Higher Diploma in Journalism and Media Communications

  Ireland

• Dublin: 
Dublin

Description: About the Course
This postgraduate programme offers a comprehensive multimedia syllabus designed with the considerable input of practitioners from Irish journalism and media. This external contribution produces a course that is relevant to current and emerging job opportunities, as well as reflecting and adapting to technical, creative and market developments.

The programme allows students with an existing undergraduate degree in a non-journalism or media discipline, to acquire the skills of journalistic writing, production and communication.

It concentrates on expanding your existing academic knowledge, or industry-specific knowledge and skills, depending on your academic or professional background. On completion students will have an extensive array of skills that will help them to secure employment in the media industry. This will be achieved through practical and academic media based training. During the course students will be challenged in real journalistic situations, in both print and broadcasting, to give them a taste of a real working environment. National Union of Journalism recognition of the programme entitles students to a one-year student NUJ Card.

During this programme students take subjects that allow them to apply journalism specific skills to existing academic learning. The subjects on the programme reflect the need to acquire skills and knowledge in a focused manner. Background knowledge is acquired through modules in Research Methods and Media and Society, essential instrumental knowledge in Media Law and Ethics and finally directed knowledge in Reporting, Sub-editing, Broadcasting and Newspaper Production. Subject Specialisations are also provided on an elective basis.

Students also participate in the radio station, Griff FM, in leading roles and produce a tabloid-sized publication. Students participate in simulated News-Days that permit the acquisition of practical reporting skills while working to a deadline.

Graduate students on this programme learn quickly and are generally focused in their approach. Many graduates of the programme are encountered in the various branches of the journalistic profession and often come back to distil their knowledge and experience to existing students.

Careers
Depending on subject electives, students are likely to find media-based employment as journalists in print or broadcast media, as researchers, presenters, producers, technical writers in media-related positions, or in other forms of communication in public relations. In addition to traditional journalism, graduating students may be eligible to take up employment in areas where visual media or multi-media skills are in demand. Students are also encouraged to exploit their undergraduate study experience to secure employment in specialist areas such as science, sport, arts and humanities. Graduates of this programme are currently working for major national and local media, at home and abroad, with some in senior positions.

Highlights: Higher Diploma in Journalism Course Content
Core Subjects:
Cultural Perspectives
Media Law and Ethics Reporting and Sub-Editing (Incorporating News-Days)
Research Methods
Broadcast Journalism 1 (Radio)
Newspaper Production
Media and Society
Investigative Reporting

Electives - choose 2 from:
Conflict Reporting
Shorthand
Public Relations
Broadcast Journalism II (TV)
Photography
Sports Journalism

Elective Modules are offered subject to demand

Degree Level: Masters Degree

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: Approx. 16,000 USD tuition only

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ireland Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. A limited number of partial scholarships are available to exceptional students.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is 1 month

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Year Founded: 1975