Programme Overview:

Journalists share certain characteristics, the key one being the ability to write clearly. The sort of essay-writing you learned as part of your Leaving Cert course isn’t really the same thing, but it’s a good start. At DCU you will be taught how to improve and vary your style, but this won’t be easy if you don’t already have a good grasp of sentence construction, syntax, grammar and spelling. Apart from that, you need a sense of curiosity about the world and what happens in it; the ability to absorb large amounts of information quickly; an interest in books and media of all sorts; and, above all, the ability to meet tight deadlines. And if you enjoy design and graphic work, you can develop the necessary skills in newspaper and magazine design and sub-editing.

If you are coming to us as a mature student you will have had an interest in journalism for some time, and the sort of life experience that will enable you to contribute as much to the course as you will get from it.

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply: HB3 English.

Programme Description:

Journalism – Making Sense of the World.

Understanding Journalism

Journalism is an exciting profession and a vital service to the community and the nation. Most people rely on what journalists write or broadcast for an understanding of the society in which they live and work, and this means that journalists face real responsibilities and challenges. Their role is varied – it can be to entertain or educate as well as to inform the public. Good journalism is also essential if society is to function properly, if democratic values are to be protected, if people are to be made aware of their rights, and if the powerful in society are to be accountable to the wider public. It offers scope for people with widely differing interests: current affairs, sport, culture and production journalism (layout, sub-editing and design) among others.

Programme Structure:

The three year BA in Journalism is a careful blend of practical and theoretical subjects. On the practical side you will gain a wide range of practical skills in print and broadcast journalism. Our lecturers are also practising journalists who keep in close touch with the profession. On the theoretical side you will take modules which encourage you to look critically and theoretically at the significance of the media in society, and at the workings of society itself.

Modules can be taken in Law and Politics which will give you a broader understanding of many of the issues we face today. Finally, a core and vital element of the course is an eight-week placement in a media organisation, where you can demonstrate your abilities in the world of work.

The list of modules represents a mixture of core modules (which every student must take), and optional modules (from which you may choose topics that particularly interest you).

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2009 - 2010)

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

HB3  English

GCE A LEVEL:

GCE A Level B English

FETAC LEVEL 5

EPJXX Print Journalism

Distinctions in 5 Modules including:

• G20001 Communications
• E20008 Media Analysis or G20031 Social Studies
• E20078 Writing for Journalism

and 2 from the following:

• E20011 Photography
• E20076 Research Skills for Journalism
• E20077 Technical Skills for Journalism

ERPXX Radio Production

Distinctions in 5 Modules including:

• G20001 Communications
• E20008 Media Analysis or G20031 Social Studies
• E20078 Writing for Journalism

and 2 from the following:

• E20011 Photography
• E20137 Radio Program Production
• E20076 Research Skills for Journalism

ETPFPX TV and Film Production

Distinctions in 5 modules including:

• G20001 Communications
• E20008 Media Analysis or G20031 Social Studies
• E20078 Writing for Journalism

and 2 from the following:

• E20011 Photography
• E20149 TV and Video Production or E20150 Film Production
• E20076 Research Skills for Journalism

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants

Apply through the CAO by 1st February
Advice for Mature-Student Applicants (PDF 51K)
*Mature applicants are asked to submit, along with their other paper documentation, a hard copy of an article of c. 750 words of their own composition, written for a specific publication [published or unpublished]. If the article has been published, state when and in which publication. If the article is unpublished, indicate the newspaper or periodical for which you think your submission would be best suited.

EU Transfer Applicants

Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates

Apply directly to DCU by 15th February. Applications may also be taken up to the 1st July if places have not been allotted.

Make an Application

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://www.cao.ie/
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

 

Career Prospects:

Journalism at DCU equips you for a wide range of careers, and not only in journalism itself. Within the media, careers beckon in both national and local newspapers, magazines and broadcasting stations. Writers will take up positions as reporters and feature writers (most print journalists do both at the same time), while broadcasters can also work both as reporters and as presenters, particularly in smaller broadcasting stations. Sub-editors, who prepare text for publication and who can design pages, are particularly in demand.

Outside journalism, however, your skills will be particularly valuable in the public service, in non-governmental organisations, in public relations, and in organisations connected with international development. The ability to write clearly, quickly and accurately, and to process information speedily are among the skills which are highly valued today by many employers.

See what past graduates did

Additional Features:

What Prospective Employers Say

“Many of the young journalists working in RTÉ today are DCU journalism graduates. They are well grounded in both the theoretical and practical skills of journalism. But their main asset is their enthusiasm and their “finger on the pulse” of contemporary Irish society.”

Peter Feeney, Head of Public Affairs, RTE

“Graduates of the DCU BA in Journalism have always been a great asset as staff members and freelancers at the Sunday Tribune – being self-starters, wide-awake, and really keen to make the best of their careers in journalism.”

Noirin Hegarty, Editor, Sunday Tribune

Full list of degrees >