Media Studies

By Aedín Dunne - Last update


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Media Studies is an important area in today’s world of fake news, online platforms and more. Are you inquisitive? Do you have an interest in media and want to delve into the media world? If so, take a look at this course. It could be the right match for you!

What are Media Studies?

Media Studies engages critically and practically with the nature of media in an ever changing world of social media, fake news, Youtube and more. 

What third level courses are available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas: 

  • Media Studies – Maynooth University, DCU

Related:

  • Journalism and Digital Communication
  • Creative Digital Media
  • Film and Creative Media
  • Journalism
  • Marketing with Digital Media
  • Communications and Media Production

Studying Media Studies in college

Media Studies focuses on the important skills needed while working in the media in a world where fake news, selfies, digital marketing and the internet has taken over. It is a course offered by DCU and Maynooth University. The following information is based on the course offered by DCU. This is a three year, Level 8 course. 

In your first year you will cover the basic principles of media while gaining a strong foundation in the area to help you continue and develop your knowledge throughout your course. You will gain an insight into the world of media and what is to come throughout your course in the coming years. 

Examples of core modules you will study ih your first year include Analysing Visual Media Texts, History and Structure of Media, Introduction to Communication Studies and Cultural Studies as well as choosing from the list of optional modules which range from Spanish Language and German Language to Introduction to Politics and Introduction to Fiction among many more. 

In your second year you will expand and develop your skills and knowledge in the area while also covering core modules such as Social Class and the Media, Crime Policing and the Media, Media Audiences, Media and Power, Film, History and Theory and Theorising Social Media in Everyday Life. You will also continue with your optional modules. 

Your third and final year of your course will see you study your core modules including Media Law, Television Drama, Communication, Culture and Environment, Press and Public Relations, Race and the Media and Science, Technology and Society while continuing your optional modules also. 

Different Media Studies courses may differ from university to university in their exact content and layout. There are also PLC courses available in the area to give you an idea of what it is like.

Career Options

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 and more. 

There is also the opportunity to continue your study at postgraduate level and specialise in a particular area of their interest as well as opportunities in education and research. 

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 Media Studies in DCU as part of a joint honours were 376 points last year. To study Media Studies in Maynooth you would have needed 316 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 father of journalism is said to be Joseph Pulitzer
  • Travel journalism is a highly demanded area of journalism
  • Fake news has become a big issue in media by informing people of incorrect information and facts surrounding certain events and topics

Resources

Student Grant Scheme 

Course information 

Media Careers


Aedín Dunne

Journalism and Digital Communication
Film and Creative Media


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