Over four years, the BA Journalism will train you to become a professional journalist who can tell important stories across multiple platforms. You’ll learn how to report, write, edit, and produce news content for print, digital, audio and video, while gaining a deeper understanding of the media’s power, ethics, and role in society. You’ll build real skills from day one, with hands-on learning in radio, social media, video, and newsroom production, all grounded in critical media theory. 

You’ll also take an Arts subject alongside journalism. This strengthens your storytelling with broader knowledge in areas like politics, history, law, languages, or literature. In third year, you can choose to go on work placement, study abroad, or combine both. By final year, you’ll have the experience, confidence, and portfolio to take the next step in your career. 

Year 1: Build your foundations 

In your first year, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of journalism. You’ll learn how to write clear, accurate news stories, explore media theory and ethics, and get to grips with the history of journalism. You’ll also begin developing technical skills in audio production and digital storytelling. 

Modules include: 

• This is the News
• Introduction to Media and Communication
• History of Media
• Audio Fundamentals 

At the same time, you’ll choose two Arts subjects to study alongside journalism, from English and History to Law, Languages, Politics, and more. 

Year 2: Sharpen your skills 

In second year, you’ll take your reporting, writing, and multimedia skills to the next level. You’ll explore how journalism shapes public opinion, how to report ethically and effectively, and how to reach audiences in the digital age. 

Modules include: 

• Cross Platform Reporting
• Power without Responsibility
• Digital Society and Platform Studies
• Broadcasting (TV and Radio) 

You’ll also choose a journalism elective, such as: 

• Sports Journalism
• Feature Writing and Magazines 

You’ll continue with one of your Arts subjects, and begin building the journalism portfolio that will grow throughout your degree. 

Year 3: Go out into the world 

Your third year is all about experience. You’ll have the option to: 

• Spend the full year on a journalism-focused work placement or studying abroad at one of our international partner universities.
• Or, split the year, combining one semester abroad with one semester in a media placement. 

This is your chance to apply what you’ve learned, explore different cultures or newsroom environments, and develop real confidence and independence. You’ll return with stronger skills, great connections, and maybe even bylines or broadcast credits. 

Year 4: Specialise and lead 

In your final year, you’ll refine your skills, take on newsroom simulations, and create standout journalism projects that show what you can do. You’ll have the chance to specialise in areas like investigative reporting, gender and media, or data journalism. 

Core modules include: 

• Multiplatform Journalism (live newsroom simulations)
• The Contemporary Irish Media 

You’ll choose from advanced options including: 

• Final Project (long-form feature, doc, or investigation)
• Global Political Economy of the Mass Media
• Data Journalism
• Gender, Race and the Media 

You’ll also complete your Arts subject, and graduate with a strong portfolio, real-world experience, and the confidence to succeed in journalism, or wherever your storytelling skills take you. 

• Learn by doing from day one 
  You’ll write, record, edit, and publish real stories across platforms - print, online, audio, and video - right from first year. 
• Newsroom simulations and live production 
  In final year, you’ll work in a simulated newsroom to produce professional-level news content under real deadlines. 
• Choose your path with flexible options 
  You can specialise in sports journalism, data storytelling, investigative reporting, TV news, or social media strategy. 
• Work placement or study abroad - your choice 
  Spend Year 3 in a media workplace or studying journalism abroad, or mix both experiences to build your network and broaden your horizons. 
• Combine journalism with a subject you love 
  Study one of a range of Arts subjects alongside journalism for example, English, Law, History, Gaeilge, or Politics, to deepen your knowledge and reporting expertise. 
• Taught by working journalists and researchers 
  You’ll learn from experts who bring real newsroom experience and cutting-edge research into the classroom. 
• Graduate with a portfolio that stands out 
  You’ll leave with a collection of published work, including articles, features, audio and video and be ready to show employers. 
• Focus on media that matters 
  Explore journalism’s role in tackling disinformation, holding power to account, and reporting on climate, equality, and social change. 

A degree in journalism opens doors to exciting, fast-paced careers where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking are key. As a graduate of the BA Journalism, you’ll be equipped with the digital, multimedia, and editorial skills that today’s newsrooms and content teams need alongside a deep understanding of the social and political role of journalism in a democratic society. 

