Journalism & Media Communications

Overview

Take on the challenge of entering the growing communication sector in Ireland and internationally.



This Masters programme delivers a comprehensive syllabus of media skills designed to equip you with the key practical competencies needed to work in a professional media environment today.



Why Study Journalism & Media Communications at Griffith College?

The MA in Journalism & Media Communications is conducted on both a full and part-time basis over a 1-2 year period and allows students to develop their own study path through the selection of elective modules. It is for people who wish to embark on a career in the fast-changing industry of contemporary journalism and media communications.



Designed and delivered by journalism and 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 innovation skills.

• You will acquire the practical skills to conceive, produce, edit and publish your own media content.

• You will gain familiarity with multiple platforms: web, mobile, video, radio, print and photography.

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

• You will gain a solid understanding of media theory, research methods and media law and ethics.

• You will significantly develop your writing, production and communication skills, exploring areas like reporting, feature writing and investigative journalism.

• You will be challenged in real journalistic situations in print, broadcast and online media in a media working environment through work with the college magazine, online publications and radio station.

• You will have the opportunity to create a professional portfolio of your writing, radio output as well as video and photography work to show future employers.



Course Highlights

• NUJ Press Pass for the duration of your study

• State of the art studios and facilities

• Build your own professional portfolio

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

• Work on real-life journalistic situations

• Connect with industry leaders.

Learners on the MA programme complete 12 taught modules plus a dissertation.

Core Subjects

• Media Law and Ethics

• MoJo: Mobile Video Journalism

• Radio Production

• Research Methods

• Sociology of the Media

• Writing and Editing: News, Features, Content

• Communications and Audience Theories

• Online Media: Creation, Curation

• Media Design and Production

• Dissertation

• Investigative Journalism



Electives

• Video Journalism and Documentary

• Business of Media

• International Media Landscapes

• International Political Economy

• Photojournalism

• Sports Journalism

• Shorthand

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.

How to Apply

Applicants wishing to apply for this course can do so directly.

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



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.

Intake Dates:

We run two intakes for this course, commencing as follows:

Autumn: September*

Spring: February*



*subject to sufficient numbers.



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.

Academic Progression

On completion of the Level 9 MA in Journalism & Media 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 Media Communication, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong portfolio and covered a diverse range of media. Graduates from this programme are employed in a wide variety of fields across the communications industries.



A sample of recent graduates’ job titles include:

• Senior News Reporter

• Editorial Assistant

• In-House Editor

• Lifestyle and Entertainment Reporter

• Video Producer

• Web Partnerships Manager

• Digital Content Executive

• Communications Associate / Executive

• Social Media Analyst / Manager

• Research Assistant

• Data Scout

• Freelance Copywriter / Journalist / Producer

• Mobile Journalist

• Documentary Director