Please note this programme is currently subject to validation.

What is Journalism and Media?

This course introduces students to the world of media and journalism, its people, practices and processes. It offers students a broad grounding in the history and contemporary social role of the mass media and is designed to prepared students for careers in the expanding newspaper, broadcasting, magazine and on-line media industries. The programme offers a blend of practical training and theoretical study, enabling students to attain a critical understanding of the environment in which contemporary journalists operate.

Aims and Objectives

This programme will allow learners to develop a broad understanding of the role of the media and journalism within contemporary society. Learners will develop a range of practical skills such as writing, editing, design, layout, basic photography and desktop publishing skills within the field of media and Journalism. The programme will give learners an understanding and appreciation of the ethical issues facing media professionals. Furthermore, this programme will also enable learners to achieve the following outcomes: A practical understanding of the production methodologies of the media and communications industries; A developed awareness of the changing context of the media and communications industries and the consequent demands this makes on media professionals; Wide-ranging knowledge of the legal, administrative and regulatory framework which governs the practice of media and journalism in Ireland.

Programme Structure

The three-year programme consists of 16 modules, six in year 1, five in year 2 and five in year 3. The range of interrelated modules will provide learners with a broad range of media and journalistic skills and intensive training in a number of fundamental areas including reporting and information gathering, news and feature writing, writing for broadcast journalism, copy-editing, layout and design and recording for radio and television. Learners will also be exposed to a range of research methods that include textual analysis, the study of audiovisual media in the context of their historical evolution, the investigation of the operation of contemporary mass media, both globally and in Ireland, and the practical aspects of media production and professional practice.

Teaching and Assessment

The assessment strategy for the in BA in Journalism and Media will focus on the gradual acquisition of appropriate skills and knowledge relevant to both the sector and the subject. Learners can expect to be assessed by a variety of methods appropriate to the acquisition and mastery of the skills and knowledge that underpin the programme.

Further Career and Study Options

The total number of careers for graduates with a degree in journalism has expanded in the last few decades to accommodate the national and international media explosion. Newspaper careers are attractive to many graduates with a degree in media and journalism because they allow fledgling writers the chance first to gain confidence and newspaper savvy. Magazine work requires the efforts of feature writers, contributing editors, copy editors, managing editors and lots of employees to take on all of these varied print related tasks. Online journalism jobs are increasingly important and suitable for graduates with a degree in media and journalism who want to control their own work hours or work from home. Television and radio stations are located all over the country. All need effective journalists to fill key news preparation and on air positions. Graduates with such a degree may have an advantage over other job candidates who lack a comparable degree. In recent years, traditional media sources such as print, radio and television have been facing increasingly stiff competition from the Internet, impacting media professionals/journalists and journalist salaries alike. Although some graduates go straight to work with a national station or newspaper, many work in consumer or trade magazines, local press and radio or websites. Some graduates work freelance, while others move into related areas such as PR, marketing, multimedia, IT and general business.

Graduates from this programme may also seek transfer into Year 3 of the BA (Hons) Journalism programme offered by Dublin Business School.

Programme Content

Year 1	News Room I The Contemporary Journalist Introduction to Media Production Skills Personal Development Workshops Understanding Popular Culture Introduction to Communication
Year 2	News Room II The Media Industry Communication and Society Economics, Politics, Law and Ethics Media Production Skills I
Year 3	News Room III Media Production Skills II Media Production Project The World Today Career Development Workshops

Please note modules are subject to change.

Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training ) Act 1999.