You’ll be prepared for careers such as: 

• News reporter or correspondent 
• Feature writer or columnist 
• Broadcast journalist (TV or radio) 
• Digital content producer or social media editor 
• Data journalist or investigative reporter 
• Sub-editor or copy editor 
• Communications officer or press officer 
• Podcast producer or documentary maker 

Graduates from our journalism programme work in national and regional media, including RTÉ, The Irish Times, TheJournal.ie, BBC, Newstalk, Irish Examiner, Irish Independent, and many more. Others build successful careers in public relations, NGOs, EU institutions, and digital media start-ups. 

You’ll graduate with: 

• A strong multimedia portfolio, featuring real-world stories in text, audio, and video 
• Professional experience from placement or study abroad 
• Digital skills including editing, social video, data visualisation, and content strategy 
• The confidence to pitch, publish, and shape the news 

Whether you want to hold power to account, amplify unheard voices, or create content that inspires change, the BA Journalism gives you the tools to get there. 

Go global with your journalism degree 

In Year 3, you’ll have the chance to step outside the classroom and experience journalism from an international perspective. Study abroad is optional but highly encouraged and gives you the opportunity to live and learn in a new country while expanding your worldview and media knowledge. 

You can choose from two great options: 

• Spend a full academic year abroad at one of our partner universities across Europe or North America. 
• Or, split the year between one semester abroad and one semester on professional work placement. 

Our Erasmus and international study partners include journalism schools and media departments including in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United States. All programmes are taught in English or the local language (if you are studying a language as part of your degree). 

Why study journalism abroad? You’ll: 

• See how media works in other cultures and political systems 
• Improve your storytelling with a global lens 
• Build independence, confidence, and intercultural communication skills 
• Meet like-minded students from around the world 
• Make your CV and portfolio stand out 

Support and funding As an Erasmus+ student, you’ll receive a grant to help cover living costs during your time abroad if you go to a university in Europe. You’ll also get support from our International Office and the journalism programme team to help you plan your year and choose the right university for your goals. 

Real experience. Real stories. Real newsrooms. 

In Year 3 of the BA Journalism, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a semester or a full academic year on work placement with a media organisation. This is your chance to step into the industry, put your skills into practice, and build valuable connections that could kick-start your career. 

You’ll work with professional journalists, editors, producers, or communications teams, gaining hands-on experience in fast-paced media environments. Placement roles vary and are tailored to your interests - whether it’s reporting, producing, editing, social media, or multimedia content creation. 

Where can I go on placement? 
Our students have completed placements with: 

• National news outlets like RTÉ, The Irish Times, TheJournal.ie, and Virgin Media News 
• Regional and local media across Ireland 
• Radio stations and TV production companies 
• Digital startups, communications agencies, and NGOs 

You can also apply for international placements through Erasmus+ or combine one semester of placement with one semester abroad. 

 What will I gain from it? 

• Confidence working in a professional newsroom or media environment 
• A deeper understanding of how stories are shaped, produced, and distributed 
• Practical skills employers value including teamwork, deadline management, editorial judgment 
• A stronger journalism portfolio with real-world published work 
• Valuable contacts and references in the industry 

Many students turn their placements into part-time jobs or graduate roles. Whether you dream of anchoring a newscast, reporting from the field, or creating content that changes minds, your placement is a key step in making it happen. 

Fiona McGarry 
Brenda McNally
Rounwah Bseiso 
Tom Felle 
Kelly Fincham 
Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill 
Noha Atef 
John Singleton 

The BA Journalism is designed to give you the professional skills, critical thinking, and confidence to thrive in modern media. You’ll learn by doing through practical workshops, simulated newsrooms, and real-world reporting, while also exploring the theory, ethics, and politics that shape journalism today. 

How will you learn? 

• Hands-on, practical workshops 
  From your first year, you’ll write news stories, record audio, film video, and produce digital content for real audiences. 
• Simulated newsroom environments 
  In final year, you’ll work as part of a live newsroom team, producing breaking news and features under deadline conditions. 
• Expert-led classes and guest lectures 
  Learn from professional journalists and academics, with regular talks from visiting editors, broadcasters, and international media leaders. 
• Project-based learning 
  You’ll plan, pitch, and produce original journalism projects—investigations, longform pieces, video documentaries, and more. 
• Interdisciplinary approach 
  Studying journalism alongside an Arts subject broadens your knowledge and makes your reporting stronger, smarter, and more informed. 

How will you be assessed? 

