Journalism (MA)

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (90 Credits)

RequiredDJ6127: Global Media and Society

DJ6127: Global Media and Society

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module will introduce you to contemporary issues that shape the Irish and international media landscape, such as ownership, the UK press post Leveson, the Irish Press Council and media regulation generally. The ethics portion of this module will act as a roadmap to guide you through the cross-section of ethical and professional issues that impact on journalists in contemporary media.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding of global issues of concern to the media including the role of the media in democracy, and pressures on that function including ownership, press-power relationships and moral decay
2. Acquire knowledge of legal and regulatory issues in media such as media law and defamation, freedom of information, copyright and court practices.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of ethical principles in media and develop a personal ethical 'compass'
4. Show an awareness of the recent history of media ethical debates including partisanship in political coverage, the Leveson inquiry in the UK and misogyny and gender issues.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Media Ethics" by Clifford G. Christians,Mark Fackler,Kathy Brittain Richardson,Robert H. Woods,Peggy Kreshel
   ISBN: 9780205897742.
2. "Manufacturing Consent" by Edward S. Herman,Noam Chomsky
   ISBN: 9780099533115.
   Publisher: Random House
3. "Media Law in Ireland" by Eoin Carolan,Ailbhe O'Neill
   ISBN: 9781784518004.
   Publisher: Bloomsbury Professional
4. "Media Performance" by Denis McQuail
   ISBN: 9780803982956.
   Publisher: SAGE Publications Limited
5. "Media Ethics" by Patrick Lee Plaisance
   ISBN: 9781412956857.
   Publisher: SAGE

RequiredDJ6130: Employability and Career Skills

DJ6130: Employability and Career Skills

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 0

This module will equip students with the professional knowledge and skills needed to transition into the fast-changing media industry, and develop their social capital. Students will develop the knowledge and understanding necessary to start their careers and gain employment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Showcase employability skills by having successfully completed a workplace internship or shadowing programme and having cultivated a professional digital presence.
2. Effectively analyse the opportunities afforded by industry disruption.
3. Work successfully as part of a team.
4. Reflect on personal strengths and develop self-awareness of areas for improvement.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Digital Transformation in Journalism and News Media" by Mike Friedrichsen,Yahya Kamalipour
   ISBN: 9783319277868.
   Publisher: Springer
2. "Becoming a reflective practitioner" by Christopher Johns ; with contributions from Sally Burnie ... [et al.].
   ISBN: 0470674261.
   Publisher: ; Wiley-Blackwell
3. "Communicative Figurations" by Andreas Hepp,Andreas Breiter,Uwe Hasebrink
   ISBN: 9783319655840.
   Publisher: Springer

RequiredDJ6115: Journalism Bootcamp

DJ6115: Journalism Bootcamp

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module will offer you a dynamic and high-intensity introduction to journalism. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of why journalism matters as well as practical skills needed to thrive as a journalist, including research and interviewing, audio and video reporting, and multimedia storytelling and production.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehensively and critically understanding journalism practice, the journalism industry and its organisational structures
2. Identify and resolve complex issues of journalistic activity and communicate them effectively to colleagues and to the public
3. Critically evaluate news sources and information
4. Develop professional skills for journalism across multiple platforms
5. Demonstrate a critical and comprehensive knowledge of the processes involved in sourcing, producing and editing content across multiple platforms
6. Use judgement to identify ethical dilemmas and work to produce solutions
7. Exhibit critical awareness of professional standards and practice

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Radio production" by Robert McLeish
   ISBN: 9780240515540.
   Publisher: Focal Press
2. "The Digital Reporter's Notebook" by Mark Blaine
   ISBN: 9780415898514.
   Publisher: Routledge

RequiredDJ6122: Researching the Media

DJ6122: Researching the Media

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This course provides students with an understanding of the inter-related fields of journalism and media studies, through study of a range of scholarly works and independent research.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the development of the field of journalism, in the context of various social and technological changes.
2. Understand various normative models for the role of the press, and apply them to case studies.
3. Critically examine the organisation and operation of news organisations.
4. Analyse the content produced by the news media.
5. Place Irish journalism and media in an international context.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (70%)
• Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (30%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Key Readings in Journalism" by Elliot King (Editor), Jane Chapman (Editor)
   ISBN: 9780415880282.
   Publisher: Routledge
2. "What are journalists for?" by Jay Rosen
   ISBN: 9780300089073.
   Publisher: New Haven ; Yale University Press, 1999.
3. "Media work" by Mark Deuze
   ISBN: 9780745639253.
   Publisher: Polity
4. "The Rise of the Network Society: Volume I: The Information Age: Economy, Society, and Culture" by Manuel Castells
   ISBN: 9781405196864.
   Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
5. "The global media" by Edward S. Herman and Robert W. McChesney
   ISBN: 9780826458193.
   Publisher: Continuum
6. "Global media governance" by Seán Ó Siochrú and Bruce Girard with Amy Mahan
   ISBN: 9780742515666.
   Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

