Journalism

Course Overview

The MA Journalism at University of Galway is an innovative, digital-first journalism programme focusing on key multimedia skills needed to work in the modern newsroom. The programme aims to train students to work in the fast-paced world of journalism, equipping graduates with essential training in traditional reporting skills for print, online and broadcast, as well as digital media experience in audience development and analytics, data journalism, podcasting and OSINT verification.



University of Galway has a long tradition of journalism training and all journalism students are required to undertake a rigorous programme of news writing and reporting, broadcasting, media law, politics, economics and current affairs, and ethics and regulation, and can choose from a suite of optional elective modules to give them specialist knowledge in areas. These elective modules could include Humanitarian Reporting, Documentary Storytelling (Audio and Video), International Human Rights and Peacekeeping, Communicating Climate Action and Science, and Introduction to Investigative Reporting.



Journalism classes take place in the digital newsroom and broadcast studios, completely refurbished in 2019. University of Galway has partnerships with all major national media organisations and students receive support in seeking out employment opportunities and internships both in Ireland and internationally.



Course Outline

This one-year programme is split into three semesters, with a mix of practical class, theory and context. Students have a busy week with taught classes as well as reporting assignments and independent study. In semester one students work on news reporting practice for print, online and broadcasting in ‘Journalism Bootcamp’. Key ethical and regulatory issues are explored in ‘Global Media and Society’. In Semester Two students work on hyperlocal website Galway Pulse, a local newspaper and produce a drivetime radio show in ‘Multimedia Newsdays’. Students can also choose from a range of elective modules.

Semester One

• Journalism Bootcamp (10 credits)

• Reporting Economics and Politics (10 credits)

• Global Media and Society (5 credits)

• Social and Digital Production (5 credits)



Semester Two

• Multimedia Newsdays (10 credits)

• Media Law (5 credits)

• Researching the Media (5 credits)



Choose 10 credits from the following elective modules

• Features Journalism (10 credits)

• Investigating Miscarriages of Justice (10 credits)

• Business and Financial Journalism (10 credits)

• Data Journalism and Visualisation (10 credits)



Additionally, students who choose the International Journalism and Human Rights stream have the following outline, including modules in Human Rights, and ‘Being a Foreign Correspondent’:



Semester One

• Journalism Bootcamp (10 credits)

• International Human Rights Law (10 credits)

• Global Media and Society (5 credits)

• Social and Digital Production (5 credits)



Semester Two

• Being a Foreign Correspondent (10 credits)

• Researching the Media (5 credits)



Choose 10 credits from the following elective modules

• Investigating Miscarriages of Justice (10 credits)

• Data Journalism and Visualisation (10 credits)

• International Peace Operations (10 credits)

• Climate Justice (5 credits)

• Media Law (5 credits)



Students who choose the Global Business and Financial Journalism stream have the following outline, including modules in business and financial journalism:



Semester One

• Journalism Bootcamp (10 credits)

• Reporting Economics and Politics (10 credits)

• Global Media and Society (5 credits)



Semester Two

• Multimedia Newsdays (10 credits)

• Business and Financial Journalism (10 credits)

• Data Journalism and Visualisation (10 credits)



Choose between:

• Researching the Media (5 credits)

• Social and Digital Production (5 credits)

• Media Law (5 credits)



Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).

Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

To be accepted you must have a minimum Second Class Honours degree (ideally at 2.1 honours or higher) or equivalent. To apply, send your CV, a personal statement of no more than 500 words detailing your interest in the programme and your career aspirations, and at least one sample of your work, for example, a blog post, student media, short piece for radio, television or other media. We also welcome applications from people with prior experience in journalism looking to update their skills.



The English language requirement for this programme is: IELTS of 7.0 overall with not less than 6.5 in any component.



Additionally, students interested in the International Journalism and Human Rights stream must be able to demonstrate competence in a language other than English or Irish.

Closing Date: Applications will be considered in two rounds.



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

2 years, part-time

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

This programme prepares you to work as a professional journalist across multiple platforms and graduates have careers at national news organisations including RTE, Newstalk, The Irish Times, Irish Examiner, Irish Independent and a range of local newspapers and local radio.



Graduates work in roles including reporters, editors, researchers, producers and on-air presenters as well as new careers in data journalism and analytics, social media production and audience development. Graduates also work in the wider media in PR roles, in policy, advocacy and political communications.