MA in Journalism header
DC600

MA in Journalism

Course Details

Course Code:
DC600
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Duration:
1 yr
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 6567

DCU's MA in Journalism brings you into the heart of the top-rated journalism and media school in the country, and among the top 200 in the world.

Overview

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Your teachers are experts in their fields and bring their cutting-edge research into the classroom. 

You'll be part of the School of Communications and learn from specialists in political, climate change and data journalism, as well as journalism and gender and journalism history.

You'll also gain hands-on skills in various aspects of journalism, such as reporting news, creating video and audio content, mobile journalism (MoJo) and designing news layouts.

Your classes will happen in modern Mac computer labs, radio studios and a fully equipped TV studio. You'll be taught by seasoned industry professionals. Plus, at the end of the academic year, you'll have a six-week internship with a media company.

After you graduate, you'll become part of our alumni network which includes some of the biggest names in Irish journalism. You'll have the skills and know-how to jump right into a newsroom. But, you'll also be qualified to work in areas such as policymaking, public affairs, content creation, the NGO sector, broadcasting or public relations.

DCU People

Profile picture of Keith Kelly
Keith Kelly
Alumni

This course appealed to me as the top journalism qualification in Ireland which would enhance my ability to work in my dream career and present me with the best possible chance of employm


Read more about Keith Kelly

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

The skills you'll develop in this programme—clear, rapid and accurate writing, along with the ability to process information swiftly—will prepare you for a diverse array of careers, extending beyond journalism. 

Our programme equips you with versatile skills that open doors to a multitude of career paths, reflecting the diverse and evolving landscape of modern communication.

Our graduates have successfully ventured into various fields:

  • Media: Many of our alumni excel in mainstream journalism, both nationally and internationally, across different media platforms.
  • Organisational Representation and Lobbying: Some graduates choose paths involving representing organisations and engaging in lobbying efforts.
  • Communication Roles: Our programme equips graduates for roles in general communication, be it within corporations, NGOs or government agencies.
  • NGO Sector: Some alumni find fulfilling careers in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
  • Corporate Communication: Graduates enter corporate communication, where they manage communication strategies for businesses.
  • Political Communication: Others opt for careers in political communication, working with politicians and government bodies.
  • Advocacy: Many alumni engage in advocacy roles for various commercial, voluntary, and public organisations.
  • Consultancy: Some pursue careers in consultancy, offering specialised communication advice.
  • Academia: For those inclined towards academia, opportunities in research and teaching are available.
  • Public Administration: Careers in public administration are another avenue, contributing to governance and policy development.
  • Information and Public Relations: Graduates also succeed in roles involving information management and public relations.

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path." 

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications. 

Entry Requirements

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For admission to the MA in Journalism programme, successful applicants will have:

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent

• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here

• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language:

https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english-language-requirements-non-native-speakers-english-registry

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above

Programme Structure

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This one-year, full-time programme spans two semesters and includes both taught modules and practical components such as a project or dissertation, along with an internship. The project or dissertation is a substantial journalistic endeavour or a traditional academic dissertation focused on journalism.

Throughout the programme, students receive comprehensive training in online, print, and broadcast journalism. They develop the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within teams. 

Assessments for modules are conducted through various methods, including simulated newsroom exercises, the creation of features and news stories, online activities, production of broadcast packages, seminar presentations, and essays. Some modules may also have traditional examinations and in-class tests.

During the work placement period in July and August, students gain valuable real-world experience and have the chance to apply their skills in a professional setting. This hands-on experience is a crucial aspect of the programme.

This scholarship offers students a competitive opportunity to apply for an INTRA workplace experience at the Washington Bureau of Arizona State University's Cronkite School of Journalism.

This programme offers training and education for people who want to enter journalism and related fields. It covers practical, theoretical, technical, and analytical aspects to prepare you for the evolving digital media landscape and the varied demands of journalism.

Once you finish the programme, you'll have the skills, deep knowledge, and understanding needed to start a successful journalism career. Whether you aim to work in digital media, television, radio, newspapers, or magazines, this programme teaches you both the “how” and the “why” of journalism, and gives you a solid base from which to begin your journey into journalism.

Admission to this program requires a strong aptitude for writing, but is open to dedicated applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, spanning from science and technology to business, economics and the humanities. The admission process is highly competitive.

Here are some key highlights of our programme:

  • Longstanding Legacy: We offer the oldest and most established Master’s in Journalism programme in Ireland.
  • Experienced Instructors: Our lecturers bring a wealth of practical experience in journalism.
  • Balanced Training: You'll receive a comprehensive mix of practical and theoretical training.
  • Media Connections: We have strong working relationships with media organisations, ensuring that our course content is relevant and up-to-date.
  • Commitment to Quality Journalism: We are committed to nurturing the ongoing demand for high-quality professional journalism across all media platforms.
  • Research-active staff: DCU is home to the Centre for Future Journalism and Democracy (FuJo), and the DCU Centre for Climate and Society. Our colleagues are involved in real-world research around disinformation, social media, and climate change. The annual Reuters Digital News Report is also produced by a team of researchers at DCU.
  • International outlook: We have Faculty members from around the world, who bring global perspectives to international newsgathering techniques and the work of foreign correspondents.

Fees and Funding

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Fees

EU Status Fee
€8,900
Non EU Fee.
€17,000
EU Status Fee Part-time
N/A
Non EU Fee Part time
N/A

How To Apply

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All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.

• All Applicants are required to include two written submissions with their application

(i) Personal statement of 500-750 words (maximum) where the applicant outlines their suitability for the programme; highlights relevant recent experiences and involvements in areas specific to the programme.

(ii) Applicants should upload ONE WRITTEN BYLINED JOURNALISM ARTICLE of circa 300 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.

(iii) 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.

(iv) Applications which include more than one sample article will be disqualified.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

 

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

  • Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
  • Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025.

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Application Queries

For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie


For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie

Commencement of Programme

The programme commences in September 2025

 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

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