Digital Policy

MSc Digital Policy

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

With support from Microsoft Ireland, UCD’s School of Information and Communication studies is establishing the Microsoft-UCD Digital Policy Programme with the goal of building digital policy training and capability in Ireland and Europe.



The MSc in Digital Policy is designed to prepare graduates for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying core topical, theoretical, and methodological issues that arise in digital policy today. The course will take a multi-disciplionary approach to investigating the institutional and public policy dimensions of the prevalence of digital technology, as well as the underlying social conditions (economic, political, and cultural) and public/private sector contexts that give rise to such technologies and their governance.



Who should apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes



The MSc in Digital Policy is designed to prepare graduates for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying core topical, theoretical, and methodological issues that arise in digital policy today. The course will take a multi-disciplionary approach to investigating the institutional and public policy dimensions of the prevalence of digital technology, as well as the underlying social conditions (economic, political, and cultural) and public/private sector contexts that give rise to such technologies and their governance.



This MSc is available full time (one year) or part time (two years) and includes the completion of a thesis. The programme's core course modules are complimented by specific optional modules available within the school and through other select external schools.

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 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 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.

How to apply?

MSc Digital Policy FT (W471)

Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time

Deadline Rolling*



MSc Digital Policy PT (W472)

Duration 2 Years Attend

Part Time Deadline Rolling*



* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

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

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.