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Sports Journalism and Communication (MA)

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Course Overview

This programme builds on a long standing and established research culture in sport studies in NUI Galway, including the Sport & Exercise Research Group in the Moore Institute for the Humanities and Social Studies. Further information on the research group is available here and members of the group will contribute to the programme.

The MA Sports Journalism and Communication programme aims to prepare graduates to work as professionals in the journalism and wider media and communications industries with a specialism in sport. The programme will focus on fostering a critical understanding of our changing media environment and on preparing graduates who will have an insight into the role of sport in the media, as placed within historical, cultural, scientific and business contexts. Graduates will be trained with professional communication and production skills to work as professionals in the industry, across multiple platforms. Students will take a dual approach to their studies, being exposed to academic knowledge and understanding as well as practical skills and reflective practice. Students will also have an opportunity to further specialise and develop a niche in a subject of particular interest via a choice of electives in social and digital media, management and marketing and film. Employability, innovation and entrepreneurship skills will be developed via a specialist module and work internship opportunities. 

Aims and objectives of the programme

  • To equip graduates with transferable communications and critical thinking skills that will poise them for future success in the labour market
  • To prepare graduates to work in the highly specialised media, wider communication and creative industries with a specialism in sport, affording them an opportunity to develop an appropriate set of skills during the programme
  • To develop students’ research skills to a level commensurate with postgraduate study and afford them an appropriate grounding for further postgraduate research opportunities nationally and internationally
  • To develop ethical, articulate and responsible graduates who will contribute to the strengthening of democracy in Ireland and internationally through their professional practice as journalists
  • To encourage the personal academic development of postgraduate students through a coordinated series of modules that incorporate small group research-led teaching and learning experiences
  • To create a programme that will allow graduates apply for postgraduate research opportunities within the field of media and communications in the College of Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.  Applicants should submit a 500-word personal statement outlining their interest in the programme and their future career plans, their CV, and examples of previous work – writing, online or broadcast. We also encourage applications from professional athletes interested in progressing their careers. International applicants may require an English language test if English is not their first language. Selection is via examination of your application as well as a competitive interview. 

Who Teaches this Course

  • Liam Horan, former Gaelic Games correspondent, Irish Independent and Sports Editor, Evening Echo
  • Mike Finnerty, Presenter, Sky Sports and Sports Editor, Mayo News
  • Dr Seán Crosson, author of Sport and Film (Routledge 2013) and Gaelic Games on Film (Cork University Press, 2019)
  • Tom Felle, Head of Journalism
  • Bernadette O’Sullivan, Lecturer in Journalism
  • Fiona McGarry, Lecturer in Journalism

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally hold a 2.2 minimum (2.1 honours preferred) degree in any subject. We welcome applicants from science, Arts, business and other disciplines. Applicants should demonstrate a passion for sport and we encourage previous experience in student media, blogging, web platforms and/or radio. 

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2020

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

15

Closing Date

There are two rounds of closing dates:  April 30 and July 31, 2020

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

1MSJ1

Course Outline

Students will be offered a diet of taught core and elective modules across three semesters including both academic learning and practically-focused teaching and independent learning. Students will be offered 30 credits of modules per semester in semesters one and two, including core subjects in journalism studies and practice, and a choice of elective options from media and communications and related subjects. In their third semester students will choose between either a practice focused 10 credit module on innovation, employability and entrepreneurship and an independent final project under supervision, or an academic dissertation also under supervision.

These carefully planned modules blend to create a programme that will allow students the opportunity to build core skills such as writing, reporting, production and storytelling across multiple platforms as well as providing students with a grounding in theoretical approaches to media and communication, allowing them to develop their critical thinking skills as well as acquiring advanced knowledge about norms and practices in global media—and how to challenge these.

The suite of modules available offers students an opportunity to engage with real-world challenges and opportunities through a range of visiting speakers and innovative project-based assessment. Students are also given the opportunity to apply and synthesise the skills and knowledge developed over the programme within the final project or individual dissertation that are developed and produced in their final semester. 

