Understanding the Course:

Journalism - Making Sense of the World.

Understanding Journalism

Journalism is an exciting profession and a vital service to the community and the nation. Many 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 held accountable to the wider public. DCU's journalism course offers scope for people with widely differing interests: current affairs, sport, culture and production journalism (layout, sub-editing and design) among others.

About You:

Journalists share certain characteristics, the key ones being a profound sense of curiosity about people and the world and the ability to write clearly. The sort of essay writing you learned as part of your Leaving Cert course isn't quite what you will need. At DCU, you will be taught how to improve and vary your style, and this won't be easy if you don't already have a really solid grasp of spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Apart from that, you need the ability to absorb large amounts of information quickly, an interest in books and media of all sorts, and the ability to meet deadlines. If you enjoy design and graphic work, you can develop the necessary skills in newspaper and magazine design and sub-editing, and if broadcasting interests you, we have modules in radio and television journalism as well.

Mature Students

If you are coming to us as a mature student you will have had an interest in journalism for some time, the sort of life experience that will enable you to contribute as much to the course as you will get from it, and the ability to write clear, error-free English. You should apply through the CAO by 1st February - there is no late application for this course.

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a hard copy of an article of c. 750 words of their own composition, written for a specific publication [published or unpublished].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 If the article is unpublished, indicate the newspaper or periodical for which you think your submission would be best suited.
Advice for Mature-Student Applicants (PDF 51K)

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

Minimum Requirements:

General Entry Requirements: Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in Four Ordinary or Higher level subjects including Mathematics and English OR Irish.

Course Structure:

The three-year BA in Journalism has been designed to provide a three-way combination of studies: essential practical skills such as interviewing and writing for different media, the knowledge of people, institutions and ethical principles you need as context for your journalism, and academic studies of law, politics and society in which to sharpen your critical thinking. On the practical side, you will gain a wide range of skills in print, broadcast and online journalism. There is some scope for specialisation, but every student takes the same broad range of core modules.

Our staff includes lecturers who are also practising journalists in close touch with the profession, and academics who are researchers of international standing. Finally, an essential element of the final year of the course is an eight-week placement in a media organisation, where you can demonstrate your abilities in the working world. Every journalism student must complete a relevant work placement arranged or approved by DCU.

The Programme Chair for Journalism is Prof Steven Knowlton

The student advisor for all years of the Journalism programme is Dr. John O'Sullivan.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Why DCU?

1. Our broad range of skills modules provide a base for working in all areas of journalism.
2. Emphasis on learning by doing.
3. High standard of instruction from experienced professionals.
4. Integration of theory, practice and critical reflection.
5. Final year work-placement, unique in Ireland.

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

What Our Graduates Say

"The DCU Journalism degree offers a great variety of practical and theory modules, allowing students to choose the subjects they are most interested in. Before I came to DCU, I thought I had no interest in print journalism but the experience of newsdays where the class divides into two teams and carries out the work of a newsroom, producing a radio news programme or newspaper at the end of each day, has completely changed my mind. Now I would be glad to work in broadcast or print media. The 8 week INTRA placement at the end of the final year is extremely beneficial because students get the opportunity to put all their journalism skills into practice." Caroline Leddy, BA Journalism 2010

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, in magazines and broadcasting stations, and in the rapidly growing world of online media. Writers will take up positions as news reporters and feature writers (many print journalists write both news articles and features), while broadcasters can also work both as reporters and presenters or as producers. Sub-editors, who prepare text for publication and who can design pages, are also in demand, but most employers now expect new recruits to be skilled in all aspects of work, in all media formats - and DCU's BAJ has been designed to produce such multi-skilled graduates.

Outside journalism your communication skills and critical thinking will be particularly valuable in the public service, in non-governmental organisations, in public relations, in much of the commercial sector, 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.

Future Careers

• Journalist
• Producer
• Sports writer
• News reporter
• Sub-editor

Minimum Requirements:

General Entry Requirements: Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in Four Ordinary or Higher level subjects including Mathematics and English OR Irish.

Entry Requirements:

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

How to Apply and Closing Dates

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

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

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