The MA Global Media and Communication is a one-year, full-time programme that blends critical study of global media systems with practical skills in communication, analysis, and production. Students take core modules on media theory, democracy, digital communication, and research methods, alongside specialist electives in areas such as climate, science communication, and marketing. The programme culminates in a major research dissertation. 

Core modules include: 

• Global Media and Society - critical perspectives on media systems, democracy, disinformation, and globalization.
• Media Research Methods - introduces students to qualitative and quantitative approaches in communication research.
• Strategic Communication - a comprehensive exploration of strategic communication and public relations, integrating both theoretical foundations and practical applications. 
• Media Law and Ethics - examines freedom of expression, regulation, defamation, privacy, and media ethics in global contexts.
• Social Media and Digital Production - hands-on training in creating and managing content for digital platforms, combining technical skills with strategic communication practice.
• Final Dissertation - an extended research project allowing students to explore a theme in depth under staff supervision. 

Elective modules: 

• Communicating Climate Action and Science - strategies for communicating complex environmental and scientific issues.
• Data Analysis and Visualisation - practical training in analysing data and presenting insights for media and communication.
• Social and Digital Marketing - practical and theoretical training in digital campaigns, audience engagement, and brand communication.
• Other options - students may also select approved electives from across the University, including Human Rights Law, Development Practice, and related fields, allowing for interdisciplinary study. 

Curriculum Information

• Global perspective - explore media and communication systems across Europe, the Global South, and international institutions.
• Critical focus - modules on democracy, disinformation, platform governance, and media power place contemporary challenges at the heart of the programme.
• Core digital training - develop practical skills in social media and digital production, alongside critical understanding of digital culture and platforms.
• Specialist electives - choose from modules in climate communication, social and digital marketing, data analysis, and digital media and society to shape your degree.
• Cross-disciplinary learning - access electives in Human Rights Law, Development Practice, and related fields, building an interdisciplinary perspective on global media.
• Research-led teaching - benefit from staff expertise in areas such as climate mis/disinformation, global media governance, and political communication, with insights from international research networks.

Graduates of the MA Global Media and Communication are highly sought after in Ireland and internationally across a wide range of sectors. The programme equips students with the skills, knowledge, and critical perspective to work in media, policy, NGOs, international organisations, and cultural industries. 

Alumni pursue careers in: 

• International organisations and NGOs, focusing on communications, advocacy, and development.
• Policy and research roles in European institutions, think tanks, and global governance bodies.
• Media and cultural industries, including digital content creation, social media strategy, and audience research.
• Journalism and news production, particularly in global, digital-first, and cross-border reporting contexts.
• Corporate communications, public affairs, and consultancy in international business and technology sectors. 

Typical early career roles include: 

• Communications officer
• Policy analyst
• Digital content creator
• NGO campaigner
• Social media strategist
• Researcher
• International news correspondent assistant
• Public affairs associate 

With experience, graduates often progress into senior roles such as communications director, policy adviser, media manager, NGO programme lead, or academic researcher. 

Employers value the advanced writing, multimedia production, data analysis, and critical thinking skills developed on the programme, as well as graduates’ ability to work across cultures and adapt to evolving digital environments. 

The programme also provides a strong foundation for further academic research, and many graduates progress to doctoral study or teaching roles in Ireland and abroad. 

International Field Trip 

As part of the MA Global Media and Communication, students have the opportunity to take part in an optional international field trip to Brussels, the political and media capital of the European Union. The visit bridges theory and practice, offering first-hand exposure to how European institutions, NGOs, and international media operate. 

During the trip, students visit the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU. They also engage directly with working journalists and communications professionals, gaining insights from international organisations, NGOs, and leading media outlets such as Politico and other global news hubs based in Brussels. 

Depending on the year, the trip has also included visits to London, Strasbourg, and Frankfurt, where students meet with policymakers, NGOs, and financial journalists at the European Central Bank. These experiences give students unique access to international communication environments and deepen their understanding of how decisions in Brussels and beyond shape global media, politics, and society. 

The trip typically lasts several days and includes an additional cost to cover flights and accommodation, which is kept as affordable as possible.

Work placement is an optional but highly recommended part of the MA Global Media and Communication, giving students valuable professional experience in communication, media, and policy environments. Most students undertake a placement, normally lasting four to six weeks, in semester three during the summer. 

Placements are arranged with a wide range of partners, including NGOs, international organisations, policy institutes, communications agencies, cultural organisations, and media outlets. Students have previously worked with NGOs in advocacy and campaigns, EU-focused policy and communication offices, digital media and marketing firms, and international newsrooms. 