• Continuous assessment 
  Most modules are assessed through practical assignments such as news articles, features, video/audio pieces, blog posts, social media content, and short essays. You’ll get regular feedback to help you improve. 
• Presentations and pitching 
  You’ll present ideas, defend editorial decisions, and pitch your work, just like in a professional newsroom. 
• Oral assessments 
  In audio and video modules, you’ll be assessed on your presentation skills, delivery, and clarity of communication. 
• Final-year project 
  You’ll produce a major piece of journalism in the format of your choice: print, audio, video, or multimedia, showcasing your best work and editorial judgment. 

There are no final written exams in most journalism modules. The emphasis is on applied, authentic assessment that builds your portfolio and prepares you for the workplace. 

University of Galway students celebrate success at prestigious Student Media Awards

Posted: Apr 11 2025 10:09 IST

University of Galway is celebrating a standout performance at the 2025 National Student Media Awards with students securing three major awards.

The winners were led by first-year Bachelor of Arts Journalism student Vladyslav Piatin-Ponomarenko who secured Film Documentary of the Year for his personal and emotional short documentary, Imagine War – 75 Days of Survival in Mariupol, which documents his escape from Mariupol at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Students secured two other awards: Emma Van Oosterhout, a fourth-year BA Global Media student, was named “Collaborative Journalist of the Year”, and Áine Ní Shíocháin, a BA Cumarsáid student, received an award for excellence in Irish-language journalism.

Tom Felle, Associate Professor of Journalism at University of Galway, said: “We are immensely proud of our students' achievements and these awards are a testament to their talent, resilience, and dedication. I would also like to acknowledge my colleagues across the Journalism and Media team for their hard work and support of our students throughout the year.”

University of Galway students were shortlisted for eight awards in total, including a nomination for its hyperlocal news site, Galway Pulse, in the “News Site of the Year” category.

Course queries:
E: journalism@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s): 
Dr Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill 
Lecturer, Discipline of Journalism and Media
E: uinsionn.macdubhghaill@universityofgalway.ie 
T: 091 49 4613 

Q: Do I need to have studied media or journalism in school to apply? 
A: No prior experience is required. We’ll teach you everything you need to know from the ground up, including news writing, reporting, editing, and multimedia production. 

Q: What Arts subjects can I take with journalism? 
A: You’ll choose two Arts subjects in Year 1, and continue one of them to degree level alongside journalism. Popular options include English, History, Law, Gaeilge, French, Spanish, Sociology & Politics, and Philosophy. 

Q: Can I do both study abroad and a work placement in Year 3? 
A: Yes! Many students split the year—one semester abroad and one semester on placement. You’ll be fully supported to plan your year in a way that suits your goals. 

Q: Will I graduate as a qualified journalist? 
A: Yes. You’ll graduate with a recognised journalism degree and a strong portfolio of multimedia work—ready to apply for roles in news, broadcasting, online media, communications, and beyond. 

Q: Is the course more practical or academic? 
A: It’s a mix of both. You’ll develop strong reporting and production skills, but also study media theory, ethics, and law—so you graduate with a deep understanding of the profession and its responsibilities. 

Q: Do you accept international students? 
A: Yes! We warmly welcome applications from international students. Journalism is a global profession, and having a diverse student group enriches the learning experience for everyone. 

Q: Can mature students apply for this course? 
A: Yes. Mature students are welcome and bring valuable life experience and perspective to the course. You’ll receive plenty of support to help you succeed, whether you’re returning to education or studying for the first time. 

Q: Is this course on the QQI route? 
A: Yes. Applicants with relevant QQI Level 5 qualifications can apply through CAO. We recommend checking the most up-to-date QQI entry requirements on the University of Galway admissions page. 

Q: Is there a lot of group work? 
A: Yes, particularly in Years 2 and 4. Journalism is collaborative by nature, so you’ll often work as part of a news team, producing content together, just like in a real newsroom. 

Q: What kind of equipment and software will I use? 
A: You’ll use industry-standard tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Audition), podcasting kits, DSLR cameras, and digital publishing platforms. All equipment and editing labs are provided on campus. 

Minimum Entry Requirements:

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

We welcome applications from mature students and QQI applicants. A number of places are reserved annually for mature and QQI applicants. Further information about QQI can be found here.

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

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee

Field Trips
There are some minor travel costs attached to participating in field trips. The School endeavours to cover costs as much as possible and keep the contributions from students as low as possible.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

Application Process 

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.