MA in Journalism
Full Time - DT542
Programme Co-Ordinator:
Barbara O'Shea
School of Media
Faculty of Applied Arts
DIT Aungier Street
Dublin 2
T: 01 402 3223
F: 01 402 3003
E: barbara.oshea@dit.ie
Duration:
Full Time - 1 Year
Closing Date:
30 April 2010
Late applications may be accepted subject to places being available.
Course Start Date:
20 September 2010
Introduction
Please note due to the great demand for our programmes early applications are assessed when received and dealt with promptly. Therefore it is advisable to make early applications for an early response. If you do not yet have your final degree results this will not hinder your application as we are happy to issue conditional offer letters in such circumstances.
The MA in Journalism is a one-year, full-time programme covering the practice and theory of journalism. It ranges from the basics of journalistic craft to consideration of the part that journalists play in society.
A fundamental principle behind the course is the belief that good journalism, produced by reflective, critical practitioners, is crucial in a democracy. The programme seeks to produce journalists who are multi-skilled and critically aware, and have a good understanding of the role of journalism in society.
The programme includes tuition, practical experience, a wide range of assignments, seminars, tutorials, group projects, independent study and research.
It is an MA programme; students must engage fully in the critical and theoretical parts of course.
Course Content
The programme is divided into three strands: Professional Formation, Journalism Studies and Dissertation.
Professional Formation offers a grounding in the basic and professional skills and practice of journalism.
Journalism Studies provides a critical framework for journalism in its social and historical context.
Students are also required to complete a dissertation on a topic related to journalism.
All tuition takes place in the two semesters between late September and early June. During the summer, students complete their dissertation which is submitted in early September.
Semester 1
Professional formation:
- Information Technology
- Shortland
- Journalism Practice
- Broadcast Journalism
Journalism Studies:
- History and Theory of Journalism
- Media Environment
- Media Law
Dissertation:
Research Methodology
Semester 2
Professional Formation:
- Information Technology
- Shorthand
- Investigative Journalism
- Print Journalism
- Broadcast Journalism Option
Journalism Studies:
- Ethics and Current Issues
- Explorations in Journalism
Dissertation:
Research seminars
Assessment
Assessment is through a combination of continuous assessment and specific assignments, undertaken throughout the year. There are no formal exams. Tuition ends in early June, after which students complete a dissertation.Location
School of Media, Faculty of Applied Arts, DIT Aungier Street, Dublin 2
Who Should Apply?
The programme is an alternative path into journalism for those who have not studied journalism at undergraduate level and wish to pursue journalism as a career. We welcome students with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise.
Applicants who have no journalistic record can be considered for the course if they have good academic achievement and/or relevant experience, can write well, and can demonstrate serious commitment to working in journalism.
Applicants can demonstrate commitment to journalism by means of relevant work experience, articles published or written for publication, and evidence of purposefulness about working as a journalist.
Applicants should send in with their applications several samples of written or published work.
Timetable / Hours
The course is full-time, which in practice means approximately 20 hours of contact time with lecturers per week. It is an intensive programme: students should not expect to have time for substantial outside commitments. However, it is useful for students to begin to make contacts and pursue professional journalistic work during the duration of the programme, and to this end there is likely to be one day each week that is free of lectures and other academic commitments.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an honours degree (2.2 grade or higher), or equivalent, in any relevant discipline. Non-standard applications are also considered.
The average number of applicants in recent years is around 160. About one-third of these are selected for interview. A short-list is then drawn up and successful applicants are sent first-round offers. If any places are not taken up, these are offered to applicants on a reserve list.
Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate programmes satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the programme of study applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience. Applicants may also be required to attend for interview for specific programmes.
Award
Graduates of this course are eligible for the award of Master of Arts in Journalism from the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are competent to take up employment as journalists in a newspaper, or in an on-line, radio or television service. They are equipped to work as reporters, sub-editors and feature writers. Demand for graduates depends of course on economic circumstances, but former students have proved highly successful in finding full-time work or in working as freelancers. A good proportion have taken up full-time positions shortly after graduating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is work placement arranged ?
We do not arrange work placement. It is better for students to make their own contacts and arrange placements for themselves; this way, they are more likely to end up in suitable work places. Staff assist in any way they can; e.g., by letting people know of openings, by recommending good contacts, etc.
What facilities are provided ?
Students work in a computer laboratory (virtual newsroom) with 20 computers, printer, scanner and phone. Software includes Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Quark XPress, and an image-editing programme. There is access to email and the Internet/Worldwide Web on each computer.
EU Fees for 2010/2011*
*The fees outlined for each course are provisional and are subject to change
DT542 - MA in Journalism: €5,600+ capitation
For information on funding please see the following link: http://www.dit.ie/study/postgraduate/feesandfunding/
Non EU fees for 2010/2011
DT542 - MA in Journalism: €11,000
