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DC614

MA in Social Media Communications

Course Details

Course Code:
DC614
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Part-Time
Duration
(FT - 1 Year), (PT - 2 years)
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 8595

This MA programme examines the complex impact of social media and the internet in areas as diverse as business, politics and culture. Such knowledge is vital as digital media have become central to communication and information ecosystems, as well as our everyday existence.

Overview

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Digital media and networked technologies have transformed the ways we share and distribute information, understand the past, participate in politics and interact with each other. The MA in Social Media Communications examines the complex impact of social media and the internet on multiple aspects of social and political life. These questions are vital as digital media have become more central to communication and information ecosystems, as well as our everyday existence.

The digital world has changed the terms of engagement in areas as diverse as business, politics and culture: while it can act as a force for good in democratising participation, cultural production, and sharing, it can also be exploitative, introducing new forms of control and surveillance. 

This programme is designed for individuals seeking a thoughtful and critical understanding of social media, along with the skills to analyse and strategically harness them. The main focus of this course is to help students acquire a social science-based understanding and tools for analysing how social media platforms have developed, the power they wield, and how they operate and are governed in our globally networked society.

The MA in Social Media Communications addresses the way in which social media and connected technologies pervade all aspects of our personal lives, habits and identities, the way in which we relate to and coexist with other people, and the way in which we work and do business. It also reflects on the power hierarchies and tensions that result from the ongoing engagement with these networks by politicians, journalists, platform owners and the public.

The programme combines theory and reflection with practical skills and policy insights. It provides you with a wide skill set of cutting-edge digital tools, policy instruments, and qualitative research methods that enable you to pursue a career in digital social research, digital policy-making and governance, or a variety of digital media industries.

DCU People

Profile picture of Dr. Tanya (Tetyana) Lokot
Dr. Tanya Lokot
Staff

I am Associate Professor in Digital Media and Society at the School of Communications and Programme Chair of the MA in Social Media Communications, Dublin City University.


Read more about Dr. Tanya Lokot
Profile picture of Benjamin Foley
Benjamin Foley
Alumni

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 environm


Read more about Benjamin Foley
HSS - Fox - Alumni
Erin Fox
Alumni

From a young age, Erin, from Co. Sligo, wanted to be a journalist. She was diagnosed with hearing loss at the age of nine and used hearing aids, but Erin didn’t see this as an obstacle.


Read more about Erin Fox

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

Graduates of this program can be confident of job opportunities and employment in various media-related sectors or communication roles in other industries. They can also expand their career prospects in their current field. This programme is valuable for individuals wanting to update their skills, specialise in the field of communication, or transition into more socially and communicatively focused roles.

Additionally, the MA in Social Media Communications provides an excellent route for further academic progression and a research-focused career.

Social Media Specialist
Digital Campaign Strategist
Engagement Coordinator
Social Media Analyst
Researcher in Digital Media and Communications
Online Community Manager
Digital Policy Officer
Digital Content Specialist

"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 Social Media Communications 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.

Programme Structure

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Programme Aims

  1. To introduce students to theories, critical concepts and methods relating to digital media research.
  2. To investigate and relate institutional, technical and social factors shaping social media practices.
  3. To critically examine social media practices by a variety of actors, including politicians, businesses, journalists and the general public.
  4. To analyse the impact of social media in politics, socio-cultural and economic life.
  5. To enable students to develop effective social media research and communication strategies.

 

Full-Time Programme Structure 2024-2025 (one year, indicative)

 

Part-Time Programme Structure 2024-2025 (years one and two, indicative)

The DCU School of Communications has been the primary institution offering media and communications courses in Ireland for nearly 30 years. We are at the forefront of developing education in areas such as communications, journalism and multimedia. Our expertise comes from extensive research and partnerships with other universities and global networks.

Furthermore, the School has strong connections with media organisations in Ireland, which helps ensure that our programs stay current and aligned with industry needs.

Fees and Funding

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Fees

EU Status Fee
€7,900
Non EU Fee.
€17,000
EU Status Fee Part-time
€4,300 Per Annum
Non EU Fee Part time
€8,300 Per Annum

How To Apply

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To apply for this programme:

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.

• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

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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