Media & Journalism

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.

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 alsoenable 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; Wideranging knowledge of the legal, administrative and regulatory framework which governs the practice of media and journalism in Ireland.

In Level 3, students take subjects intended to develop understanding of applied areas and key subjects. Furthermore, students also undertake a research project under the guidance of a supervisor.

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.

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 and magazine 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. Online journalism jobs are becoming 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.