Prospective Students

Degree Information:

The Masters in Journalism provides wide-ranging training and education for those interested in the profession of journalism and related fields. It balances practical, theoretical, technical and analytical elements to address the changing media environment and the new, and increasingly diverse, demands being made on entrants to journalism. Upon completion you will have the in-depth knowledge and aptitude to pursue a successful journalism career.

Aims and Objectives:

• To train people to be critical journalists across evolving media platforms.
• To equip you with the skills necessary to sustain serious journalism that engages successfully with a broad range of readers and audiences, in print, online and across the airwaves.

Programme Structure:

This one year, full-time programme consists of taught courses for two semesters, with a project or dissertation and a trainee placement over the summer period. The project/dissertation is a major piece of academic media research, focused on journalism or a major journalistic project.

All students receive training in print, online and broadcast journalism. Modules are marked, in part or in whole, by continuous assessment, namely essays, simulated newsroom exercises, preparation of features and news stories, online activities and seminar presentations. Examinations and in-class tests are also set in some modules.

You are required to take part in the INTRA programme, which provides a placement with a media organisation during the summer period. Satisfactory completion of the placement, including submission of a work report, is a prerequisite for the award of Masters.

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

• The longest-established Masters in Journalism programme in Ireland.
• Experienced and versatile lecturers.
• A broad mix of professional and intellectual training.
• Good working-relationships with media organisations, ensuring relevancy and up-to-the-minute content .
• An optimistic vision of the continuing need for serious journalism across all media platforms.

Candidates should note that entry to the programme is competitive, and the selection process includes shortlisting of candidates for interview on dates designated by the University. Shortlisted candidates book their interview date and time through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) website (www.pac.ie).

Interview slots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. It is not possible to accommodate other interview dates. Telephone interviews are conducted only in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the School of Communications.

In order to maintain the strict fairness of the process, canvassing is forbidden and will result in disqualification of the candidate.

Career Prospects:

Graduates of this programme work in a wide range of areas, including mainstream journalism, organisational representation and lobbying.

Entry Requirements:

Up to 25 places are offered at each annual intake to the programme. To be considered for admission, applicants must have, at minimum, a second class honours degree (or demonstrate, on the basis of results to date, a reasonable expectation of fulfilling this requirement before entry to the programme). Places also may be made available for candidates who have relevant professional experience.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit a hard copy of one article only, of approximately 750 words of their own composition, on a subject and in a genre of their choice, written for a specific publication. The article may be published or unpublished.

If the article has been published, state when and in which publication. Otherwise, indicate the outlet for which you think your submission would be best suited. Applications which include more than one sample article will be disqualified.

Those called to interview should bring any additional relevant portfolio work with them in hard copy. In addition, a personal statement of not more than 500 words, outlining why you want to study on this programme, should be included with the documentation being submitted to PAC.

Assessment by Interview
Candidates should note that entry to the programme is competitive, and the selection process includes shortlisting of candidates for interview on dates designated by the University. Shortlisted candidates book their interview date and time through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) website (www.pac.ie/dcu). Interview slots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. It is not possible to accommodate other interview dates.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2013

EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 26th April 2013.

Non-EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 26th April 2013. Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)
When applying for this programme use the PAC code DC600

Queries on completed applications should be emailed to registry.pac@dcu.ie

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)