CAO Code GC 465
Points level 2008 AQA (All qualified applicants)
Framework Level HETAC Level 7

Course Duration
Full-Time 3 years
Part-Time N/A
 

About the Course
This three year full-time degree programme concentrates on expanding the student’s knowledge and skills in the thriving world of journalism. Mediabased training, both practical and academic, is central to the programme as we prepare students for a career in media. Students learn to work in real journalistic situations - in print and broadcasting – over the course of the six semesters. NUJ recognition of the programme entitles students to a student NUJ Card for each year of the programme. Students learn a range of media production and academic skills, which allows integration of investigative and practical skills. Print and broadcast media production is catered for, alongside learning about the society that students write about or comment upon.

Year 1
In first year, students acquire theoretical understanding and introductory journalism production skills. Students learn about the history of media, about how society has adapted to increasingly sophisticated systems of media communication. Students gain an introductory understanding of the social structure, knowledge that forms the basis of work within media later in the programme and in media careers. In addition students learn how to present a message and how to present themselves in public within systems of media communication. Students begin to develop their capacity to write professionally, acquiring knowledge of the structure of good writing practice. Students acquire introductory skills in radio, print and photography. Students embark on learning increasingly sophisticated print journalism skills, building each year on underpinning knowledge gained in previous stages of the programme. Broadcast Journalism students work in the radio station.

Year 2
In second year, all students gain essential background knowledge relating to the legal and ethical environment of media production, and on how social, economic and political issues affect Irish society. Students continue to develop writing skills, which are utilised in Print Journalism II. Here students begin to make specialist subject choices, which they will also make in Year 3 of the programme.

Year 3
In third year, Media Research and Cultural Studies allows students to develop skills in research for the media and its audiences. In Media Studies students learn how different systems of media communication effect on audiences in different ways. In Business Journalism, students learn about the role of the specialist reporter in this increasingly important area of journalism. Students continue to choose two elective subjects which allows a degree of specialisation.

Progression
Further study is an option for students who successfully complete this course; the logical progression is to take the final year of the BA (Hons) in Journalism and Visual Media.

Careers
By exploring the diversity of the journalistic and communications environment, your career opportunities are far-reaching. The significant growth in the area of media based communications now presents improved employment prospects in what was previously considered a ‘closed shop’. As such, graduates can pursue a career in newspapers, periodicals, journals or magazines, or as part of a company as its Press/Information Officer. The proliferation of local and national radio in Ireland, as well as the growth in television, means that there are also openings in this area, particularly within radio and television presenting, producing or researching.

BA in Journalism Course Content
Year 1

• Social Studies
• Print Journalism I (Project I)
• History of the Media
• Photography
• Writing and Public Presentation Skills
• English Literature I
• Productivity Software
• Introduction to Radio
   

Year 2

• Contemporary Politics
• Elective choice I
• Elective choice II
• Shorthand
• Media Law and Ethics
• Freelance and Feature Writing I
• English Literature II
• Print Journalism II (Project II)
   

Year 2 Elective Subjects

• Layout and Design
• Newspaper Production
• Broadcast Journalism (Radio)
• Sports Journalism
• Photo Journalism
   

Year 3

• Media Research and Cultural Studies
• Elective Choice III
• Media Studies
• Reporting and Newsday (Project III)
• Business Journalism
• Freelance and Feature Writing II
• Elective Choice IV
• Marketing Media

Year 3 Elective Subjects

• Investigative Journalism
• Advanced Photography
• Video Production I
• Film Studies
• Creative Writing
• Online Journalism
  *Elective choice may be affected by level of demand, student profile and timetables.