BA Global Media is an innovative four-year degree that equips you to understand, critique, and create media in a globalised, fast-changing world. The course combines critical theory with real-world relevance, offering you the chance to explore everything from digital culture and global politics to podcasting, media innovation, and audience research. You’ll study media as a powerful cultural, economic and political force, while also developing practical and analytical skills valued by employers across the creative, digital and communications sectors. 

Year 1: Media foundations 
In first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in media and communications. 

• Core modules include Introduction to Media and Communications, Digital Literacy, and Popular Culture Media and Society.
• You’ll explore how media systems work, how media represents the world, and how audiences engage with it.
• Emphasis is placed on developing academic writing, research, and digital awareness to prepare you for the years ahead. 

Year 2: The power of media 
In second year, you’ll dig deeper into the power and impact of media on society. 

• Study key areas such as Understanding Media Audiences, Power without Responsibility, and modules in television studies and celebrity, social class and media culture.
• Take part in podcasting, video and multimedia storytelling, where you’ll begin to combine theory with creative production.
• Choose optional modules from areas like journalism, film studies, Irish language media, Global Media and Migration, Data Storytelling, or Designing User Experiences.
• You can also apply for study abroad opportunities for Year 3. 

Year 3: Study abroad or professional experience 

Your third year gives you the chance to broaden your horizons: 

• Spend a semester or full year studying at one of our global partner universities across Europe, and North America.
• Alternatively, take a media-related work placement with a broadcaster, NGO, creative agency, or digital media organisation.
• Some students combine both options. You’ll gain practical experience, intercultural skills, and a wider perspective on global media systems. 

Year 4: Advanced specialisation and production 

In your final year, you’ll refine your skills and specialise in areas that interest you most. 

• Core modules include Advanced Media Production and Global Media Innovation.
• Choose from theory-led options like Gender, Identity and the Media, AI and Algorithms, Global Political Economy of the Mass Media, Climate Action Communication, and more.
• You’ll complete a major capstone project or independent research essay, showcasing your skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication.
• Final year also supports your transition into professional life or postgraduate study. 

• Hands-on media experience through podcasting, multimedia storytelling, and advanced media production projects.
• Exciting elective options in journalism, film studies, Irish-language media, media and migration, data and the media, and user experience design.
• Global focus—study how media operates across borders, and how it influences politics, culture, identity, and society.
• Opportunities to study abroad with our partner universities across Europe and North America.
• Taught by experts actively engaged in research and media practice, including political communication, disinformation, and climate media.
• Real-world readiness—graduate with a strong portfolio of work and critical skills that employers in the creative, media, and digital industries value.
• Sustainability and impact—explore how media shapes public responses to major global issues, including climate action and social justice. 

The BA Global Media prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers in the media, creative, communications, and cultural industries in Ireland and internationally. Graduates go on to work in areas such as content creators, digital marketing, public relations, video and audio production, social media, journalism, corporate communications, NGOs, and the creative arts. Potential roles include: 

• Journalist or multimedia reporter
• Content creator or social media manager
• Podcast producer or radio researcher
• Communications or PR executive
• Video editor or production assistant
• Media analyst or digital strategist 

Our graduates are in demand for their ability to combine critical thinking with strong storytelling skills, media literacy, and a global perspective. As media continues to evolve, there is growing need for professionals who understand algorithms, audience engagement, ethical communication, and the social impact of media. Skills you’ll graduate with include: 

• Strategic communication and storytelling across platforms
• Podcasting, video production, and digital content creation
• Audience research and data-informed media planning
• Critical analysis of media systems, power, and influence
• Cultural intelligence and international outlook
• Teamwork, collaboration, and project management 

Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in media, journalism, or related fields, or launch their own ventures in the creative industries. Whether your ambition is to inform, entertain, campaign, or influence, the BA Global Media is a powerful foundation for a meaningful and future-focused career.

Experience media in a global context 

In Year 3, students on the BA Global Media can apply to study abroad for one or two semesters at one of our partner universities in Europe or North America. This optional opportunity is open to all students and is a transformative part of the degree. Study abroad destinations include: 

• EU countries such as France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Belgium, among others
• North America, with options in both the United States and Canada 

If you are not studying a language, you will take your classes in English. If you are taking a language as part of your degree, your study abroad will be taught fully through that language, offering full immersion in both language and culture. 

Benefits of studying abroad: 

• Build your international perspective on media and communications
• Gain confidence, independence, and real-world life skills
• Develop intercultural awareness and global citizenship
• Experience different academic environments and new ways of thinking
• Improve your language fluency
• Expand your network and open up global career opportunities 

Financial support is available through Erasmus for EU study. Some funding may be available for North American exchanges. While most places are open to all eligible students, some destinations may have limited capacity and may be competitive.  