Placements can be based in Galway, Dublin, Brussels, or other international hubs. While most placements are unpaid, they provide invaluable exposure, build networks, and often act as a stepping stone into competitive graduate schemes, policy roles, and entry-level positions in global media and communications. 

Students also have flexibility to propose and arrange their own placements, subject to approval, allowing them to pursue opportunities with specialist NGOs, cultural institutions, or international organisations that align with their career ambitions. 

In addition to formal placements, opportunities regularly arise for students to contribute to short-term professional projects. These have included digital campaigns with NGOs, communication projects linked to international conferences, and collaborative multimedia initiatives. These experiences give students a taste of working under real-world conditions and deadlines. 

The placement experience bridges the gap between the classroom and professional practice, and gives graduates a competitive edge in launching their careers. 

• Tom Felle - Associate Professor and Head of Journalism and Media; Programme Director. Specialist in media regulation, information manipulation, and global media.
• Dr Rounwah Bseiso - Lecturer in Global Media. Expertise in international journalism, conflict reporting, and Middle East media.
• Dr Fiona McGarry - Lecturer in Broadcast Journalism. Background in broadcast and multimedia journalism; teaches reporting and newsroom practice.
• Dr John Singleton - Lecturer in media. Research and teaching in global media and media history.
• Dr Noha Atef - Lecturer in global media. Specialist in digital journalism, authoritarianism, and human rights reporting.
• Dr Uinsionn MacDubhghaill – Lecturer in Journalism. Expertise in Irish and minority language media, and newsroom practice.
• Dr Kelly Fincham – Lecturer in Journalism and Media. Specialist in digital journalism, social media, and data. 

The course is also supported by experienced part-time lecturers and guest professionals, including: 

• Carole Coleman – former RTÉ Washington Correspondent and award-winning broadcast journalist.
• Edel Coffey – Part-time Lecturer; journalist, columnist, and award-winning author with extensive experience in print and broadcast media.
• Erika Sassone – Part-time Lecturer; multimedia journalist and producer with expertise in visual storytelling and digital content.
• Deborah Miranda – Part-time Lecturer; multimedia professional with over a decade of experience in film, television, advertising, and digital content production.
• Other practising journalists from national and regional outlets, who contribute specialist workshops and newsroom training. 

How will I learn? 

Learning on the MA Global Media and Communication combines critical academic study with hands-on skills training. Students learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and group projects. Core modules provide theoretical depth on media power, democracy, disinformation, and globalisation, while practice-based modules such as Social Media and Digital Production equip students with applied digital and communication skills. 

The programme emphasises collaborative and independent learning. Group projects build teamwork, creativity, and cross-cultural communication, while the dissertation develops autonomy and critical research capacity. Guest lectures and masterclasses from practitioners in NGOs, media, policy, and cultural organisations expose students to real-world perspectives and emerging debates. 

How will I be assessed? 

Assessment is continuous and varied, reflecting the mix of critical study and applied communication. Students are evaluated through a combination of: 

• Continuous assessment - essays, presentations, digital projects, and communication assignments with regular feedback.
• Project work - applied projects in social media, digital communication, data analysis, or climate/science communication.
• Dissertation/Final Project - an extended research project on a chosen theme, supervised by staff, allowing students to specialise in global media, communication, or policy. 

There are no traditional written examinations. Instead, assessment focuses on producing high-quality communication projects and research outputs, developing the analytical and professional skills required in media, NGOs, policy, and international organisations. 

The teaching team on the MA Global Media and Communication are research-active scholars whose work engages with the most urgent issues shaping global media and society. Staff publish in areas such as disinformation and platform governance, political communication, digital media cultures, media and democracy, and climate and science communication. 

Dr Brenda McNally leads research on climate communication and climate mis- and disinformation, examining how false or misleading claims spread across platforms and how evidence-based reporting and communication can counter them. Associate Professor Tom Felle specialises in information manipulation, platform governance, and media regulation, with a focus on democracy and disinformation. He also advises governments and the European Union on policy responses to media regulation, platform governance, and political advertising. Dr Kelly Fincham works on digital journalism, social media, and data-driven reporting, with an emphasis on how platforms reshape news and communication practices. Dr Rounwah Bseiso focuses on international media in conflict zones. 

Faculty are active members of international research bodies including the World Journalism Education Congress (WJEC), the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), and the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR). Their expertise informs teaching and ensures that students benefit from cutting-edge scholarship as well as global professional practice. 

Students engage with research-led teaching and, through the dissertation, contribute original work to debates about the role of media and communication in democracy, policy, and global society. 

Course queries: 
rounwah.bseiso@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director: 

Rounwah Adly Riyadh Bseiso
Programme Director,
MA Global Media and Communication 
Discipline of Journalism and Media 
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies 
E: rounwah.bseiso@universityofgalway.ie 

Q: What kind of background do I need to apply?
A: We welcome applications from all disciplines. Many students come from Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, but we also accept applicants from Business, Law, Science, and Technology who demonstrate a strong interest in media, communications, or journalism. 

Q: Do I need media or journalism experience before applying?
A: No prior professional experience is required. Some applicants have student media, marketing, or creative project experience, but this is not essential. The programme is designed to provide both practical skills and critical knowledge from the ground up. 

Q: How much does the course cost?
A: Full details of fees are available on the University of Galway website under postgraduate fees. EU and non-EU rates differ, and students should check the latest fee schedules. 

Q: Are there opportunities for work placements?
A: Yes. Students can complete a structured work placement with media, communications, or digital marketing partners. Placements are flexible and can range from two weeks to six weeks. Students may also take part in short-term projects such as election coverage, digital campaigns, or collaborative multimedia work. 

Q: What kinds of careers do graduates go on to?
A: Graduates work in a wide range of fields, including journalism, digital media, social media, public relations, marketing, NGOs, and international organisations. Many move into reporting, producing, or communications roles in Ireland and abroad, while others pursue careers in content strategy, audience engagement, or digital marketing. 

Q: Is there an international study component?
A: Yes. Students take part in an international field trip, usually to Brussels, with visits to EU institutions such as the European Parliament and Commission, as well as international newsrooms and communication organisations. 

Q: How will I be assessed?
A: Assessment is continuous and project-based. Students are evaluated through essays, presentations, digital campaigns, news and feature writing, multimedia projects, and a final dissertation or journalism/communication project. There are no traditional written exams. 

Q: When does the course begin?
A: The MA Global Media and Communication begins in early September each year, with orientation and classes running through two semesters. The final project is submitted the following summer. 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired through a wide range of formal and informal learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), which supports the development of alternative pathways to qualifications and facilitates the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Applicants who do not meet the standard academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate relevant professional or practical experience in journalism, media, or communications, may be considered for entry under the University’s RPL policy. This includes applicants with backgrounds in related areas such as broadcasting, publishing, political communication, NGO work, or digital content creation. 

Students may also apply for exemption from certain modules where equivalent learning or professional training has already been completed. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Programme Director in line with University policy. 

Further details are available on the University of Galway’s Recognition of Prior Learning website, or by contacting the University’s RPL office. 

Graduates of the MA Global Media and Communication will be able to: 

• Research, evaluate, and verify information across global and digital sources, applying professional standards of accuracy, transparency, and integrity.
• Create, edit, and distribute compelling content across multiple platforms, including social media, podcasts, video, and digital-first storytelling.
• Apply critical thinking and media literacy to analyse issues such as disinformation, media power, global communication, and cultural representation.
• Develop advanced digital production skills, including video editing, audio production, data visualisation, and social media analytics.
• Design and implement digital marketing and communication strategies that engage audiences and build brand identity.
• Communicate effectively with diverse and international audiences, adapting style and approach for campaigns, news, or strategic communication.
• Manage projects to professional standards, balancing creativity, deadlines, and client or organisational needs.
• Collaborate effectively in teams and cross-cultural environments, demonstrating leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Reflect on practice and demonstrate ethical judgement, recognising the civic and social responsibilities of media and communication in a global context. 

These transferable skills are highly valued in digital marketing, communications, NGOs, international organisations, cultural industries, and corporate media. 

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in the subject area. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. An overall IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum score of 6.5 in any one component.

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course. 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

Applications for the 2026-27 intake are now closed. 

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Additional costs

There are some minor additional costs associated with the programme. Students are encouraged to have a reliable laptop for coursework and multimedia assignments. You may also wish to purchase a portable field recorder, a pair of good-quality headphones, and other small accessories. Most practical work can be completed on a good smartphone (such as an iPhone), and the School provides access to specialist kits and equipment as required. 

Fieldtrips

There may be minor travel costs attached to optional fieldwork or short-term projects. The School endeavours to cover costs as much as possible and keep contributions from students as low as possible. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.

Application Process

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.