In this new and exciting course, students will be equipped with the skills to meet the demands of a media industry undergoing massive change while also specialising in public relations
The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is recognised by the NUJ and is conducted on both a full and part-time basis over a 1-2 year period. The course concentrates on journalism and public relations from the perspective of a PR content creator and strategic planner who has an understanding of the media industry and is able to research, formulate and implement communication plans and strategies.
We run 2 intakes for this course commencing in Spring and Autumn.
4th of February, 2019*
September 2019
*subject to sufficient numbers
Griffith College was a great experience, with lecturers assisting students on both a one-to-one basis and in small peer groups. I found Griffith helped with my level of professionalism, drive and general awareness of current affairs, photography, videography and reporting skills. The lecturers were very experienced in their relevant fields and very resourceful and approachable if students were stuck or had a problem. It was also a great degree if you are interested in working in the Communications sector as it's a very hands-on course.
The MA in Journalism and Public Relations is designed to be delivered on a full-time basis over one calendar year and on a part-time basis over 2 years. Learners on the MA programme will complete 9 mandatory modules and a dissertation. The programme is intended to provide a continuous development experience for learners, in which academic reflection is combined with gaining practical and professional mastery of this dynamic and engaging field. The first semester of this programme is designed to be commonly taught with MA Journalism learners while the second semester offers Public Relations specialisms. The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism & Public Relations consists of the 9 mandatory modules and does not include a dissertation.
Understanding how audiences relate to media content and developing an ability to critically discuss research and theories in this field enhances and adds to the skills developed by creating media content. This module offers critical depth and context to the media skills acquired in the journalism-based modules of the MA programme. It complements the knowledge and understanding acquired through completion of the Research Methods module and also offers an academic introduction to examples of research and theories potentially relevant to learners undertaking the dissertation module.
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The purpose of this module is to introduce and equip the learner with the critical understanding and skills needed for dealing with the core challenges involved in representing the public face and interests of a modern business whether it be developing communication strategies for engaging with the firms customers, organising publicity campaigns, competitions and promotions or the protection of a firm’s interests in a crisis.
The module also aims to give the learner a critical awareness of the academic and theoretical underpinnings of corporate communication.
In order to be awarded an MA the learner must complete an original and comprehensive dissertation that relates to public relations. This dissertation is expected to further extend a learner’s analysis of particular aspects in one or more of the related taught modules on the postgraduate programme stages. Learners are expected to draw heavily on the underpinning research methods module.
This module provides an overview of the Irish legal system whilst focusing in detail on areas of the law particularly relevant to contemporary journalism. Thus, the law of copyright and defamation is explored in a comprehensive and practical manner. Learners are introduced to the law of contempt of court and the emerging law of privacy and intellectual copyright in a digital age. An overview of contract and company law is also provided. This course also introduces learners to the ethical considerations that apply to the discipline of journalism.
The emergence of the internet and development of journalism specifically designed for the World Wide Web requires the skills necessary to write within this production context. Journalists need to understand the impact and intent of writing for the web, as well as the skills required to produce news and features in a web context. The reporting, writing and packaging of news for online audiences requires an evaluation and understating of the online media world.
The purpose of this module is to enable participants to critically evaluate the techniques and skills of an online journalist. Participants are expected to apply these new skills in a professional way. They reflect on the vitality of the web, acquire new skills and make sense of a transforming industry. In doing so, participants learn to manage and stimulate user-generated content.
Learners entering this module possess a range of media skills, including an ability to create content, design and layout documentation in an online and print format. They are competent to research issues and synopsise key points for policy formulation. They also have an understanding of media audiences and societal trends. The objective in this module is to harness these abilities into a process of running or coordinating communication aspects of a political campaign.
This module seeks to introduce learners to the concepts and theories underpinning public relations. The learners examine the origins and history of public relations, including the different classifications of PR roles, categories, industry ethical and professional standards, and the steps involved in the generation of strategic and tactical plans. It also demonstrates the role that media content creators play in the PR environment both as a receiver and creator of PR messages.
This module aims to significantly deepen the learners’ research skills, both in relation to their module related assignments and later in their completion of their major dissertation / dissertation by practice. Specifically, it extends their abilities as self-directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing and evaluating their own work and that of others. Throughout the module, they are required to engage in a number of research methodologies and current research issues and trends in the media industry. The module also addresses the need for good project management skills and techniques for the successful delivery of any project.
The media, its institutions and practices are a major source of information, while they also contribute to cultural and political development in society. Learners must be able to not only operate within but also to examine objectively this immensely powerful institution. The purpose of the module is to provide an understanding of the relationship of social processes to the media. Learners should view and critically understand the interrelationship of media and society.
The objective of this module is to enable learners to attain the practical skills required to plan, research, write and edit quality news reports and feature articles and attain the practical skills necessary to work as producers, presenters, researchers and sound ops in a commercial radio environment. This module is worth 15 credits and is divided between print and radio perspectives with integration taking place during the planned news days.
Provisional Timetable - Year 1 (Full-time)
Provisional Timetable - Year 1 (Part-time)
Provisional Timetable - Year 2 (Part-time)
A primary degree (2.2) in any discipline and interview
Applicants can Apply Online Directly
Please note: Our MA in Journalism and PR has two intakes: February 2019 and September 2019. Courses beginning in September run for 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Courses beginning in February run for 1.5 years full-time and 2.5 years part-time.
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.
Dublin
Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 7,400.00
Irish/EU Living in Ireland: EUR 7,400.00
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Non-EU students: a Medical Insurance, Student Services and Administration fee of EUR300 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Non-EU Living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
EU Living Abroad: EUR 8,200.00
Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please download our Fee Payment Information document to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
On completion of the Level 9 MA in Journalism and Public Relations, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.
Through the MA in Journalism and Public Relation, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong portfolio and covered a diverse range of media. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
