Dublin City University Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath

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1 Dublin City University Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath DCU SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS Postgraduate Study 2008

2 Graduates of the masters programmes in DCU School of Communications help our society tell its stories. Some are the editors, producers and directors who select those stories. Others are the reporters, screen-writers, researchers, publicists and designers who shape them. In over 25 years of graduate education, the School of Communications has set the trends for others to follow. Every one of the postgraduate taught programmes at the DCU School of Communications is a pioneer in its field. Every one has been subject to continuous review in the light of changing social and technological circumstances. The quality of these programmes is assured by the high calibre and extensive academic and professional record of its staff. The school s staff has an aggregate of over 100 years of professional experience in the media, and over 400 years of experience in higher education. They include authors of key texts in media studies, practice, policy and history. Many have been leading participants in international research networks and projects. Several of our programmes are available in both full-time and part-time mode, and some have their lectures and seminars timetabled only for late afternoon and evening to facilitate those at work. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The general entry requirement is that students hold a second-class honours degree or better, but some programmes recognise professional experience as an equivalent. As entry to several of the programmes is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to indicate second preferences on their application forms to give themselves a better chance of securing a place in the School. Interviews are held during June. HOW TO APPLY For all of the taught Masters programmes outlined here, apply through the Postgraduate Applications Centre, The closing dates for application are indicated on that web site and on the relevant pages of the School of Communications web site, where there is also more information on the structure and content of the courses outlined here. All information regarding fees is available at Specific questions regarding admission should be directed to the DCU Registry at (01) or registry@dcu.ie Programme board chairs, whose names are given here, can provide additional factual information about the programmes and the application process. However, canvassing for places on these programmes will disqualify.

3 MA IN FILM AND TELEVISION STUDIES The MA in Film and Television Studies looks at contemporary film and television both as artistic and cultural forms and as industrial commodities. As a student on the programme you will examine various cultural and social perspectives on US, European and Irish film and television production and explore the institutional practices and policies which shape practice in audiovisual production, distribution and exhibition. You will also consider the place of film and television in the wider context of the constantly changing audiovisual and communications industries. The course will facilitate your in-depth study of Irish cinema and television from historical, cultural and other perspectives, help you evaluate images of Ireland on screen and arm you with the intellectual tools needed to understand the needs and demands of the Irish film and television industries. The course will also help you develop an understanding of how the Irish audiovisual sector is situated in an international context, by analysing audiovisual policy in Europe and its impact on Ireland, and by making cross-cultural comparisons of 'national cinema' in other European, postcolonial and developing nations with the dominant models emerging from the Hollywood-based audiovisual industry. You can take this Masters programme full-time over one year or part-time over two years. Subjects include: Ireland and National Cinema; Film and Television Audiences; Film and Television Finance; Digital Video and Audio Production; Documentary in Film and Television; Screenwriting. Graduates of this Masters programme are working in many different capacities in film and television and related sectors. Further information is available from: Dr Roddy Flynn, tel: (01) ; roderick.flynn@dcu.ie MA IN JOURNALISM The MA in Journalism is widely recognised as the premier formal qualification in journalism in Ireland. Graduates of this programme include senior editors, correspondents, reporters and producers across Ireland s print and broadcast media. As a student on this programme you will undertake practical and technical training and you will engage with theories and analyses of the media and of the role of journalism. The balance of these elements reflects the changing environment of the media industries and the increasingly diverse demands being made on entrants to journalism. The course content is continuously reviewed, taking into account current research in the practice of journalism and the experience of students and employers in the work placement that forms part of the programme. You will acquire core competencies in journalism and be prepared to be adaptable to various work practices and assignments. All students acquire some training and experience in both print and broadcast modes of journalism. A distinctive feature of the programme is the Newsday module, pioneered at DCU, in which students perform a real-time news reporting and production exercise for simulated print and broadcast outlets. Other subjects include: News Reporting; Radio Journalism; Feature Writing; Online Journalism; Publication Design; Media Law and Ethics; Media and Conflict. Further information is available from: John O Sullivan, tel: (01) ; john.osullivan@dcu.ie

