. This programme introduces students to basic concepts and issues in digital policy, giving a historical and critical understanding of how to theorise digital objects and environments by learning to situate them in perspectives such as platform capitalism, governance, data infrastructures, information analytics, interface critique and software studies.



Our innovative programme mixes theoretical and applied approaches. We introduce students to basic concepts and issues in digital policy, giving historical, contextual, regulatory, and critical understandings of how to theorise digital technologies and environments.

We situate concepts in perspectives such as platform capitalism, governance, data infrastructures, information analytics, interface

critique and AI regulation.

Stage 1 - Core

Quantitative Data AnalysisIS40730

Research Theory and PracticeIS40820

Data & SocietyIS40840

Digital PolicyIS40910

Digital Policy IIIS40960

AI & EthicsIS40970

Platform GovernanceIS41050

Media Law & PolicyIS41190

Digital Policy ThesisIS41290

Applicants should present with a primary (bachelor's) degree in any subject with an overall score of 2.1 or higher.



Names and contact details of two referees who can assess their intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.



Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.



While applications are accepted up to August of the year of entry, offers are made to suitably qualified candidates on a first-come-first-served basis so early application is recommended. Entry to the programmes is very competitive and the number of places is limited.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Commencing September 2025

The MSc Digital Policy aims to produce future professionals with a deep understanding of both theoretical and applied issues in digital policy. On graduating, our students will be able to embark on a variety of careers in Ireland and globally.



Our Digital Policy programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying core topical, theoretical, and methodological issues that arise in digital policy today, both in the public and private sectors.