School of Communications

Degree Information:

This programme draws students from all over the world to come study together, to learn from academics and professionals - and, importantly, from each other - about the hows and the whys of top-quality professional journalism as it operates in a fascinating kleidoscope technologies, cultures. legal systems.

The programme complements other DCU postgraduate programmes, particularly the MA in International Communication, a new and expanding theoretical course of study, and the venerable MA in Journalism, a high-quality programme that produces top-tier journalists every year to work in every medium.

Irish students in programme spend a semester in Dublin and then a semester away at one of the university's partner programmes in North American, in Australia or elsewhere in Europe. International students may stay based in Dublin for the year, or may go abroad in the spring as well.

And, new for 2011, two brand-new classes: A module in international reporting, with real-world boots-on-the-ground reporting from another country, plus a module in Social Media for journalists: Think Zuckerberg 101 2.0.

Aims and Objectives:

• To give an international perspective on, and practical skills in, the journalistic profession in the 21st century.

• To combine an appreciation of differences in the standards of practice with a search for journalistic universals of fairness, accuracy, accountability and responsibility as the craft is practised across many platforms and in many economic, political and cultural climates.

• To seek a good balance of Irish students interested in practising journalism in an international arena, and international students with a strong interest in learning the hows and whys of European journalism based in Ireland.
  

Programme Structure:

The one year, full-time programme consists of two semesters of taught coursework, followed by a summer of supervised independent work, which leads to a final professional project or academic thesis. In Semester 1, students choose both theoretical and practical modules. In Semester 2, Irish nationals spend the semester at a partner university abroad, while international students may also spend Semester 2 abroad, or enrol in other modules at DCU.

The course is also available in a two year, part-time format.

Modules are marked, in part or in whole, by continuous assessment, namely essays, simulated exercises and professional work.

This course does not include a placement in the professional workplace, but most of the overseas partners offer or require professional work in area newsrooms or in on-campus simulations, as part of the semester in residence.

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

• A unique combination of theory and practice modules, integrating the how and the why of the profession in an international context.
• Exposure to, and time to reflect upon, how journalism is practised across platforms and across political, economic and social boundaries.
• A teaching staff, which is a careful and complementary mix of professional journalists and experienced academics.
• A focus on journalism as a service for the greater societal good.
• A truly international learning experience with classrooms often containing students from more than half a dozen countries.

Career Prospects:

Graduates of this course work in journalism or a related field (e.g public relations), particularly for the international NGO sector, or continue on in their academic studies, leading toward careers in academia or industry.

Entry Requirements:

Up to 20 places will be offered each year. Preference will be given to applicants with undergraduate degrees in journalism and those with significant work experience in journalism or related field.

Assessment by Interview
Entry to the programme is competitive, and the selection process includes shortlisting of candidates for interview on dates designated by the University. Shortlisted candidates must book their interview date and time through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) website (www.pac.ie/dcu), and interview slots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate other interview dates. However, where circumstances warrant, the application interview may be conducted by telephone.

Dates for Submission of Applications - Programme NOT running for 2012/13

EU Applicants
Applications are invited up to 31st August 2011 for full consideration.

Non-EU Applicants
Applications are invited up to 15th July 2011 for full consideration. (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)

To apply for the full-time programme use the PAC code DC672.

To apply for the part-time programme use the PAC code DC673.

Queries on completed applications should be emailed to

registry.pac@dcu.ie

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)