MA in Journalism (Level 9) The MA in Journalism is an innovative, flexible programme built around highly practical skills training and lively, engaging lectures and seminars complemented by unique internship placements at Independent News and Media. Course Details
Course Description
Course start date: September Course duration: 1 year day time 1 year evening time 2 years part time
The MA in Journalism is an intensely practical and professionally focused programme, preparing graduates for careers in all areas of journalism in Ireland or abroad. Using the most up-to-date software and techniques and concentrating on practical skills development, the programme equips students with a range of hands-on abilities, including newsgathering and reporting, investigative journalism, feature writing, layout and design, video production, sub-editing and web production. Students can choose electives in specialist areas including sports, political, business or arts journalism. Students also develop strong analytical skills in areas such as media law, ethics and contemporary issues in journalism and society and choose from electives in Culture and Criticism, Irish & International Politics and Global & Conflict Journalism.
Applications Apply directly to the College. Entry Requirements Applicants must hold an honours primary degree and should be committed to developing their writing and reporting skills to the highest levels. Applicants may be required to submit a portfolio or attend an interview.
“Throughout the course I learned interviewing techniques, research methods, writing styles and structures. My thesis is where it all came together, and made me think like I had never done before. I needed to frame a relevant question and root out an answer, which took weeks of research and definition. I feel the work I put into it is paying dividends now as I have a clarity of purpose as I begin every piece - I’m not sure I had this before I started at Independent College Dublin.” Rory Coen, Graduated MA Journalism November 2010
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Internships The MA in Journalism also offers students the opportunity to undertake unique internship-based learning at Independent News and Media’s high-profile national and regional newspapers including Irish Independent, Sunday Independent, Sunday World, Evening Herald, Drogheda Independent, Wexford People, The Kerryman and The Sligo Champion. Alternatively, students
can intern in other areas including radio, TV and communications. After graduation, internship opportunities are available at Independent News and Media’s international media outlets in India, South Africa, Australia and Indonesia. Course Outline • Journalism in Context • Professional Formation: Ethics • Law for Journalists • Contemporary Issues for Journalists • Feature Writing and Magazine Journalism • Video Production • Editing, Layout and Design • On-Line Journalism: Web Design • News Reporting and Investigative Journalism • Thesis • Internship at Independent News and Media Electives I: (students choose one) • Irish and International Politics • Global and Conflict Journalism • Culture and Criticism Electives II: (students choose one) • Sports Reporting • Political Journalism • Financial and Business Journalism • Comment and Opinion Journalism • Arts Journalism