MODULE DIET

Semester One

Module Code & Title

ECTS

Semester

Core / Optional

Module Code

Journalism Bootcamp

10

1

Core

DJ6115

Research in Sport

10

1

Core

FM6118

Sports Journalism

10

1

Core

DJ6109

 Semester Two

Module Code & Title

ECTS

Semester

Core / Optional

Module Code

Multimedia Newsdays

10

2

Core

DJ6112

Social and Digital Production

5

2

Elective

DJ6121

Data Journalism

5

2

Elective

DJ6104

Sport and Film

10

2

Elective

FM6117

Social Marketing and Environmental Sustainability

10

2

Elective

MK5132

Feature Writing

10

2

Elective

DJ6100

Media Law

5

2

Elective

LW871

Journalism Innovation, Employability, and Entrepreneurship

10

2

Elective

DJ6120

 Semester Three

Module Code & Title

ECTS

Semester

Core / Optional

Module Code

Final Project for journalism, media and communication

30

3

Elective

XXXX

OR

 

 

 

 

Dissertation: Journalism, media and communication

30

3

Elective

XXXX

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required DJ6115: Journalism Bootcamp


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module will offer you a dynamic and high-intensity introduction to journalism. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of why journalism matters as well as practical skills needed to thrive as a journalist, including research and interviewing, audio and video reporting, and multimedia storytelling and production.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Comprehensively and critically understanding journalism practice, the journalism industry and its organisational structures
  2. Identify and resolve complex issues of journalistic activity and communicate them effectively to colleagues and to the public
  3. Critically evaluate news sources and information
  4. Develop professional skills for journalism across multiple platforms
  5. Demonstrate a critical and comprehensive knowledge of the processes involved in sourcing, producing and editing content across multiple platforms
  6. Use judgement to identify ethical dilemmas and work to produce solutions
  7. Exhibit critical awareness of professional standards and practice
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Radio production" by Robert McLeish
    ISBN: 9780240515540.
    Publisher: Focal Press
  2. "The Digital Reporter's Notebook" by Mark Blaine
    ISBN: 9780415898514.
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module DJ6115: "Journalism Bootcamp" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required FM6118: Research in Sport


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module will introduce students to a range of research topics and approaches to sport. Students will also be provided with instruction on pursuing their own independent-research project.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Recognises diverse areas of research in sport.
  2. Differentiate between the use of sport in research in difference disciplines.
  3. Undertake independent research informed by research done.
  4. Develop and demonstrate skills in written, oral and visual communications.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Doing your Research Project in Sport" by Chris Lynch
    ISBN: 9781844451647.
    Publisher: Learning Matters
  2. "Sports Journalism" by Phil Andrews
    Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
The above information outlines module FM6118: "Research in Sport" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required DJ6109: Sports Journalism


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The module will investigate the changing face of sports journalism and the way that the industry has had to evolve in an increasingly competitive multimedia marketplace. The modern sports writer’s objectivity is under the microscope with stories increasingly celebrity driven and sports are moving away from the back pages to the front page. Adaptability is a crucial job skill in modern-day sports journalism. So the aim of this module is to equip students with multimedia writing and editing skills that will prove effective across a broad range of sports.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the main issues faced by contemporary sports media and the context these issues create for the practising sports journalist.
  2. Work efficiently to identify, report and write (broadcast) sports stories to tight deadlines.
  3. Demonstrate ability to work as an effective team member in a sporting editorial environment.
  4. Demonstrate a professional approach to producing copy on deadline.
  5. Reflect and analyse assorted styles adopted in sports journalism.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Sports Journalism" by Phil Andrews
    ISBN: 9781412902700.
    Publisher: Sage
  2. "Sports journalism" by James Toney.
    ISBN: 9781408178324.
    Publisher: London; Bloomsbury Pub
  3. "A sportswriter's year" by Simon Barnes
    ISBN: 9780434981809.
    Publisher: Heinemann
  4. "Sports Journalism" by Rob Steen
    ISBN: 0415742145.
  5. "The Picador book of sportswriting" by edited by Nick Coleman and Nick Hornby
    ISBN: 0330331337.
    Publisher: Picador
The above information outlines module DJ6109: "Sports Journalism" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required DJ6112: Multimedia Newsdays