4 MSC IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION This programme is unique in Ireland and is an internationally recognized pioneer in a new and growing discipline. In studying science communication with us you examine how complex and uncertain information is communicated between various social groups such as research scientists and policy-makers, healthcare practitioners and patient groups, science writers and broadcasters and the general public. You also consider critically the many cultural, ethical and social implications of science s growing role in society. We look at natural sciences in a broad perspective, but, reflecting the increasing concern with individual and public health and the especially acute ethical issues raised by developments in biological sciences, give some emphasis to these disciplines. You are welcome on the programme if you come from a background in natural sciences, humanities or social sciences. Staff contributing to the programme include natural scientists conducting leading-edge research, healthcare educators, and analysts and practitioners of media communication. We aim to take all students beyond the confines of their particular disciplines to reflect on how the natural and medical sciences, on the one hand, and the humanities and social sciences, on the other hand, all contribute to the total cultural fabric. The programme is not primarily concerned with training in technical communications skills, though it does include some practical modules. You can take this programme in full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) mode. Subjects include: Science and Society; Issues in Contemporary Health Sciences; Science in the Media; Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives on Science; Health Promotion; Journalism Skills; Presentation Skills. The lectures and seminars are timetabled, as far as practicable, Monday-Wednesday, 4pm-6pm and 6.30pm-9pm. On the basis of our graduates experience, you can expect to find employment, with this qualification, in science PR and information services, science awareness and promotion programmes, science or medical journalism, research administration and support, informal science education in science centres, and other related activities, or to go onto further study, for example, in education or research. Further information is available from: Brian Trench, tel: (01) ; brian.trench@dcu.ie

5 NEW FROM 2008 MA IN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION MA IN INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM STUDIES These programmes draw on the expertise and experience of the School of Communications academic staff in communication theory, media studies and journalism education as they relate to international developments. Their introduction reflects the growing involvement of the school in international projects and programmes, and the increasing interest in international and comparative studies among communication scholars generally. As a student on the MA in International Communication you will explore current developments in media institutions, values and practices, with particular reference to globalisation influences and tendencies, and analyse the role of media in communication between cultures, in conflict, in world development, and in an evolving Europe. This programme is targeted at: Irish media professionals wishing to explore the intellectual and political bases of contemporary media practices; international students who are native English speakers or with high levels of English proficiency, who have primary degrees in journalism or mass communication or a related area, and an active interest in international affairs; and graduates, principally from humanities and social sciences, wishing to deepen their understanding of the media s role in international society As a student on the MA in International Journalism Studies you will reflect on the roles and responsibilities of journalism in international contexts, analyse how journalism performs in communication between cultures, in conflict, and in world development, and will be given a structured context for international study and working experience. This programme is targeted mainly at journalism graduates wishing to deepen their understanding of the media s role in international society and develop their capacity to operate professionally in international contexts. Entrants may be recent graduates or may have worked for some years in media practice. The Masters in International Journalism Studies will include a semester (spring) abroad at an exchange-partner university. Entry to this programme will be limited by the number of exchange places available in any given year. During the semester abroad students will take courses in advanced or specialist journalism, and they will compile a portfolio of international journalism reportage. Subjects to be covered in the Masters in International Communication and the Masters in International Journalism Studies (autumn semester) include: Global Communication: theories and issues; Cultures, Identities and Communication; International Media and Development; International Journalism and Europe; Human Rights Journalism. Subjects in the MA in International Communication during the spring semester (semester abroad for MA in International Journalism Studies) include: Media Audiences; Political Economy of the Media; Communication and Information in International Relations; Media and Interculturalism; Poltical Economy of the Media; Media and Conflict; Science in the Media. Lectures and seminars on both programmes will be timetabled, as far as possible, for later afternoon and evening. Further information: Masters in International Communication Prof Paschal Preston, tel ; paschal.preston@dcu.ie Masters in International Journalism Studies Prof Steven Knowlton, tel ; steven.knowlton@dcu.ie

