Global Media & Communication

This programme aims to prepare you to work as a professional in the international media and communications industries. The programme will give you a critical understanding of the complex global media ecosystem of the 21st century and will prepare you to work as a communications professional with production skills to work across multiple platforms. Through a flexible syllabus that you can curate by choosing from a range of optional modules in specialist areas, you will also have an opportunity to develop an expert niche in subject areas where communications is a key factor, including: social and digital media marketing; and climate, sustainability and humanitarian communication; among others. You will also complete a capstone final project and may undertake an optional internship during the third semester.



You can curate your own syllabus by combining core modules with choices from a range of optional modules in subject areas, which will help bring subject expertise to their media and communications practice. The programme spans three semesters and includes academic learning, practice-focused learning, and independent learning.



Each semester is weighted equally, at 30 credits. Semester One and Two consist of taught modules while, in the third semester, students undertake independent study in the form of a final practice-based project under academic under supervision (or an academic dissertation). For those seeking to continue to PhD level research the dissertation route is recommended.



The syllabus enables you to build core communication capacities such as writing, social media production and storytelling across multiple platforms, and strategic communications. It also provides students with a solid grounding in theoretical approaches to media and communication. This will allow students to develop their critical thinking capacities and acquire advanced knowledge about norms and practices in global media, including how to challenge these. The suite of modules available offers students an opportunity to engage with real-world challenges and opportunities through a range of visiting speakers and innovative project-based assessment. Students are also given the opportunity to apply and synthesise the skills and knowledge developed over the programme within the Final Project (or Dissertation), developed and produced in their final semester.

Programme for AY2025/26:

Semester 1 - Core

DJ6142 Global Media and Society (5cr)

DJ6129 Social Media & Digital Production (10cr)



Electives – choose 10cr from

DJ6132 Digital Sandbox (10cr)

DJ6135 Reporting Economics and Politics (10cr)



Other modules outside the discipline are also available in Human Rights, English Literature, Sociology and Politics.



Semester 2 - Choose 30 Credits from

DJ6132 Digital Sandbox (10cr)

DJ6157 Data Analysis and Visualisation (10cr)

DJ6158 Social Media and Digital Marketing (10cr)

DJ6144 Communicating Climate Action and Science (10cr)



Semester 3 - Choose from either

DJ6123 Dissertation (30cr)

Or

DJ6146 Final Project (30cr)



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

To be accepted on this course, you must have obtained a minimum II.1 (Second Class Honours degree, first division) in an undergraduate degree of any kind, or be in your final year of study and expecting to graduate Summer 2025 (your degree grade will be required before you can formally matriculate onto the MA).



All shortlisted applications will be required to attend an interview (on Zoom) as the final part of the selection process. The quality of the required writing sample and/or video will form part of the selection process.



We welcome applications both from people with and without prior experience in media communications and we welcome applications from all academic backgrounds.



The programme benefits significantly from the diversity of perspectives brought by international students. The English language requirement for non-native English speakers on this programme is: IELTS of 7.0 overall, with not less than 6.5 in any component.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year, full-time.

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

This programme prepares you for a wide range of careers. The valuable media and communication skills, social media and production skills, research and critical thinking that the MA Global Media and Communication programme offers you are highly transferrable and sought after by employers in sectors including: media and creative industries; advocacy, civil society, and political organisations; strategic communications; social media and digital content production; digital production; publishing; broadcasting; public relations; journalism and communications.



Through the choice of option modules, you can curate a specific focus or specialty to your learning thereby further developing your capacities and enhancing your employability. The programme also offers clear opportunities to pursue further study and research at PhD level.