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

In this module you will develop key skills and competencies required to work as a professional journalist in print, digital and broadcasting environments. You will work to produce news and features across multiple platforms; develop investigative, social newsgathering and verification expertise in an incubation environment, dissect your work and reflect on your practice. You will develop your editorial newsroom and team working skills through the production of a hyperlocal newspaper and website and social media channels, as well as live broadcast news days. Teaching will take place via a mix of regular lectures and news lab sessions, and news production sessions.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Evaluate journalism research methods and techniques.
  2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role and structure of the news media.
  3. Undertake multimedia research, interviewing, story development and editing.
  4. Produce content in teams for the news media across multiple platforms while demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the importance of teamwork in newsroom environments and in negotiating complexities in editorial practice.
  5. Demonstrate technical and editorial expertise across multiple platforms via the operation of range of hardware and software used in multimedia editorial production.
  6. Critically evaluate and apply relevant knowledge and ideas, including theoretical knowledge such as law and ethics, to practical situations in a news environment.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Journalism Next" by Mark Briggs
    ISBN: 9781452227856.
    Publisher: CQ Press
  2. "Making the local news" by edited by Bob Franklin and David Murphy
    ISBN: 0415168031.
    Publisher: London ; Routledge, 1998.
  3. "Journalism of Ideas" by Daniel Reimold
    ISBN: 9780415634670.
    Publisher: Routledge
  4. "The Editorial Eye" by Karen Brown Dunlap, Jane T Harrigan
    ISBN: 0312152701.
    Publisher: St. Martin's Press
The above information outlines module DJ6112: "Multimedia Newsdays" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional FM6117: Sport and Film


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module will provide students with an overview of the major developments in the depiction of sport in film. Considering fiction, documentary, and newsreels, the module will explore the diverse ways different cultures have depicted sport in film.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate the key themes evident in the depiction of sport in film internationally.
  2. Recognise the diverse approaches to depicting sport in film.
  3. Evaluate the role sports cinema has played in particular societies.
  4. Identify the distinctive forms and their attributes (fiction, documentary, newsreels) that have been employed in the depiction of sport.
  5. Conduct original research and analyse and write up findings.
  6. Develop and demonstrate skills in written, oral and visual communications.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Sport and Film" by Seán Crosson
    ISBN: 978-04155699.
    Publisher: Routledge
  2. "The Sports Film: Games People Play" by Bruce Babington
    ISBN: 9780231169653.
    Publisher: Columbia University Press
  3. "Visual Economies Of/in Motion: Sport and Film" by C. Richard King,David J. Leonard
    ISBN: 9780820478524.
    Publisher: Peter Lang
The above information outlines module FM6117: "Sport and Film" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DJ6121: Social and Digital Production


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This module aims to give students the professional production skills to operate competently as a professional journalist as well as understanding current theory and best practice in editorial design and production.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate a critical and comprehensive knowledge of current research and scholarship on editorial production across multiple platforms.
  2. Operate a range of hardware and software used in editorial production across multiple platforms.
  3. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the processes involved in sourcing, producing editorial content including the ethical principles, and copyright and legal restrictions.
  4. Evaluate, plan and implement strategies for improving editorial content and increasing audiences across multiple digital channels.
  5. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems; in particular with working in teams, managing creativity and negotiating complexities in editorial practice across multiple platforms.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Adobe Premiere Pro CC Classroom in a Book (2018 Release)" by Maxim Jago
    ISBN: 9780134853239.
    Publisher: Pearson Professional
  2. "Editorial Design" by Cath Caldwell,Yolanda Zappaterra
    ISBN: 9781780671642.
    Publisher: Laurence King Publishing
  3. "Social Media for Journalists" by Megan Knight,Clare Cook
    ISBN: 9781446211137.
    Publisher: SAGE Publications Limited
The above information outlines module DJ6121: "Social and Digital Production" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional LW871: Media Law


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module LW871: "Media Law" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional MK5101: Digital Marketing