Your study abroad experience will broaden your worldview—and help shape your future. 

Why This Year Will Change Your Life 

By the end of your study abroad experience, you’ll have: 

• Gained insight into global media systems and how different countries produce and regulate media
• Build confidence navigating new academic, cultural, and social environments
• Develop a more international and inclusive perspective on media, culture, and communication
• Expand your ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Grow more independent, adaptable, and globally aware
• Build lasting connections and networks that could shape your future career 

This year is about curiosity, challenge, and global discovery—and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the BA Global Media. 

As part of your third year, BA Global Media students can choose to undertake a media work placement, either in Ireland or abroad. This is a highly recommended opportunity open to all students and is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, expand your professional network, and explore future career pathways. 

Placements typically run for either one or two semesters and may be taken in Semester 1 and/or Semester 2 of Year 3, depending on your academic and study abroad choices. Sample placement hosts include: 

• National and local media outlets like RTÉ and iRadio
• Film and television production companies
• NGOs and international organisations
• Creative agencies and production companies
• Digital marketing and social media teams
• Radio stations, PR firms, and podcast networks 

Roles and projects may include: 

• Content creation and digital storytelling
• Social media planning and analytics
• Podcast production and editing
• Media monitoring and communications strategy
• Journalism, reporting and editorial assistance 

While most placements are unpaid, they offer invaluable learning experiences and often lead to job offers or future freelance opportunities after graduation. Placement is open to all students, though positions are competitive and require an application or interview. 

Students return from placement with increased confidence, real-world skills, and a clearer idea of where they want to take their media career next.

Tom Felle
Dr Kelly Fincham

The BA Global Media offers a rich learning experience that blends academic depth with creative exploration. You’ll learn how to analyse global media systems while also gaining practical skills in communication, storytelling, and content creation. 

How Will I Learn? 

Lectures and seminars – Develop your understanding of global media theory, political communication, and media power through small-group seminars and interactive lectures. 

Practical workshops and labs – Learn how to podcast, produce multimedia content, and create engaging digital stories using industry-standard tools. 

Optional study abroad or work placement – Gain international experience or real-world insight into media industries in Year 3. 

Independent and group projects – Collaborate with classmates or pursue individual creative and research-based projects. 

Guest speakers and industry insights – Learn from visiting journalists, content creators, and communications professionals working in Ireland and beyond. 

Digital learning environments – Use blended learning tools, multimedia platforms, and interactive assessment spaces to support your development. 

 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Continuous Assessment: Essays, media analysis, blog posts, creative portfolios, and in-class presentations form a core part of how you are evaluated. 

Project Work: Design and deliver multimedia storytelling projects, podcast episodes, or strategic media campaigns. 

Exams: Some theoretical modules may include traditional written exams in first year only. (Approx. 10%) 

Capstone Project: In Year 4, you’ll complete a final research or media project that showcases your skills and interests. 

Study Abroad / Placement: These are assessed on a pass/fail basis and integrated into your degree credits. 

The course is designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and reflective learning – skills that are essential in today’s media environment. 

Course queries: 
media@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s): 
Dr Kelly Fincham,  
Assistant Professor, 
Discipline of Journalism and Media 
School of English, Media and Creative Arts 
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
kelly.fincham@universityofgalway.ie 

Q: Are there any progression restrictions if I choose Psychology as one of my subjects?  

A: Students of the BA (Joint-Honours) Programme who successfully complete Psychology at First Arts may proceed to Second Arts with the subject Psychological Studies and one other of the subjects completed at First Arts. Places are limited to 100 on academic merit in Psychology from the 1st Sittings in Semester 1 and 2 and you must have passed your other three academic subjects (40% or above) to be considered.  

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Alternative Pathways 

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications 

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students 
• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€3,276	€3,000	€20,500	€140	€3,140	€6,416	€20,640

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Additional Costs:

Fieldtrips 

There are some minor travel costs attached to participating in optional fieldtrips (approximate cost of €50-100 per year). The School endeavours to cover costs as much as possible and keep the contributions from students as low as possible.

University of Galway is a globally focused research-led university, internationally renowned for the quality and impact of our teaching, research and innovation.  We strive for excellence and impact, underpinned by integrity and professionalism. As part of University of Galway's commitment to rewarding achievement and supporting ambition, our academic scholarship scheme for new entrant undergraduate students; the University of Galway Excellence Scholarship, is awarded each year

University of Galway Excellence Scholarship - University of Galway

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

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