Prospective Students

M.Sc. in Multimedia (PAC Code DC605)

Fact File

Duration: 1 year full-time
Contact: Dr Tom Lawrence
Fee informationClick Here
Indicative Timetable(Weeks 1-12)

Degree Information:

N.D.P./E.U. Structural Funds LogosFocuses on the authoring, design and publishing of digital content products and services. This programme addresses the applications and implications of new multimedia technologies for the authoring, production and distribution of information content products and services.

Aims and Objectives:

The MSc in Multimedia is focused on the authoring and design of digital media ('multimedia') texts, products or objects. The Programme addresses how new digital tools and networks are becoming increasingly pervasive in the production and distribution of all kinds of media genres and information formats, both in the media industries and other sectors, as well as in everyday social and cultural life.

Programme Structure:

The programme is delivered on a full-time basis over a single academic year. Students are required to take six core modules in the first semester and five modules in the second semester.

Students will undertake a project/dissertation in teams of 4 or 5 during the summer months.

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

The content of the taught applications modules in semesters one and two has been structured in a co-ordinated manner to provide students with a grounding in the overall range of multimedia technologies and applications.

In addition, it seeks to permit every student to extend and further develop his/her specialist competencies in particular media domains in line with their individual interests and orientations (e.g. in the choice of specialist role for team-based project work). This approach also reflects the kinds of specialist roles/functions in team-based projects in the industry.

The programme places a strong emphasis on inputs from industry-based multimedia content professionals. Some modules involve classes and case study presentations by industrial practitioners, based in specialist multimedia houses, ICT software and services firms as well as in more established electronic publishing and broadcasting industries. The programme's approach to student centered learning is reflected in the emphasis on team-based projects and assessment providing considerable scope for individual choice in terms of the selection of input to such projects. It is also reflected in the scope given to students to specialise in particular content and applications fields in the second half of the year and especially the weighting of credits allocated to the end-of-year project.

Career Prospects:

A DCU Multimedia qualification is recognised worldwide and is increasingly sought after in Ireland. There is an enormous diversity of positions within the industry. Former graduates are currently employed as web designers, graphic designers, content writers, project managers, sound designers and lecturers as well as other roles. The nature of the businesses for which they are working ranges from corporate productions to e-learning companies, from Universities to the museum and heritage sectors. Students have been recruited by companies such as Martello Media, TDP and EMG in Dublin and a variety of multimedia establishments abroad. Students have also formed successful Irish based production companies including Sock Media, NakedTiger and Evoke3.

See what past graduates did

Entry Requirements:

Students will be expected to have a second class, or better, honours degree. Candidates are drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds including humanities, social sciences, business, computer applications, engineering etc. and from the creative arts and industry. A familiarity with digital software tools is expected.


Assessment by Interview
Candidates should note that an interview is part of the selection process for this programme. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be available for interview. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be able to book their interview 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. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be available for interview on 19th or 27th May 2010.

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 2010

EU Applicants
Applications are invited up to 30th April 2010. Complete applications received by that date will be decided on by 31st May 2010. Applications received or completed after 30th April will be considered if further places remain on the programme. They will be decided on in the order they are received until all places are taken, or up to 31st August, whichever is earlier. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview.


Non-EU Applicants
Applications are invited up to 30th April 2010. Complete applications received by that date will be decided on by 31st May 2010. Applications received or completed after 30th April will be considered if further places remain on the programme. They will be decided on in the order they are received until all places are taken, or up to 31st August, whichever is earlier. Applicants may be asked to attend for interview.


Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)
To apply for this programme use the PAC code DC605.

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

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 1-12)