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

The objective of this module is to build upon marketing principles and investigate where the internet and other technologies provide opportunities for applications in marketing and business. The module provides an overview of the rapidly changing world of business and technology by addressing what is unique about digital marketing. It explores how these technologies are creating value for customers, as well as the benefits for companies, their products and brands.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Illustrate how digital marketing integrates with organisational aims.
  2. Recognise how digital marketing impacts organisations.
  3. Assess critically organisations' digital marketing efforts according to international standards of 'best practice'.
  4. Formulate a digital marketing plan for a particular organisation.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (50%)
  • Continuous Assessment (50%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Emarketing Excellence: Planning & Optimizing Your Digital Marketing" by Dave Chaffey,P. R. Smith,Paul Russell Smith
    ISBN: 9780415533379.
    Publisher: Routledge
  2. "Internet Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice" by Chaffey D., Ellis-Chadwick, F., Mayer, R. & Johnson, K.
    Publisher: Hawlow, England: Prentice Hall/Financial Times/Pearson Education
  3. "Increase Your Web Traffic in a Weekend" by Ford Jr., J.L. and Stanek, W.R.
    Publisher: Cengage Learning
  4. "Digital Marketing: Integrating Strategy & Tactics with Values" by Kaufman, I & Horton, C.
    Publisher: Routledge
  5. "Sticky Marketing: Why Everything in Marketing has changed and what to do about it" by Leboff, G.
    Publisher: Kogan Page
  6. "The Social Media Business Equation: Using Online Connections to grow Your Bottom Line" by Orsburn, E.M.
    Publisher: Cengage Learning
  7. "Take Your iPad to Work" by Proffitt, B.
    Publisher: Cengage Learning
  8. "Understanding Digital Marketing: Marketing Strategies for Engaging the Digital Generation" by Ryan, D. & Jones, C.
  9. "E-Business" by Schneider, G.P.
    Publisher: Course Technology, Cengage Learning; Kogan Page
  10. "Cite Them Right: The Essential Referencing Guide" by Pears, R. & Shields, G.
    Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
The above information outlines module MK5101: "Digital Marketing" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DJ6123: Dissertation: Journalism, communication and media


15 months long | Credits: 30

This is a capstone research module where you will have the opportunity to engage in a substantial piece of independent research into an academic subject within the field of journalism, media and/or the wider communications field. You will plan and produce research on a particular topic, drawing on appropriate scholarship in the field. You will be guided through the process of preparing for and producing the dissertation via regular academic supervision with an assigned supervisor.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate familiarity with a broad range of research literature in the area of journalism studies.
  2. Choose and situate a project within the context of an existing body of scholarly investigation, and appropriate areas of professional practice.
  3. Apply appropriate humanistic and social science theories to problems in the field of journalism studies.
  4. Choose and implement appropriate research methodologies.
  5. Produce academic writing that adheres to professional conventions and standards within the field of journalism studies.
  6. Articulate ideas to present a convincing academic argument.
Assessments
  • Research (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks" by Meenakshi Gigi Durham (Editor), Douglas M. Kellner (Editor)
    ISBN: 9780470658086.
    Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
  2. "Key Readings in Journalism" by Elliot King (Editor), Jane Chapman (Editor)
    ISBN: 9780415880282.
    Publisher: Routledge
  3. "Irish media" by John Horgan
    ISBN: 0415216419.
    Publisher: London ; Routledge, 2001
  4. "News: The Politics of Illusion" by W. Lance Bennett
    ISBN: 0205082416.
    Publisher: Pearson Education
  5. "The Media Studies Reader" by Laurie Ouellette (Editor)
    ISBN: 9780415801256.
    Publisher: Routledge
  6. "Media in Ireland" by Ireland) Cleraun Media Conference 1998 (Dublin, Damien Kiberd (Editor)
    ISBN: 9781851825097.
    Publisher: Four Courts Pr Ltd
  7. "Media in Ireland" by Ireland) Cleraun Media Conference 2000 (Dublin, Damien Kiberd (Editor)
    ISBN: 9781851826247.
    Publisher: Open Air
  8. "Media in Ireland" by Damien Kiberd
    ISBN: 9781851823154.
    Publisher: Four Courts Press
  9. "Bicycle highway" by edited by Rosemary Day
    ISBN: 9781905785377.
    Publisher: Liffey Press
  10. "Democracy without citizens" by Robert M. Entman
    ISBN: 019506576X.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  11. "Keywords" by Raymond Williams
    ISBN: 0006861504.
    Publisher: Fontana Press
  12. "Television" by Raymond Williams; edited by Ederyn Williams; with a new preface by Roger Silverstone
    ISBN: 9780415314565.
    Publisher: London ; Routledge, 2003.
  13. "Empire and Communications" by Harold A. Innis, Alexander John Watson (Introduction)
    ISBN: 1550026623.
    Publisher: Dundurn Press
  14. "The work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction" by Walter Benjamin; translated by J. A. Underwood
    ISBN: 9780141036199.
    Publisher: Penguin
  15. "James Carey" by Eve Stryker Munson and Catherine A. Warren, editors
    ISBN: 0816627037.
    Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
  16. "The culture industry" by Theodor W. Adorno; edited and with an introduction by J. M. Bernstein
    ISBN: 0415253802.
    Publisher: London ; Routledge, 2001.
  17. "Manufacturing consent" by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky; with a new introduction by the authors
    ISBN: 0375714499.
    Publisher: Pantheon Books
  18. "Culture and imperialism" by Edward W. Said
    ISBN: 0679750541.
    Publisher: Vintage Books
  19. "Rethinking media theory" by Armand Mattelart + Mich�le Mattelart; translated by James A. Cohen and Marina Urquidi
    ISBN: 0816619107.
    Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
  20. "The invention of communication" by Armand Mattelart; translated by Susan Emanuel
    ISBN: 0816626979.
    Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
  21. "Theories of communication" by Armand Mattelart and Mich?ele Mattelart; translated by Susan Gruenheck Taponier and James A. Cohen
    ISBN: 0761956476.
    Publisher: Sage
  22. "The economic regulation of broadcasting markets" by edited by Paul Seabright and J�rgen von Hagen
    ISBN: 9780521696340.
    Publisher: Cambridge ; Cambridge University Press, c2007.
  23. "Comparing media systems" by Daniel C. Hallin, Paolo Mancini
    ISBN: 9780521543088.
    Publisher: Cambridge, UK ; Cambridge University Press, 2004.
  24. "Understanding Media Industries" by Timothy Havens, Amanda Lotz
    ISBN: 9780195397673.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
  25. "Theorizing communication" by Dan Schiller
    ISBN: 0195101995.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  26. "Critical theories of mass media" by Paul A. Taylor and Jan Ll. Harris
    ISBN: 0335218113.
    Publisher: McGraw Hill/Open University Press
The above information outlines module DJ6123: "Dissertation: Journalism, communication and media" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DJ6124: Final Project for journalism, media and communication