6 MA IN POLITICAL AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The relationships that exist between the media, the diverse publics that use them and political and state institutions, are changing all the time. Raw information and persuasive rhetoric flow through the public sphere, as different groups seek public support for their positions, make cases about the allocation of public resources or influence the outcome of government decisions, at regional, national and international levels. On this Masters programme you will study many, diverse forms of communication initiated by politicians, parties, government, public relations organisations and other political actors, and the strategies they apply in order to achieve specific objectives. We analyse communication addressed to these actors by voters, pressure groups and civil society organisations, and we investigate how news reports, editorials, commentary, television programmes, advertising and other forms of media communicate to the public about activities in the political sphere. The emphasis is on mediated rather than interpersonal communication, though it is recognised that the latter is also highly significant for the political system. The course will be relevant to your needs if you have a strong curiosity about how the political process works in today s media-saturated world and want to deepen your understanding of the social roles of media and public communication. You may have just received your primary degree in an area of the humanities or social sciences, or you may be an experienced applicant from the world of journalism, broadcast production, public service, consultancy, public relations, diplomatic service, teaching, non-governmental organisation, public relations, advertising or marketing. You can take this course in full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) mode. Lectures are timetabled, as far as possible, between 4pm and 9pm. Supervised research in the latter part of the course leads to the completion of a dissertation. The course aims to encourage you to approach political and public communication critically. It lays a particular emphasis on original research and independent study. It will give you a theoretical framework to enable you to understand, evaluate and assess different aspects of the process of communication. Core and optional subjects on this programme include: The Public Sphere; Politics and Media; Presentation Skills; Media and Conflict; Communication Ethics; Research Methods; Political Communication and the Electoral Process; Science in the Media; Journalism Skills; Public Relations: Issues and Principles. Further information is available from: Prof Farrel Corcoran, tel (01) , farrel.corcoran@dcu.ie

7 MSC INMULTIMEDIA The Msc in Multimedia is focused on the authoring and design of digital media ( multimedia ) texts, products or objects. The programme addresses how new digital tools and networks are becoming increasingly pervasive in the production and distribution of all kinds of media genres and information formats, both in the media industries and other sectors, as well as in everyday social and cultural life As a student on the programme, you will acquire professional competencies in authoring and design of digital media content as well as a critical understanding of social and cultural factors which shape the use of digital communication technologies and networks in national and international contexts. The programme enables you to develop your specialist skills in particular media domains in line with your individual interests. This happens, for example, in the choice of specialist roles for team-based project work. The programme caters both for recent graduates and for those with work experience since graduation. Candidates are welcome from a wide variety of backgrounds, including social sciences, cultural studies, and other humanities and creative areas. Subjects include: Multimedia Authoring; Digital Video, Sound and Music; Imaging; Best Practice; Communication Theory and New Media; Screenwriting; Visual Culture; Reaching the Market. Graduates of the programme have been employed in leadership positions in design and consultancy firms. Others have gained employment in areas such as e-learning, graphic design, media production and programming. Some have established their own media companies while yet others have become lecturers, educators and trainers. Further information is available from: Dr Tom Lawrence, tel: (01) ; mmmchair@dcu.ie

8 RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES The School of Communications has a major role in media research in Ireland and participates, through individual members of staff and groups, in international research. The school has graduate research students working on Masters and PhD projects in a wide range of topics in communications. The areas of particular interest to the School are: > digital media and information society > media history, policy and structures > analysis and critique of media content (including film) > communications across cultures > journalism and conflict in Ireland > the society and science/technology interface Further indications of School staff s research interests and biographies can be found on the School web site. Among the recent publications by members of staff are books on media studies in Ireland, on RTE in global contexts, on cultural change in Ireland, on RTE drama, on images of utopia in Hollywood films, on innovation in digital media, science communication, and many more. These staff members and others also supervise graduate researchers. Prospective applicants for MA by research or PhD should send a two-page outline of their proposed topic and approach to the School s research convenor, Dr Miriam Judge, miriam.judge@dcu.ie The School is continuously pursuing funding opportunities for projects that may provide studentships or employment for graduate researchers. The information given in this publication is intended as a guide to interested applicants to Dublin City University. The University reserves the right to revise, amend, alter or delete programmes of study and academic regulations at any time.