Journalism & International Affairs

In today’s media ecosystem, journalists need to be able to produce engaging content for a savvy digital-first audience while understanding the structures and dynamics that shape global issues and relations.



This is the first English-language Masters programme CNN has co-designed in collaboration with a university partner, combining journalistic and academic excellence in an innovative curriculum that is challenging and employment-orientated.



The programme will equip new generations of journalists to report on critical global issues of the day, from climate change, to human rights to terrorism. It will appeal to and reward those with a passion to not only understand the world but explain it in ways that are informative and transformative.



The MA will combine theoretical discussion with experiential learning to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international news media and the skills to undertake leading roles in that environment.



The syllabus is co-created and delivered by CNN Academy and UCD Clinton Institute, connecting the classroom to the newsroom, affording direct collaboration with the news industry and access to best practices in cross-platform journalism and news production.



Throughout the programme, students will learn about approaches to storytelling, international standards and ethics in journalism, and verification techniques. Each week, students will tackle key subject areas through modules at the Clinton Institute that draw on the CNN Academy Hub e-learning platform. CNN journalists, editors and producers will participate via live interactive seminars and also provide hands-on audio, video and digital production training at UCD Clinton Institute to equip the students with the tools they need to tangibly apply the media lessons they are learning.



Students will produce a podcast episode at the end of the first trimester and a video story at the end of the second trimester. Moreover, students will have the option of submitting their MA thesis in the format of multiplatform journalism with guidance from CNN journalists.



Students will also work through recent case studies from CNN reports that illustrate the ideas that have been discussed in seminars, and will have access to CNN’s Newsource platform where they will find the latest reports from across the CNN network.

Stage 1 Core Modules

AMST40620 Journalism & International Aff Autumn 10

AMST40630 CNN Academy Newsroom 1 Autumn 15

AMST40660 Research Skills and Methods 1 Autumn 5

AMST40640 CNN Academy Newsroom 2 Spring 15

AMST40670 Research Skills and Methods 2 Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

Students must choose one thesis module below.

AMST40050 Minor Thesis Summer 30

AMST40680 Multimedia Thesis Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:

Students must choose one module from the list below.

AMST40310 Challenges in US Foreign Policy Autumn 10

AMST40130 Public Diplomacy and Soft Power Spring 10

AMST40560 The Global Politics of Cyber Security Spring 10

AMST40650 Politics and Digital Storytelling Spring 10

HIS42480 War, Peace, and Globalisation Spring 10

HIS42840 Modern Asia Spring 10

An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) in a relevant subject area with a minimum upper second class honours UCD GPA of 3.08 or the international equivalent is required



Applicants without the above degree qualification with extensive work experience in a relevant sector will be considered on a case by case.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



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

MODE OF DELIVERY: Blended

Z365 Journalism & International Affairs Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2025

Graduate Taught