JournalismIriseoireacht

The MA Journalism at the School of Media in TU Dublin is at the heart of an institution that has been pioneering in journalism education for more than 50 years. As the practice and theory of journalism changes, the course changes with it, but without losing sight of the basic principles of reporting, producing and editing across platforms including video journalism, radio, podcasting, and online news. The course includes tuition, skills training, practical experience, a wide range of assignments, seminars, tutorials, group projects, independent study and research. (Students also undertake a placement in industry).

Good journalism, produced by reflective, critical practitioners, is crucial to the development and maintenance of democracy. The course seeks to produce journalists who are multi-skilled and critically aware, and have a good understanding of the role of journalism in society. Graduates from the course now work in media organisations in Ireland and abroad, as well as in social-media companies and in other employments where good communicators are valued.

Applicants should have an honours bachelor degree (2.2 grade or higher), or equivalent, in any relevant discipline. Non-standard applications are also considered.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 7.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Applicants may be required to attend an interview. A short-list is then drawn up and successful applicants are sent first-round offers. If any places are not taken up, these are offered to applicants on a reserve list.

Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate courses satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the course of study applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience.

Graduates are competent to take up employment as journalists and content creators across a wide spectrum of media, including broadcast or on-line news organisations, newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, digital and  technology companies and in-house news and communications positions in NGOs and charities. They are equipped to work as (among other things) reporters, presenters, sub-editors, feature writers, producers, researchers, online-content providers and communications specialists.

The course is divided into three strands: Professional Formation, Journalism Studies and Dissertation.

Professional Formation offers grounding in the basic and professional skills and practice of journalism across multiple platforms, including writing editing, audio and video. Students undertake a placement as part of their professional formation.

Journalism Studies provides a critical framework for journalism in its social and historical context.

Students are also required to complete a dissertation on a topic related to journalism.

Tuition takes place in the two semesters between late September and early June. Students work on their dissertation for the third semester and this is submitted in early September.

Optional modules require a minimum number of students to run.

Semester 1

• Professional Formation:
• Digital Media Tools
• Writing and Sub-editing
• Journalism Practice: Reporting the story cross-platform (print, broadcast, video, online)
• Explorations in Journalism OR Reporting Peace & War (Intl)
• Journalism Studies:
• History and Theory of Journalism
• Media Law
• Research methodology

Semester 2

• Professional Formation:
• Advanced Journalism Practice: Building on skills learnt in semester one - reporting the story cross-platform (print, broadcast, online, data journalism and verification of journalism sources such as YouTube, Twitter, social media). Producing content for the website www.thecity.ie writing features, interviews and multi-media packages, across sports, news, arts and culture .
• Work Placement: placement is organised following discussions between tutors and students as to suitability and interests.
• Media Entrepreneurship
• Journalism Studies:
• Ethics and Current Issues
• Media Environment OR Journalism in a Globalised World (Intl)
  Dissertation:
• Research Methodology
• Dissertation

Note: Students who choose the alternative international modules and write a dissertation on a relevant international media topic are eligible for a Masters in Journalism (International).

The course is full-time, which means approximately 20 hours of contact time with lecturers per week in semesters one and two. It is an intensive course, but time is set aside so that students can carry out course work and projects as well as the work placement. However, it is useful for students to begin to make contacts and pursue professional journalistic work during the duration of the course, and to this end there is likely to be one day each week that is free of lectures and other academic commitments.)

Applications for this course will open in November 2024. For further information, please visit How To Apply.

Is work placement arranged?

Yes work placement is arranged in consultation with the student; this way, they are more likely to end up in suitable work places. Staff assist in every way they can; e.g. by letting people know of openings, by recommending good contacts, etc.

What facilities are provided?

Students have a dedicated laboratory (virtual newsroom) with computers, printer, scanner and phone. Software includes Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Pro-tools, and an image-editing programme. Students also have access to radio and TV studios as well as video cameras and portable recording equipment.