RequiredDJ6112: Multimedia Newsdays

DJ6112: Multimedia Newsdays

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

In this module you will develop key skills and competencies required to work as a professional journalist in print, digital and broadcasting environments. You will work to produce news and features across multiple platforms; develop investigative, social newsgathering and verification expertise in an incubation environment, dissect your work and reflect on your practice. You will develop your editorial newsroom and team working skills through the production of a hyperlocal newspaper and website and social media channels, as well as live broadcast news days. Teaching will take place via a mix of regular lectures and news lab sessions, and news production sessions.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate journalism research methods and techniques.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role and structure of the news media.
3. Undertake multimedia research, interviewing, story development and editing.
4. Produce content in teams for the news media across multiple platforms while demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the importance of teamwork in newsroom environments and in negotiating complexities in editorial practice.
5. Demonstrate technical and editorial expertise across multiple platforms via the operation of range of hardware and software used in multimedia editorial production.
6. Critically evaluate and apply relevant knowledge and ideas, including theoretical knowledge such as law and ethics, to practical situations in a news environment.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Journalism Next" by Mark Briggs
   ISBN: 9781452227856.
   Publisher: CQ Press
2. "Making the local news" by edited by Bob Franklin and David Murphy
   ISBN: 0415168031.
   Publisher: London ; Routledge, 1998.
3. "Journalism of Ideas" by Daniel Reimold
   ISBN: 9780415634670.
   Publisher: Routledge
4. "The Editorial Eye" by Karen Brown Dunlap, Jane T Harrigan
   ISBN: 0312152701.
   Publisher: St. Martin's Press

RequiredDJ6143: Media Law

DJ6143: Media Law

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module provides knowledge and tools to assist students in critically assessing their media environment within ethical and legal frameworks. Content includes learning on ethical decision making, media regulation and constraints, copyright, and legislation such as defamation and privacy.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Adopt an informed and personal stance on media regulation in today’s media.
2. Analyse complex legal and regulatory issues in contemporary mass media and make compelling case-law based based arguments about them.
3. Display an understanding of relevant legislation related to media including privacy, defamation and copyright
4. Develop strong editorial judgement scaffolded by knowledge of media law and court practices.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (40%)
• Department-based Assessment (60%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Quick Win Media Law Ireland" by Andrea Martin
   ISBN: 9781904887461.
   Publisher: Oak Tree Press (Ireland)
2. "Media Ethics" by Clifford G. Christians,Mark Fackler,Kathy Brittain Richardson
   ISBN: 0205029043.
   Publisher: Pearson College Division
3. "Media Ethics: Issues and Cases" by Lee Wilkins,Philip Patterson
   ISBN: 9780073526249.
   Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
4. "Manufacturing Consent" by Edward S. Herman
   ISBN: 0375714499.
   Publisher: Pantheon

OptionalLW5123: International Peace Operations

LW5123: International Peace Operations

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Aim: the aim of this course is to critically analyze the principles of peacekeeping and apply these to a number of contemporary and past missions.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. • Discuss and evaluate the principles of peace support operations;
2. • Explain the difference between traditional peacekeeping, peace enforcement; enforcement action under the UN Carter, and peace support operations;
3. • Critically evaluate the political framework for peace operations.
4. • Examine and critically assess the UN Charter, command and control of authorized and approved UN operations;
5. • Critically analyse the Use of force under international law and its relevance to peacekeeping:
6. • Critically analyze and discuss a number of contemporary and past peace operations;
7. • Explain the legal basis and framework governing peace support operations;

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  LAURA FLEMING 🖂
  
•  FIONA GARDINER 🖂
  

OptionalLW5117: International Human Rights Law

LW5117: International Human Rights Law

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The course seeks to provide post-graduate students with a general introduction to the sources, systems and foundations of international human rights law.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. • Be able to conduct effective research in the field of international human rights law.
2. • Be familiar with the major universal and regional systems of human rights law, their relationships to each other, and the legal value and authority of declarations, decisions, judgments and other materials generated by them.
3. • Be comfortable with general concepts of public international law, to the extent that they are relevant in the field of human rights.
4. • Develop an awareness of the primary areas of concern within the field of international human rights law and other relevant branches of international law, and the ways in which human rights are promoted and protected.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  LAURA FLEMING 🖂
  
