Course Details

Course Code(s):
MAJDCOTFAD / MAJDCOTPAD
Available:
Part-Time
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
Award:
Masters
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Niamh Kirk
Email: niamh.kirk@ul.ie
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Brief Description

The MA in Journalism (incorporating the MAJ, Sport) provides cutting edge training in multi-media journalism, with graduates equipped to develop and tell stories across broadcast, print and other digital platforms. As well as an enhanced knowledge of law, ethics and a critical awareness of how the media operates, our MAJ, News and MAJ, Sport students get the opportunity to network with key figures in the Irish media industry through regular workshops and talks on campus.

Flexible Delivery Options:  Prospective students can choose a one-year full-time or a two-year part-time programme with a fixed timetable and blend of online and in-class module delivery.

They can exit with a Graduate Diploma (complete taught modules only) or MA (taught modules plus supervised dissertation) qualifications.

Internship: We also guarantee a work placement opportunity for all students in one of our partner media organisations around the country.

Learn more about the MA Journalism from the Course Director, Dr. Niamh Kirk

The global media industry has undergone a period of rapid transformation in recent times, with a parallel growth in public desire for high quality journalism. Being a good journalist in this context requires a nose for a story but also the ability to rapidly manage and produce audio visual, print and social media content.
A Journalism MA degree from UL will fully prepare you for life in a fast-paced digital newsroom. Bespoke MA in Journalism, News and MA in Journalism, Sport pathways ensure graduates have the basic skillsets required to do journalism, as well as specialised knowledge in their chosen field.

Our experienced team of professional journalists and research active academics lead a suite of modules focusing on key knowledge areas such as:
  • News writing and reporting
  • Investigative journalism
  • Video and radio journalism
  • Sports and feature writing
  • Public relations and communications
  • Entrepreneurial journalism
  • ‘New’ media’ innovations including data journalism, MOJO, podcasting,
    web publishing and digital verification
  • Media law and ethics
  • Critical media literacy/ analysis plus research methods
MAJ students here in UL can expect to
  • Learn by doing: Our innovative and cutting edge TV and radio newsdays and newspaper production projects facilitate the creation of multi-platform content as part of module assessments, experiencing what it feels like working to real deadlines on real stories, while building a portfolio of work
  • Critically engage: We help you to develop a critical awareness of the societal role of journalism and the broader institutional, organizational and political economic challenges facing the media
  • Enhance employability: Our practical, innovative approach to teaching and assessments, as well as superb networking opportunities through our adjunct professors and visiting lecturers, help ensure you are ‘job-ready’ after graduation.

MA in Journalism and Graduate Diploma in Journalism:

MA in Journalism full and part time (News and sports pathways) must satisfactorily complete all taught modules on the course before undertaking a supervised dissertation project, which includes Journalism work or Academic research options which is completed in the summer semester of year 1 (for full time) or year 2 (part time).

Those who wish to exit with a graduate diploma option can exit following completion of the taught modules only.

MA in Journalism, News pathway

Autumn semester (Year 1)Spring semester (Year 1)Summer semester (Year 1)
  • Journalistic Writing for News
  • Critical Issues and Ethics
  • Introduction to radio journalism
  • Media Law
  • Advanced Journalistic Writing
  • Media Professionalisation
  • Researching Media
  • Broadcasting and Multimedia Journalism
Supervised dissertation project

MA in Journalism, Sport pathway

As well as a grounding in key sports journalism skills, students taking the MAJ, Sport pathway will be trained in sports communication management and will learn about the relationship between sport, the media and society, and how the industry’s professional and social dimension has evolved, including its legal and economic aspects. This course, the first of its kind in Ireland, has been designed and implemented with input from key figures in the sports media industry. Thus, students will receive practical instruction from leaders in the field, along with the networking and placement opportunities that are vital for a career in a fast-evolving industry. 

Autumn semester (Year 1)Spring semester (Year 1)Summer semester (Year 1)
  • Journalistic Writing for News (Sport)
  • Sports communications
  • Introduction to radio journalism  (sport)
  • Media Law
  • Advanced Sports Writing
  • Media, sport and society
  • Researching Media
  • Broadcasting and Multimedia Journalism (Sport)
Supervised dissertation project

 

Applicants for the MA should normally possess a primary degree in any discipline with at least Second Class Honours Grade 2 (Primary degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland). Applicants should have a high standard of written English. No previous experience in journalism is necessary. However, applicants who have had articles published, or experience in broadcasting should include this in the application. 

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
  •  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

 

EU -  Full Time €7,600 - Part Time €4,300 per annum *

Non EU - Full Time €18,000 - Part Time €10,100 per annum* 

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

 

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

Learn more about MA Journalism alumni here and below.

 

Sloane Perron, MA Journalism “To say that I enjoyed the Master’s in Journalism programme at UL would be an understatement since it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. As someone who had career experience in print media and reporting, I was looking for a programme that would immerse me more into the world of television, radio, social media, and online journalism, and the Master’s programme went above my expectations. The programme balanced journalism theory with real-world projects such as taking vox pops on the streets of Limerick, creating a video documentary and even reenacting a television news programme complete with tv studio, reporters, and an intense deadline. The programme is busy and challenging but I found that only made the experience more reflective of a real-world and fast-paced journalism atmosphere. Personally, my favorite aspect of the programme was working as a cohort. The focus on team work and support was unlike any other programme I have ever experienced, and I felt like I learned just as much from my peers as I did from the faculty. The Masters Journalism Programme at UL was a truly rewarding experience for me.
Upon graduating from the University of Limerick with a Master’s of Journalism, I came back home to the United States where I quickly found work as a Staff Writer for Turley Publications. Today, I am the Editor of Pulse Magazine in Worcester, Massachusetts and I am eager to see where my career takes me next. By balancing theory with real-world practice, I believe that the software and skills I learned from my programme made me much more competitive in the job market. Attending a well-known international university and getting published abroad helped make my journalism work more attractive to U.S. employers”

Maria Flannery, Graduate MA Journalism "I'm currently working as a multimedia journalist at RTÉ News, mainly focused on the digital and social side of our output. Before that, I spent two years working in a more traditional reporting role for the Limerick Leader. Working in the RTÉ newsroom gives me great scope to work across different platforms and use a variety of skills I learned throughout my college experience. During the MA in Journalism at UL, we worked with RTÉ on mobile journalism for the 2016 election, and this focus on practical skills played a huge role in setting me up to be a versatile journalist equally at home in the pages of a newspaper as Instagram or YouTube. Journalists nowadays are expected to be able to work across a variety of new platforms while staying true to the principles of good journalism, and the well-rounded MAJ at UL gave me the basis and the tools to explore both old and new areas of the profession before entering the workforce."

Andrew Phayer, Digital Content Producer, Munster Rugby, "My role with Munster rugby is to create content for Munster's websites, social media channels, and produce live content for the big screens at Thomond Park on match day. The Sports Journalism programme in UL provided me with the tools to become a more effective storyteller. Sports Journalism is a fast moving industry and this course ensures that graduates are ready to hit the ground running with practical real world assignments and access to high profile athletes"

 

Still Curious?

The team from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences host subject webinars and 1:1 calls to support future students on their journey to Stay Curious. If you would like to learn more, or ask questions at an online information session, click below.

Online Information Sessions