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Journalism (MA)

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Course Overview

The MA (Journalism) is designed to provide education and training for entry to the profession of journalism. It combines the practical, analytical, theoretical, and technical skills necessary to the practice of journalism in contemporary media.

Based in a well-equipped Journalism Suite, the class size is limited, allowing for close workshop-based engagement and learning support. Graduates of the programme feature regularly in national media awards.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

 

Who Teaches this Course

  • Andrew Ó Baoill, BSc, MA, PhD, Lecturer in English, Director of Journalism programmes
  • Dave O' Connell, Group Editor, Connacht Tribune
  • Bernadette O' Sullivan, BA, MA, HDE, HDAC
  • Bernadette Prendergast, BA, HDE, MA, Head of News, Galway Bay FM

The course also draws on regular lectures, workshops, and optional modules delivered by working professionals from a range of backgrounds.

Requirements and Assessment

All modules involve continuous assessment, regular assignments, project work, presentations and portfolio development. Media Law also involves a formal examination during the exam period at the end of Semester One. Following Semester 2, you will complete a professional work placement and a research dissertation related to Journalism Studies.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours degree or higher. An essential part of the application process is the submission, through PAC, of at least one journalistic article (700 words minimum) which may or may not have been published, and also a personal statement (c. 300 words) of your reasons for pursuing journalism. If you have had other work published, you may include samples as further support for your application.

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time (for GYA23)
2 years, part-time (for GYA76 & GYA77)

Next start date

September 2016

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

15– 20

Closing Date

Offer rounds / closing dates website

Next start date

September 2016

NFQ level

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

PAC code

GYA23 (full-time)
GYA77 (part-time)
GYA76 (MA Journalism for Practitioners, part-time)

Course Outline

MA (Journalism) (full-time)

The full-time one-year programme consists of taught courses over two semesters; a placement in a professional journalistic workplace; and a final thesis which provides an opportunity to analyse and reflect on the practice of journalism. Tuition is carried out in a dedicated newsroom and radio studio environment.  Modules themselves, as well as, the content of modules may vary from year to year. Modules at present are: 

Core modules:

  • News Writing and Reporting
  • Features Journalism
  • Broadcast Journalism (Radio)
  • Media Ethics
  • Media Law
  • Government and Politics
  • Work Placement
  • Dissertation.

Optional modules:

  • Data Journalism
  • Contemporary Publishing
  • Film-making for the Internet
  • Cultural Journalism and Reviewing.

MA (Journalism) part-time

Students take 30 credits (ECTS) in Year One and 60 in Year Two:

  • Contemporary Publishing 10 ECTS
  • Newswriting and Reporting 10 ECTS
  • Discovering the Archives 10 ECTS
  • Broadcast Journalism 15 ECTS
  • Features Journalism 10 ECTS
  • Special Topics in Journalism A 5 ECTS
  • Digital Literary Studies 10 ECTS
  • Political Reporting 5 ECTS
  • Media Law 5 ECTS
  •  Digital Play and Practice 10 ECTS
  • Data Journalism 5 ECTS
  • Cultural Journalism 5 ECTS
  • Special Topics in Journalism B 5 ECTS
  • Media Ethics 5 ECTS

Year 2 Only

  • Fieldwork and Dissertation 30 ECTS  CORE

MA (Journalism for Practitioners) (part-time)

Students take 30 credits (ECTS) in Year One and 60 in Year Two:

  • Newswriting and Reporting 10 ECTS
  • Media Law 5 ECTS
  • Broadcast Journalism 15 ECTS
  • Reflective Practice for Print Reporters 10 ECTS
  • Reflective Practice for Broadcasters15 ECTS
  • Features Journalism 10 ECTS
  • Digital Literary Studies 10 ECTS
  • Media Ethics 5 ECTS 

YEAR 2

  • Special Topics in Journalism A 5 ECTS
  • Political Reporting 5 ECTS
  • Discovering the Archives 10 ECTS
  • Journalism Studies Dissertation 30 ECTS                CORE
  • Digital Literary Studies 10 ECTS
  • Contemporary Publishing 10 ECTS
  • Special Topics in Journalism B 5 ECTS
  • Cultural Journalism 5 ECTS
  • Data Journalism 5 ECTS
  • Digital Play and Practice 10 ECTS

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme work as journalists, reporters, TV presenters, researchers and editors in print, broadcasting, and new media in Ireland and abroad. Some move on from journalism to pursue careers in Public Relations, Public Advocacy, and Law. Others may choose to progress their studies in the area at PhD level.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,210 p.a. 2016/17 (FT MA)

Fees: Tuition

€7,986 p.a. 2016/17 (FT MA)

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2016/17

Fees: Non EU

€13,250 p.a. 2016/17 (FT MA)

Fees: Part time 
€4,160 p.a. 2016/17

 

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant—please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €2,000 towards your full-time tuition.  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay full-time TUITION up to a maximum of €6,270.  SUSI will not cover the student levy of €224. 

Postgraduate fee breakdown = tuition (EU or NON EU) + student levy as outlined above.

Find out More

Dr Andrew Ó Baoill
T +353 91 494 480 
E  journalism@nuigalway.ie

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