Journalism & Digital Communications

Overview

Take on the challenge of entering the ever-growing digital communications sector in Ireland or internationally.



The comprehensive syllabus of digital media production skills and digital communications theory which is delivered on this masters programme is designed to equip you with the skills needed for success across the multiplatform news, social, and commercial communications content production sectors.



Why Study Journalism & Digital Communications at Griffith College?

The MA in Journalism & Digital Communications runs full-time over one year, and part-time over two years. This programme is for people who wish to be communications professionals who conceive of, produce, upload, and manage multiplatform quality journalism and a broad range of digital communications content. Learners are empowered to tailor the programme to their own interests, skills and career plans by choosing two from a range of six diverse elective modules.



Designed and delivered by journalism and digital communications professionals and full-time academics, the course immerses learners in a professional media production environment. The programme team cultivates among learners a commitment to the production of high-quality and ethical journalism, as well as leadership and media product innovation skills.



- You will take modules in data journalism, data analytics, and investigative journalism, acquiring skills that open up employment opportunities in the quality journalism and news industry.



- You will learn a comprehensive range of digital communications production modules including: radio and podcasting production, video storytelling, mobile video and media product design.



- For the programme duration, participants are entitled to apply for an NUJ Press Card.



- At the employment selection process, you will be equipped with a portfolio demonstrating the high quality of your media product, consisting of industry-standard journalistic and investigative skills, digital communications production skills, as well as data journalism and data analysis skills.



- You will also acquire the skills to produce both high-quality traditional and enhanced digital journalism, as well as commercial and social content for targeted publics across appropriate channels.



- Upon completion of the course, you will have a transferable, postgraduate research and writing skills learned that are applicable across the digital communications sectors.



Course Highlights

- NUJ (National Union of Journalists) Press Pass for the duration of your study

- Access state-of-the-art radio, TV studios and editing facilities

- Build your own online, professional portfolio

- Study full-time, part-time or through blended learning

- Attend press conferences and work on real-life journalistic situations

- Connect with industry leaders through guest lectures

Learners on the MA programme complete 10 taught modules plus a dissertation.



Core Subjects:

Communications & Audience Theories

Data Journalism & Analytics

Digital Communications & Investigative Journalism

Dissertation

Media Product Design & Professional Development

Mobile Video Production

Multiplatform Writing & Editing

Podcasting & Radio Production

Research: Methods & Skills



Electives:

International Political Economy

Photojournalism

Social/Digital Content Creation

Sports Journalism

The Business of Media

Video Storytelling

Applicants for this course should have a 2.2 degree in any discipline



Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit our website.

How to Apply

Applicants can Apply Online directly (see "Application Weblink" above).



Please note: Our MA in Journalism and PR has two intakes: September and February.



Courses beginning in September run for 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.



Courses beginning in February run for 1.5 years full-time and 2.5 years part-time.

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



Timetables:

Full-Time/Part-Time & Blended Delivery



The programme runs full-time for over one year with two semesters and an August dissertation submission. It is also run part-time over four semesters in two years, with 13 of the modules delivered through ‘blended learning’ where learners view lectures and related reading online at their convenience. Candidates are encouraged to contact the faculty to discuss our flexible, student-oriented timetabling. September and February commencements are facilitated.



There are two intakes for this course, September and February.

Learners starting in February will join the second semester of those starting in September.

For this reason, courses beginning in February run for 1.5 years full-time and 2.5 years part-time.

Intake Dates

Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025

Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025

Academic Progression

On completion of the Level 9 MA in Journalism and Digital Communications, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.



Career Progression

"Through the MA in Journalism and Digital Communications, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong portfolio and covered a diverse range of media production and theory. Graduates from this programme are employed in a wide variety of fields across the digital communications and journalism industries. A sample of recent graduates’ job titles include:



Journalist

Head of news reporter

Senior news reporter

Researcher

Mobile journalist

Editor

Producer and presenter across websites

Creative officer

Media analyst

Multiplatform content coordinator

Communications associate/executive

Multimedia journalist

Documentary director

Film director

Freelance writer

Copywriter

Digital communications executive

Video Editor

NGO communications executive

Data scout

Freelance copywriter