15 months long | Credits: 30

This module provides you with an opportunity to complete a substantial piece of research-based professional journalism as a capstone to your degree programme, so as to enable you to identify and research thoroughly a subject of your choice, on an original theme and which is worthy of sustained journalistic inquiry. By completion of the project you are encouraged to communicate your findings in a journalistic way, appropriate to the medium and the target audience, to brief and to deadline. To encourage you to identify from this exercise an aspect of journalistic practice or the profession of journalism worthy of sustained research. You will additionally have an opportunity to investigate, collect evidence, evaluate and critically analyse the journalistic/professional issues identified in an extended reflective essay.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of specific fields under investigation
  2. Identify and evaluate academic and journalistic research methodologies and sources of information (interviews, texts, internet, journal articles, cuttings, broadcasts, libraries)
  3. Display a critical awareness of the responsibilities and roles of journalists and the social, ethical and legal contexts in which they work.
  4. Plan and conduct a piece of original journalistic research; analyse and evaluate information for editorial importance; identify and resolve inconsistencies.
  5. Demonstrate editorial balance and fairness, apply appropriate research strategies and effective and appropriate interviewing for the medium and the target audience.
  6. Apply the habit of reflection and a critical approach, showing an awareness of different cultural perspectives.
  7. Value and be aware of high-level professional standards, including accuracy, protection of sources, balance, fairness and relevant legal requirements.
  8. Display an awareness of the ethical dimensions of news gathering and reporting; display intellectual integrity, awareness of copyright implications, the importance of crediting the work of others and the unacceptability of plagiarism.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Reflective Practice" by Gillie Bolton,Russell Delderfield
    ISBN: 9781526411709.
    Publisher: SAGE Publications Limited
  2. "The Reflective Practitioner" by Donald A. Schon
    ISBN: 9780465068784.
  3. "Becoming a Reflective Practitioner" by Christopher Johns
    ISBN: 9781119193920.
    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  4. "Video Journalism for the Web: A Practical Introduction to Documentary Storytelling" by Kurt Lancaster
    ISBN: 9780415892674.
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module DJ6124: "Final Project for journalism, media and communication" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DJ6110: Media Ethics and Regulation


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The Media Ethics and Regulation module will introduce you to contemporary issues that shape the Irish and international media landscape, such as ownership, the UK press post Leveson, the Irish Press Council and media regulation generally. The ethics portion of this module will act as a roadmap to guide you through the cross section of ethical and professional issues that impact on journalists in contemporary media.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Adopt an informed and personal stance on media regulation and the ethical issues and concerns in today’s media.
  2. Analyze ethical issues in journalism and make compelling ethics based arguments about them.
  3. Articulate a personal position on the constant journalistic conflict between, professional, ethical and commercial concerns.
  4. Make sound ethical judgments in their own journalism.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Media performance" by Denis McQuail
    ISBN: 9780803982956.
    Publisher: Sage Publications
  2. "Media Ethics: Cases & Moral Reasoning" by Clifford G. Christains, M. Fackler, KB Richardson, P. Kreshel, R. Woods
    ISBN: 9780205897742.
  3. "Media ethics" by [edited by] Philip Patterson, Lee Wilkins
    ISBN: 9780697111722.
    Publisher: Wm. C. Brown
  4. "Documentary in a Changing State" by Carol MacKeogh (Editor), D��g O'Connell (Editor)
    ISBN: 9781859184912.
    Publisher: Cork University Press
  5. "Manufacturing consent" by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky; with a new introduction by the authors
    ISBN: 0375714499.
    Publisher: Pantheon Books
  6. "Understanding journalism" by Lynette Sheridan Burns
    ISBN: 9780761970255.
    Publisher: SAGE
  7. "Media Ethics" by Dr. Patrick Lee Plaisance
    ISBN: 9781412956857.
    Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc
  8. "Media ethics" by edited by Matthew Kieran
    ISBN: 0415168384.
    Publisher: London ; Routledge, 1998.
  9. "News Culture" by Allan Stuart
    ISBN: 9780335239009.
  10. "So you've been publicly shamed" by Jon Ronson.
    ISBN: 1594487138.
    Publisher: ; Penguin Group USA
The above information outlines module DJ6110: "Media Ethics and Regulation" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DJ6122: Researching the Media


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This course provides students with an understanding of the inter-related fields of journalism and media studies, through study of a range of scholarly works and independent research.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the development of the field of journalism, in the context of various social and technological changes.
  2. Understand various normative models for the role of the press, and apply them to case studies.
  3. Critically examine the organisation and operation of news organisations.
  4. Analyse the content produced by the news media.
  5. Place Irish journalism and media in an international context.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (70%)
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (30%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Key Readings in Journalism" by Elliot King (Editor), Jane Chapman (Editor)
    ISBN: 9780415880282.
    Publisher: Routledge
  2. "What are journalists for?" by Jay Rosen
    ISBN: 9780300089073.
    Publisher: New Haven ; Yale University Press, 1999.
  3. "Media work" by Mark Deuze
    ISBN: 9780745639253.
    Publisher: Polity
  4. "The Rise of the Network Society: Volume I: The Information Age: Economy, Society, and Culture" by Manuel Castells
    ISBN: 9781405196864.
    Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
  5. "The global media" by Edward S. Herman and Robert W. McChesney
    ISBN: 9780826458193.
    Publisher: Continuum
  6. "Global media governance" by Seán Ó Siochrú and Bruce Girard with Amy Mahan
    ISBN: 9780742515666.
    Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
The above information outlines module DJ6122: "Researching the Media" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DJ6104: Data Journalism


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

In this module students will learn a range of techniques for sourcing, analysing, and representing data-based stories,through practice-driven learning,
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop stories that rely on leveraging the internet as a research tool and production space.
  2. Select and use appropriate analytical tools for a particular task to analyse database stories.
  3. Generate narrative storylines from patterns identified in large data sets.
  4. Analyse data using appropriate statistical techniques.
  5. Use appropriate visualisation tools to communicate complex data-based narratives to audiences effectively.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "The Digital Reporter's Notebook" by Blaine, Mark
    ISBN: 9780415898614.
    Publisher: Routledge
  2. "Practicing Convergence Journalism" by Janet Kolodzy
    ISBN: 9780415890304.
    Publisher: Routledge
  3. "The Investigative Reporter's Handbook" by Brant Houston
    ISBN: 0312589972.
    Publisher: Bedford/St Martins
  4. "Principles of Convergent Journalism" by Jeffrey S. Wilkinson, August E. Grant, Douglas J. Fisher
    ISBN: 9780199838653.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
  5. "The Online Journalism Handbook" by Bradshaw, Paul and Liisa Rohumaa
    ISBN: 9781405873406.
  6. "The Multimedia Journalist" by Jennifer George-Palilonis
    ISBN: 9780199764525.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
  7. "Online Journalism" by James C. Foust
    ISBN: 9781934432174.
    Publisher: Holcomb Hathaway, Publishers
  8. "Producing Online News" by Ryan Thornburg
    ISBN: 9781604269963.
    Publisher: CQ Press College
The above information outlines module DJ6104: "Data Journalism" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DJ6100: Features Journalism


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Students will be introduced to the field of features journalism, and to a range of specific formats within the genre. Through extensive practical work, they will learn to identify and pitch stories; to research and investigate; and to write to format and deadline.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify and shape promising topics
  2. Conduct the research appropriate to various article types, to include interviewing, observation, document analysis
  3. Prepare a range of feature journalism pieces in the appropriate formats and styles
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "English for journalists" by Wynford Hicks
    ISBN: 9780415404204.
    Publisher: Abingdon, Oxon, [England] ; Routledge, 2007.
  2. "Writing feature articles" by Brendan Hennessy
    ISBN: 9780240516912.
    Publisher: Oxford ; Focal Press, 2006.
  3. "Essential English" by Harold Evans
    ISBN: 9780712664479.
    Publisher: Pimlico
The above information outlines module DJ6100: "Features Journalism " and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional MK5110: Brand Management


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Branding is a core aspect of marketing planning. This course will explore the concept of branding, through critical examination of the techniques used to build and maintain strong brands. The course will address the creation of brand equity, the strategic options for brand building, and the tools for sustaining brands over time, from an academic and practitioner perspective.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the consumer based brand equity concept.
  2. Understand brand elements, brand positioning and the role of brand values in creating a compelling brand message.
  3. Have an insight into the contribution of marketing programmes to brand equity.
  4. Have a greater awareness of the relationship between marketing communications and brand building.
  5. Have an ability to recommend an appropriate research method to capture customer mindset.
  6. Have an insight into brand strategies, managing brand portfolios, and leveraging strong brands over time.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Strategic Brand Management: A European Perspective" by Keller, Aperia & Georgson
  2. "Creating Powerful Brands" by de Chernatony, McDonald & Wallace
    Publisher: Butterworth Heinemann
  3. "Consumer-Brand Relationships: Insights for Theory & Practice" by Fetscherin, Fournier & Breazeale & Melewar
    Publisher: Routledge
  4. "The New Strategic Brand Management: Advanced Insights & Strategic Thinking" by Kapferer
    Publisher: Kogan Page
The above information outlines module MK5110: "Brand Management" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional MK5118: Social Marketing & Sustainability


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Many if not all social marketing interventions proposed could be considered in terms of marketing systems today, i.e. focussing on generalised value exchange per se and the intricacies of understanding exchange from a social systems point of view. This module critically reflects upon nesting behaviour change within a social marketing systems perspective, to scale out and up social change for sustainability.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain the role of Social Marketing for behaviour and social change.
  2. Critically differentiate between Social Marketing and other forms of marketing.
  3. Critically discuss the conceptual and methodological issues that underlie Social Marketing.
  4. Detail the more commonly used change theories in Social Marketing.
  5. Critically discuss three causal dynamics of an intervention; social mechanisms, strategic action fields and generalised value co-creation.
  6. Explain how, using social marketing, the state and non-profit organisations can take a deliberate and proactive role in the process of participatory problem-solving.
  7. Debate the pros, cons and ethics of capitalist-based societies with their consumption lifestyles.
  8. Critical understanding the social and institutional context of sustainable behaviour for policy and social innovation.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module MK5118: "Social Marketing & Sustainability" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be well equipped to work in the media in roles including audience development, podcasting, sports journalism including radio and television reporters and commentators, sports reporters in the news media; communications professionals in the wider fields of communications such as working in sports marketing, strategic communication and in public relations and sports lobbying roles for sporting organisations.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,500 p.a. 2019/20

Fees: Tuition

€8,276 p.a. 2019/20

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2019/20

Fees: Non EU

€16,500 p.a. 2019/20

Find out More

Tom Felle
Head of Journalism
T: + 353 91 492 049
E: tom.felle@nuigalway.ie

Downloads

  • Postgraduate Taught Prospectus 2020

    Postgraduate Taught Prospectus 2020 PDF (21 MB)