| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-02-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA in TV and Radio Journalism equips learners with advanced production skills for careers in the communications industry. Through hands-on experience in industry-standard studios, students develop expertise in video journalism, radio documentary production, and news and current affairs. The program emphasizes critical analysis, collaboration, and the creation of a professional-level portfolio. Graduates are prepared for roles as video producers, radio journalists, editors, and media content creators.
Program Outline
MA in TV and Radio Journalism
Degree Overview:
With six dedicated TV and radio production modules delivered in industry-standard radio and TV studios, learners gain hands-on content production and editing experience.
Objectives:
- Equip learners with the skills and knowledge to conceive, research, produce and present radio and television content to industry standards.
- Develop critical analysis and reflection skills in media production.
- Foster the ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a pressured newsroom environment.
- Build a strong portfolio of professional-level work.
Program Description:
The MA in TV and Radio Journalism is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program consisting of nine taught modules and a dissertation. Learners participate in an average of 18 hours of contact per week, attending lectures, news days, labs, and studio sessions. Additionally, significant self-guided study and practice are required to assimilate the material and complete assessments. Learners complete nine mandatory modules and a dissertation in the full-time program, while the postgraduate diploma in TV and Radio Journalism encompasses the same modules without the dissertation. The program's first semester shares common modules with the MA Journalism program, providing a foundation in the workings of the media industry and developing specific journalism skills. The second semester delves into broadcast journalism specializations like Video Journalism, Radio Documentary Research and Production, and Radio, TV News and Current Affairs. The program also emphasizes the reporting, writing, and packaging of news for online audiences, requiring an understanding of the digital media landscape and the development of relevant skills.
Other:
- The program is recognized by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).
- Griffith College students consistently excel at the Smedia Awards, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for professional success.
Outline:
Five modules are delivered through blended learning for part-time students, enabling them to access lectures and related reading online.
Modules:
- Communications and Audience Theories: Examines media audience engagement and develops critical thinking skills regarding communication paradigms and theories.
- Media Law and Ethics: Equips learners with the fundamental principles of media law for professional practice and avoids legal pitfalls.
- MoJo: Mobile Video Journalism: Develops creative and technical skills for producing factual video content for multiplatform distribution using mobile devices.
- Radio Documentary Research and Production: Enables learners to conceive, research, produce, and present radio documentaries to industry standards.
- Radio News and Current Affairs: Equips learners to work as radio journalists in news and current affairs environments.
- Radio Production: Develops the skills and techniques necessary to excel in various radio production formats, including news, current affairs, sports, and light entertainment.
- Research Methods: Enhances research skills for module assignments and dissertation preparation.
- Sociology of the Media: Analyzes the development of media institutions, practices, and culture in western society and equips learners to critically evaluate media institutions and their relationship with society.
- TV Studio News and Current Affairs: Equips learners with the skills and knowledge to operate in a television studio environment using industry-standard equipment and techniques.
- Video Journalism and Documentary: Develops practical skills for producing factual programming for multiplatform distribution.
- Writing and Editing: News, Features, Content: Equips learners with the skills to identify, plan, research, write, and edit news reports, feature articles, and commercial content for various audiences.
- Dissertation: Learners conduct in-depth research on a specialized topic, demonstrating mastery of relevant concepts and techniques.
Electives:
- Virtual Studio Mastering and Delivery: Familiarizes learners with technical specifications for finishing and broadcasting video projects and experimenting with CGI, chroma-keying, and motion-based graphics.
- Online Media: Creation, Curation: Develops the skills and knowledge for repurposing existing content for online audiences and mastering online journalism tools.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
- Essays and written assignments
- Presentations and group projects
- Examinations
- Practical exercises and production work
- Critical analysis and reflection
Assessment criteria focus on:
- Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Practical application of skills and techniques
- Communication and presentation skills
- Originality and creativity
Teaching:
The program utilizes state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- Industry-standard radio and TV studios
- On-campus radio station
- Four photographic studios
- Three darkrooms
- TV and Video Studio
- Sound Engineering Studio
Faculty:
The program is led by Program Director, Barry Finnegan, a journalism and media communications expert with extensive industry experience. The teaching team comprises additional experienced professionals and academics with expertise in various media fields.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA in TV and Radio Journalism are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a range of careers in the communications industry, including:
- Video Producer
- Radio Journalist/Researcher
- Editorial Assistant
- Content and Community Manager
- Social Media Coordinator
- Journalist
- Editor
- Media content creator
- Researcher
- Video producer
- Radio production manager
Other:
- The program is recognized by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).
- Griffith College students consistently excel at the Smedia Awards, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for professional success.
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.
Tuition Fees
Irish/EU citizen, living in Ireland Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin: EUR 8,000.00 Study Mode: Part-Time Dublin: EUR 8,000.00 Irish/EU citizen, living abroad Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin: EUR 9,000. International Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section. Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards. A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only. Flexible payment options Sponsorship Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 Email: accounts@griffith.ie 2% Learner Protection Charge 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. QQI Award Fee Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses.
