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Global Media and Communication (MA)

MA (Global Media and Communication)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
Find Out More

Course Overview

Introduction

This programme aims to prepare you to work as a professional in the international media and communications industries. The programme will give you a critical understanding of the complex global media ecosystem of the 21st century and will prepare you to work as a communications professional with production skills to work across multiple platforms. Through a flexible syllabus that you can curate by choosing from a range of optional modules in specialist areas, you will also have an opportunity to develop an expert niche in subject areas where communications is a key factor, including: social and digital media marketing; and climate, sustainability and humanitarian communication; among others. You will also complete a capstone final project and may undertake an optional internship during the third semester.

Applications and Selections

Application is online via the online application system. To apply, you should complete the application form and submit, together with the following documents: 

An up-to-date CV
A 500-word personal statement outlining your interest in –– and suitability for –– the programme as outlined above. You should also indicate work sectors you are most interested in applying your communications skills in, in the future. You may also submit this as a video entry.
Your university transcript. If you are in final year you can submit your transcript to date.
A copy of the picture page of your passport as proof of ID (the original will be checked on registering).
In cases where English is not your first language you will need to provide an IELTS test that scores a minimum grade of 7.0. 
All shortlisted applications will be required to attend an interview (on Zoom) as the final part of the selection process.

Who Teaches this Course

Programme Director: TBC

Fiona McGarry

Dr Mei-Ling McNamara

Tom Felle

Dr Noha Atef

Dr Kelly Fincham

Dr Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill

Dr Rounwah Bseiso

Dr Don Duncan

Dr Brenda McNally

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment on the programme is 100% course work. This includes a variety of assessment methods such production of media outputs, individual and team-based projects, term papers, and presentations.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

To be accepted on this course, you must have obtained a minimum II.1 (Second Class Honours degree, first division) in an undergraduate degree of any kind, or be in your final year of study and expecting to graduate Summer 2025 (your degree grade will be required before you can formally matriculate onto the MA).

All shortlisted applications will be required to attend an interview (on Zoom) as the final part of the selection process. The quality of the required writing sample and/or video will form part of the selection process.

We welcome applications both from people with and without prior experience in media communications and we welcome applications from all academic backgrounds. 

The programme benefits significantly from the diversity of perspectives brought by international students. The English language requirement for non-native English speakers on this programme is: IELTS of 7.0 overall, with not less than 6.5 in any component.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

Approximately 25

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Applications will be considered in two rounds.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

MA-GMC

Course Outline

You can curate your own syllabus by combining core modules with choices from a range of optional modules in subject areas, which will help bring subject expertise to their media and communications practice. The programme spans three semesters and includes academic learning, practice-focused learning, and independent learning.

Each semester is weighted equally, at 30 credits. Semester One and Two consist of taught modules while, in the third semester, students undertake independent study in the form of a final practice-based project under academic under supervision (or an academic dissertation). For those seeking to continue to PhD level research the dissertation route is recommended.

The syllabus enables you to build core communication capacities such as writing, social media production and storytelling across multiple platforms, and strategic communications. It also provides students with a solid grounding in theoretical approaches to media and communication. This will allow students to develop their critical thinking capacities and acquire advanced knowledge about norms and practices in global media, including how to challenge these. The suite of modules available offers students an opportunity to engage with real-world challenges and opportunities through a range of visiting speakers and innovative project-based assessment. Students are also given the opportunity to apply and synthesise the skills and knowledge developed over the programme within the Final Project (or Dissertation), developed and produced in their final semester. 

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Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

This programme prepares you for a wide range of careers. The valuable media and communication skills, social media and production skills, research and critical thinking that the MA Global Media and Communication programme offers you are highly transferrable and sought after by employers in sectors including: media and creative industries; advocacy, civil society, and political organisations; strategic communications; social media and digital content production; digital production; publishing; broadcasting; public relations; journalism and communications.

Through the choice of option modules, you can curate a specific focus or specialty to your learning thereby further developing your capacities and enhancing your employability. The programme also offers clear opportunities to pursue further study and research at PhD level.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€10,640 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€10,500 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€20,500 p.a. (€20,640 including levy) 2025/26

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). 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.

Find out More

For further information, please contact:

journalism@universityofgalway.ie

What Our Graduates Say

Ciara Varley | Global Media and Communication (MA), 2023 Graduate

The MA in Global Media and Communication was the stepping stone to my current career in science communication. The programme was the perfect blend of theory and practice, allowing me to gain an understanding of media theory and ethics, while also gaining hands-on skills in audio and video production, writing, data journalism, social media management, web design and more. A standout of the course was the internship period, which allowed me to source and pursue an internship alongside my studies. Overall, the course has positioned me to access a range of jobs in science and climate communication post gradation. I feel uniquely positioned in the job market and have found no shortage of opportunities post-graduation. I use the skills I gained in the course every day in my current job as a communications officer for a research lab and continue to access professional opportunities as a result of the course. If you are interested in working as a communications and media professional, I cannot recommend the course highly enough.

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