Benjamin Foley
With a professional background in social media management, I chose the MA in Social Media Communications to gain both practical skills and a deeper knowledge of the digital environment. I also wanted to gain the skills to undertake research, read and write academically and build on my theoretical knowledge of communications studies as a field.
I had a lot of flexibility regarding assignments and coursework in this programme - it meant I was able to learn a lot and tailor this experience to my career goals and professional interests. The diversity of the course content allowed me to develop my critical thinking skills, research effectively, and write with confidence.
For me, the highlight of the programme was the opportunity to conduct a research project for my dissertation. My dissertation examined the relationship between the transgender community and online transphobia, providing invaluable insight into an under-studied and under-privileged demographic. On a personal level, it was extremely rewarding to research my own community and contribute to our own representation in academia.
This programme has allowed me to foster and pursue a career in internet research. Shortly after completing this programme, I earned a scholarship to undertake a PhD at the School of Communications in DCU, where I am now in my first year of researching digital sexual literacy for LGBTQ+ youth. I've also gained the opportunity to tutor and lecture at university level, focusing on digital media, ethics, and LGBTQ+ studies.