Course Content
Content Writing & Reporting
This module introduces tomorrow’s journalists to the fundamentals of covering and writing news. Mastering these skills is no simple task. In an Internet age of instantaneous access, demand for high-quality accounts of fast-breaking news has never been greater. Nor has the temptation to cut corners and deliver something less. To resist this temptation, reporters must acquire skills to identify a story and its essential elements, gather information efficiently, place it in a meaningful context, and write concise and compelling accounts, sometimes at breathtaking speed. The readings, discussions, exercises and assignments of this course are designed to help students acquire such skills and understand how to exercise them wisely.
Editing & Sub-Editing
This module trains students to perform a range of keyboarding and word processing tasks to include text formatting, editing and enhancement as part of the editorial processes used in the new media sectors and in print journalism. A critical awareness of how house style guides-need to be met through using the generic skills of proofreading, copy-editing and clear accurate writing for websites and print media is covered through practical, hands-on workshops. This module will also cover the legal issues in copy and edit copy to ensure that it is legally safe for publication..
Digital Media Writing
This module aims to equip learners with the skills to work in an online media environment. Students will learn about the emergence of new media, as well as learning about the impact that new media has had on the media industry. Learners will be taught the skills relevant to write for new media and will gain practical experience in new media as well as searching for and verifying relevant new media/online content. Requiring no particular knowledge of web design or of software learners will use text, images and audio (as well as social media) to explore stories, articles and content written for different platforms for defined audiences. These skills are necessary for entry level journalism and media writing position especially in an online environment.
Radio & Podcasting
This module aims to enable learners to understand the centrality of format and scripting in radio performance and podcasting. They will enhance their research expertise and ability to identify reliable sources for different genres, as well as move from conscious to critical listening. They will also develop the technical skills and sound competence to produce a radio show or podcast; create a template that integrates creativity, technical, editorial and written skills; and demonstrate an understanding of the technical expertise suitable for professional broadcast.
Visual Journalism & Content Creation
Journalists utilise visual digital photography, infographics, moving images (videos) and graphics displaying data to enhance text in newspaper, online and digital writing. This module will train students in both assembling data and representing data with software such as Excel, Google Fusion tables, StoryMap, Datawrapper, Timeline JS Venngage and other tools to learn how to use data visualisation techniques for inclusion in articles for consumption by news audiences. Secondly, they will learn how to take digital photographs, manipulate and edit digital images using a DSLR camera. Finally, students will create videos using standard equipment as well as mobile devices such as iPhones.
Journalism & Media Today - Online
Ireland’s Media aims to encourage and develop the comprehension of the media industries in Ireland. The module is an introduction to the political, economic and regulatory environments of the Irish press, broadcast and online journalism. Surveying the industry in a period of rapid economic and technological change, students will examine the main trends in journalistic media. It will also assess the challenges and future of the industry in the 21st Century.