•  FIONA GARDINER 🖂
  

OptionalDJ6135: Reporting Economics and Politics

DJ6135: Reporting Economics and Politics

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module is intended as a solid primer in understanding politics and economics and how they are covered and communicated by the media. During the term, students have the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to understand the fundamentals of economics and politics -- the Irish, American and EU political systems; the interplay between business, government and the economy; and the impact of policy on economic decision making -- and from there, understand effective strategies to communicate the complexities of economics and politics in an accessible manner. This module is not a practice-based module per se. It is a series of lectures -- each of which explore a specific aspect of macroeconomics and/or politics -- followed by a hands-on workshop where examples of journalism that cover that week's topic are examined and analysed for effective communication strategies used therein. This module is designed for people interested in power (economic and/or political) and how to understand and communicate it effectively. DJ6135 Reporting Economics and Politics is designed to work for students of journalism as well as students from other disciplines with an interest in communication and media. DJ6135 Reporting Economics and Politics is designed to work for students of journalism as well as students from other disciplines with an interest in communication and media. As a result, this modules offers two modes of summative assessment from which students can choose: 1) Theory route: or 2) Practice route. (see assessment section for more info)
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically assess the structure and operation of the Irish political system.
2. Develop knowledge of fiscal and monetary policy
3. Gain an understanding of macro-economics and the interplay between government and the economy.
4. Produce ethically responsible and critically-engaged reporting or academic analysis to a professional standard
5. Understand how to translate complex social, economic and political developments into narratives easily understood by lay audiences.
6. Assess a range of journalistic and communication strategies used to cover various aspects of economics and/or politics

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (90%)
• Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (10%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  Shania Collins 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "The Government and Politics of Ireland" by Chubb, Basil
   Publisher: Routledge
2. "The Battle of Bretton Woods" by Stell, Ben
   Publisher: University of Princeton Press
3. "European Union Politics" by Cini, Michelle
   Publisher: Oxford University Press
4. "Politics in the Republic of Ireland" by Coakley, John and Gallagher, Michael
   Publisher: Routledge
5. "Ireland and the Freedom of Information Act" by Felle, Tom and Adshead, Maura (eds.)
   Publisher: Manchester University Press
6. "Politics" by Heywood, Andrew
   Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
7. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Piketty, Thomas
   Publisher: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press
8. "Crisis Economics: a crash course in the future of finance" by Roubini, Nouriel
   Publisher: Allen Lane
9. "Why Politics Matters" by Stoker, Gerry
   Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

OptionalDJ6124: Final Project for journalism, media and communication

DJ6124: Final Project for journalism, media and communication

15 months long | Credits: 30

This module provides students with an opportunity to complete a substantial piece of research-based professional journalism as a capstone to their degree programme, so as to enable them to identify and research thoroughly a subject of their choice, on an original theme and which is worthy of sustained journalistic inquiry.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of specific fields under investigation
2. Identify and evaluate academic and journalistic research methodologies and sources of information (interviews, texts, internet, journal articles, cuttings, broadcasts, libraries)
3. Display a critical awareness of the responsibilities and roles of journalists and the social, ethical and legal contexts in which they work.
4. Plan and conduct a piece of original journalistic research; analyse and evaluate information for editorial importance; identify and resolve inconsistencies.
5. Demonstrate editorial balance and fairness, apply appropriate research strategies and effective and appropriate interviewing for the medium and the target audience.
6. Apply the habit of reflection and a critical approach, showing an awareness of different cultural perspectives.
7. Value and be aware of high-level professional standards, including accuracy, protection of sources, balance, fairness and relevant legal requirements.
8. Display an awareness of the ethical dimensions of news gathering and reporting; display intellectual integrity, awareness of copyright implications, the importance of crediting the work of others and the unacceptability of plagiarism.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Reflective Practice" by Gillie Bolton,Russell Delderfield
   ISBN: 9781526411709.
   Publisher: SAGE Publications Limited
2. "The Reflective Practitioner" by Donald A. Schon
   ISBN: 9780465068784.
3. "Becoming a Reflective Practitioner" by Christopher Johns
   ISBN: 9781119193920.
   Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
4. "Video Journalism for the Web: A Practical Introduction to Documentary Storytelling" by Kurt Lancaster
   ISBN: 9780415892674.
   Publisher: Routledge

