Media & Journalism

BA (Hons) in Journalism

This degree course in journalism provides a broad general education, both in the major areas covered in the discipline of journalism itself and through the complementary subjects within the Arts programme such as Film, Media Studies, Economics, Literature and Drama. The journalism stream covers the most relevant topics related to the practice of journalism. You will gain practical skills in print, broadcasting and contemporary communication technologies as well as a comprehensive understanding of the general culture in which journalism is practiced in Ireland and Europe. The course also develops communication skills, including knowledge of the Irish Media and contemporary media technology.

This course develops an awareness of both the ethical issues facing journalists and the responsibilities and roles of the journalist in society. The course delivers a range of transferable skills including computing, communication and research as well as theoretical, writing and editing skills.

Our journalism course is designed to provide a qualification that meets the needs of the media industry in Ireland. The course includes the legal and cultural context within which journalism is practiced as well as practical skills.

Aims and Objectives

The programme seeks to provide students with the combination of key journalistic skills, a broad knowledge and understanding of professional practice, and the personal knowledge and flexibility that will allow them to successfully find employment in a number of industry areas. The overall aim of the programme is to achieve three general objectives:

• To provide students with a broad range of journalistic skills and intensive training in a number of key media areas

• To provide students with the knowledge and understanding of professional practice that will allow them to operate effectively within the industry or related industries

• To provide students with the Arts foundation which will allow them to become flexible, reflective and self conscious practitioners of journalism

Practical Applications and Career Prospects

The unique combination of skills and academic subjects on the course offers students a wide range of career choices. As well as opportunities within print, radio and television journalism, many journalism graduates find careers as producers in radio and television, or as sub-editors designing and producing newspapers, magazines and other publications in paper and digital formats. These jobs are becoming more and more significant in journalism generally. Graduates will have a level of education and skills that will prepare them for employment in media and a variety of other areas.

Programme Structure

The BA (Hons) in Journalism degree features a range of practical, theoretical and professional subjects explored and developed over three levels, with integral opportunities or personal and intellectual skills development.

During level one, students are introduced to the basic elements and skills of the working skills of a journalist during Level One. During level two and three they build upon those core skills and diversify into other areas. By level three, students will be in a position to consolidate the skills and knowledge they have gained so far and can then choose to specialise in areas of their choice, e.g. print or broadcasting, sports journalism, business journalism or the culture of women’s magazines. In total, they complete sixteen journalism core modules over the three levels.  All students take the programme in its entirety. Level three has a major year-long project associated with it.

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

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