Are you interested in conversations about events that are happening locally, nationally or globally? Are you a curious person? Do you want to be part of coverage and reporting of news, events or sports? If you have strong writing skills or want to develop such skills in writing, broadcasting and more, this could be the course for you.
What is Journalism and Digital Communication?
Journalism and Digital Communication combines all the principles of journalism from writing, reporting, presenting and more with developing your skills in digital communications and media.
What third level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Journalism and Digital Communication – UL
Related:
- Marketing with Digital Media
- Communications and Media Production
- Creative Digital Media
- Film and Creative Media
- Media Studies
Studying Journalism and Digital Communication in college
Journalism and Digital Communication is available in the University of Limerick (UL) and it is a Level 8 course. The course is four years in length and will give students the opportunity to engage with and deliver stories across all digital and social media platforms. There are similar courses available across Ireland as well as PLC courses that will help you to decide if this is the area for you.
In your first year of your undergraduate course you will get the opportunity to build a strong foundation in the areas of journalism and digital communications and become familiar with the basic principles of both subjects. You will also develop your skills and knowledge in the area and gain an insight into what is to come throughout your degree in the coming years.
Examples of modules you will study in your first year include Introduction to Journalism and Writing for News, Introduction to Digital Media, Gov & Politics of Ireland, Sub-editing and Design 1, Radio Journalism, Writing for New Media as well as choosing your elective modules. Examples of electives available include picking two modules from Economics, Sociology, Law, Politics, English Literature, History or a language.
Your second year will introduce you to new areas of journalism and broadcasting. Modules you will cover this year include TV and Digital Broadcasting, Interviewing & Reporting, Media Law, Sociology of Media, Analysing Media Discourse, Social Media and Society and Journalism and writing 2: breaking news and features. You will also drop one of your elective modules from first year and concentrate on just one while also choosing between Magazine Journalism or Sports Journalism modules.
Third year is an exciting year as it gives you the opportunity to apply all your skills practically by doing work placement and learning about the working world of journalism and what it is like to work in the field. You will also have the opportunity to do an external academic placement on the Erasmus programme and study abroad.
Your fourth year will see you back in the University of Limerick and focusing on your core modules such as Investigative Journalism, New Media, Language and Globalization, Media Challenges in the Digital Age and Broadcast Week as well as focusing on your Final Year Project and your group project creating The Limerick Voice.
Other journalism courses may differ in their layout and course content. The above information is specifically Journalism and Digital Communications offered by UL.
Career Options
There are quite a number of career opportunities in journalism and digital communications though it is a competitive field. There are opportunities to work in print media, broadcast media, online media, multimedia writing, television, radio and many more. Many with journalism degrees also work in areas from marketing to PR.
There is also the opportunity to continue your study at postgraduate level and specialise in a particular area of their interest such as sports journalism or digital marketing, for example.
Skills and qualities important in this area include excellent communication skills, confidence, a positive attitude, a ‘get up and go’ attitude, time management skills, organisation skills, the ability to work well with others, strong writing skills and the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. You must also have the ability to be flexible with your time and adapt to change.
Related Jobs
- Journalist
- Writer
- Sports broadcaster
- News broadcaster
- Radio
- Television
- PR and Marketing
FAQ
Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always safest to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule. Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Specific courses may have their own requirements.Certain QQI courses may be accepted.
The points needed to study Journalism and Digital Communications in UL was 402 points last year.
Where can I study?
For other courses in the area you would like to explore, you can do so here.
Did you know?
- The most watched live event on average on television is The FIFA World cup which attracted 3.2 billion viewers between 2010-2014
- Travel journalism is a highly demanded area of journalism
- The father of journalism is said to be Joseph Pulitzer
Resources
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