OptionalDJ6151: Introduction to Investigative Reporting

DJ6151: Introduction to Investigative Reporting

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module will give students an introduction to the specialised field of investigative reporting alongside critically examining successful case studies. The investigative journalism tools and techniques can be used to highlight and report in-depth on important stories in the public interest.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental causes of miscarriages of justice.
2. Showcase applied investigative journalism skills.
3. Employ research and investigative skills and communicate effectively.
4. Display an understanding of the complex nature of working independently and as part of a team on a multifaceted long-form investigation.
5. Demonstrate awareness of critical failings in the justice system.
6. Display knowledge of how advanced DNA testing can unearth and potentially prevent miscarriages.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  
•  Shania Collins 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Betrayal: The Crisis in the Catholic Church" by Investigative Staff of the Boston Blobe
   ISBN: 978031627153.
   Publisher: Back Bay Books
2. "The Framing of Harry Gleeson" by Kieran Fagan
   ISBN: 9781848892460.
   Publisher: The Collins Press
3. "Convicting the innocent: where criminal prosecutions go wrong" by n/a
   ISBN: 978067406611.
   Publisher: Harvard University Press
4. "Maamtrasna" by Jarlath Waldron
   ISBN: 9780946130078.
   Publisher: Edmund Burke Publisher

OptionalDJ6144: Communicating Climate Action and Science

DJ6144: Communicating Climate Action and Science

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module will introduce students to some of the key concepts and debates surrounding the communication of climate, science, healthcare, sustainability and environmental issues. It will examine how organisations, institutions, and individuals communicate and examine the impact these efforts have on public understanding and political debate.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire knowledge of the processes of scientific research, including peer review and distil a scientific concept/methodology/idea so that a general audience can understand it
2. Be able to write for specialist audiences such as scientific blogs as well as lay audiences such as a media article
3. Develop treatments or storyboards of a climate/science topic as the basis for generating a climate/science story, suitable for a lay audience
4. Analyse critically the communication strategies and arguments used by advocates, scientists, policymakers and corporations to influence citizens’ attitudes and behaviours towards climate and the environment
5. Differentiate between popular fictions, rumour and conjecture and evidence-based on facts, in particular with regard to scientific issues such as vaccines

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Houston, We Have a Narrative" by Randy Olson
   ISBN: 9780226270845.
   Publisher: University of Chicago Press
2. "Getting to the Heart of Science Communication" by Faith Kearns
   ISBN: 9781642830743.
   Publisher: Island Press
3. "The Climate Change Playbook" by Dennis Meadows,Linda Booth Sweeney,Gillian Martin Mehers
   ISBN: 9781603586764.
   Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing
4. "Communicating Climate Change" by Taylor & Francis Group
   ISBN: 9780367479534.
   Publisher: Routledge

OptionalDJ6157: Data Analysis and Visualisation

DJ6157: Data Analysis and Visualisation

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module explores the principles and practices of data analysis and visualisation, equipping students with the skills to interpret, analyse, and communicate data effectively. It examines the role of data in decision-making, democracy, and society, addressing how big data shapes public discourse, governance, and media. Through a mix of theory and practice, including case studies on surveillance, ethical considerations, and storytelling, students will learn to critically engage with data and create impactful visualisations to inform and empower audiences.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the role of data in society and critically analyse the influence of data on decision-making, democracy, governance, and media.
2. Apply data analysis techniques and develop proficiency in sourcing, cleaning, and analysing data relevant to media and communication contexts.
3. Create and produce clear, ethical, and effective visual representations of data for storytelling and audience engagement.
4. Examine the implications of big data and surveillance on privacy, media practices, and public trust.
5. Develop the capacity to use data as a core element in media production, combining theoretical understanding with practical skills to create compelling, evidence-based narratives.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

•  UINSIONN MAC DUBHGHAILL 🖂
  
•  KAREN M WALSH 🖂
  
•  TOM FELLE 🖂
  
•  Kelly Fincham 🖂
  
•  Shania Collins 🖂
  

Reading List

1. "Data Journalism: Inside the Global Future" by Tom Felle
   ISBN: 9781845496630.
   Publisher: Theschoolbook.com
2. "The Digital Reporter's Notebook" by Blaine, Mark
   ISBN: 9780415898614.
   Publisher: Routledge
3. "Practicing Convergence Journalism" by Janet Kolodzy
   ISBN: 9780415890304.
   Publisher: Routledge
4. "The Investigative Reporter's Handbook" by Brant Houston
   ISBN: 0312589972.
   Publisher: Bedford/St Martins
5. "Principles of Convergent Journalism" by Jeffrey S. Wilkinson, August E. Grant, Douglas J. Fisher
   ISBN: 9780199838653.
   Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
6. "The Online Journalism Handbook" by Bradshaw, Paul and Liisa Rohumaa
   ISBN: 9781405873406.
7. "The Multimedia Journalist" by Jennifer George-Palilonis
   ISBN: 9780199764525.
   Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
8. "Online Journalism" by James C. Foust
   ISBN: 9781934432174.
   Publisher: Holcomb Hathaway, Publishers
9. "Producing Online News" by Ryan Thornburg
   ISBN: 9781604269963.
   Publisher: CQ Press College