This programme is intended for either holders of primary degrees who intend to embark on a career in the fields of TV and radio journalism, or people with prior learning in journalism and media or ancillary communications research-based employment who desire to specialise.
The MA in TV and Radio Journalism is recognised by the NUJ and conducted on both a full and part-time basis over a 1-2 year period. The course aims to teach students to display practical, theoretical competencies that demonstrate a mastery of the elements required to become advanced media practitioners in relation to TV and radio journalism.
We run 2 intakes for this course commencing in Spring and Autumn.
*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 TV and Radio Journalism is designed to be delivered on a full-time basis over one calendar year and on a part-time basis over 2 years. It consists of nine taught modules which are delivered during the academic year and a dissertation which is completed during the summer months. Throughout the programme, learners will have an average of 18 hours of contact per week, attending lectures, news days, labs and studio sessions. In order to assimilate the material and to complete the assessments, learners are also required to spend a significant amount of time outside of those contact hours engaging in self-guided study, development and practice. Learners on the MA programme will complete 9 mandatory modules and a dissertation. The Postgraduate Diploma in TV and Radio Journalism consists of the 9 mandatory modules and does not include a dissertation.
The first semester of this programme is designed to be commonly taught with MA Journalism learners and provides an understanding of the workings of the media industry as well as developing specific skills in journalism. The second semester builds on this knowledge and contains broadcast journalism specialisms such as Video Journalism, Radio Documentary Research and Production and Radio, TV News and Current Affairs. The reporting, writing and packaging of news for online audiences requires an evaluation and understanding of the digital media world and the module Digital Journalism will equip learners with the skills required to produce news and features in a web context
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 a 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.
Learn more
The emergence of digital media and development of journalism specifically designed for the Internet 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 digital media world.
The purpose of this module is to enable participants to critically evaluate the techniques and skills of an digital 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.
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.
This module aims to enable learners to understand the centrality of storytelling in documentary making. Learners will gain knowledge in creating and planning radio documentaries and the confidence to develop documentary pitches. They will enhance their research expertise and ability to identify reliable sources for different documentary genres, as wel as move from conscious to critical listening. They will also develop the technical skills and sound competence to produce a radio documentary that engages the listener and equips the learner to enter the field of professional radio documentary making; create a storyboard that integrates creativity, technical, editorial and written skills; and demonstrate technical expertise and mastery suitable for professional broadcast.
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. The creation of online data archives by government and statutory agencies has opened up new opportunities and challenges for journalists and this module examines the methods and tools available to journalists to present this data to their audiences. Throughout the module, learners 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.
This module aims to support and facilitate learners in becoming professional journalists, where “professional” means being: trained to work as a journalist in news and current affairs; multi-skilled and technically competent in television and radio news production; and capable of exercising sound judgment in news gathering and broadcasting information . Learners will also develop editorial judgment applicable at every level of television and radio news production and gain advanced knowledge of the essential tools required to enter the field of radio news and current affairs journalism.
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.
This module is based on current industry practice. Learners are required to develop, research, plan, produce, shoot and edit a 3-5 minute audio visual media production (news / documentary / features programme). This is a collaborative module. As such learners are required to assist each other. However each learner must produce their own individual production. The module’s overall aim is to equip the learners with practical skills to approach the production of factual programming for multiplatform distribution.
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.
In order to be awarded an MA the learner must complete an original and comprehensive dissertation in the area of TV and/or Radio journalism. 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.
Provisional Timetable - Year 1 (Full-time)
Provisional Timetable - Year 1 (Part-time)
Provisional Timetable - Year 2 (Part-time)
A primary degree (2.2) and interview
Applicants can Apply Online Directly
Please note: Our MA in TV and Radio Journalism 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.
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
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
EUR 7,400.00
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.
EUR 8,200.00
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.
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 TV and Radio Journalism, 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 TV and Radio Journalism, 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:
