Course Summary
The programme provides training and education for those interested in the journalism profession and its related fields. It balances practical, theoretical, technical and analytical elements to address the changing media environment and the new and increasingly diverse demands being made on entrants to journalism. Upon completion, graduates will have the skills, in-depth knowledge and understanding to begin to pursue a successful journalism career, whether in newspapers, magazines, online or in television or radio.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MA in Journalism programme, successful applicants will have -
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
• Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025
• Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions
or email [email protected]
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate
or email [email protected]
To apply for this programme:
• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
• All Applicants are required to include two written submissions with their application
(i) Personal statement of 500-750 words (maximum) where the applicant outlines their suitability for the programme; highlights relevant recent experiences and involvements in areas specific to the programme.
(ii) Applicants should upload ONE WRITTEN BYLINED JOURNALISM ARTICLE of circa 300 words of their own composition, on a subject and in a genre of their choice, written for a specific publication. The article may be published or unpublished.
(iii) If the article has been published, state when and in which publication. Otherwise, indicate the outlet for which you think your submission would be best suited.
(iv) Applications which include more than one sample article will be disqualified.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
EU Status Fee €8,800
Non EU Fee €16,500
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
Your ability to write clearly, quickly and accurately, and to process information speedily will equip you for a wide range of careers, not just those in journalism. Graduates work in a wide range of areas, including mainstream journalism across all media, nationally and internationally, and in organisational representation and lobbying and general communication roles. While many of our graduates find jobs in journalism, others pursue careers in related sectors such as NGO, corporate and political communication, advocacy for commercial, voluntary and public organisations, consultancy, academia, public administration, research, information and public relations.
Potential Careers:
• News Reporter (print, online, broadcast)
• Journalist
• Sub-editor
• Feature Writer
• Sports Reporter
• Columnist
• Producer
• Researcher
• Lobbyist
• Editor
• Advocate
• Public Communication Specialist
• Media Entrepreneur
• Advertising copywriter
• Broadcaster
• Journalist
• Picture researcher/editor
• Presenter, radio and television
• Press officer
• Public relations officer
• Publishing copy-editor/proofreader
• Writer, radio/TV/film
• Podcaster
• Videographer