Program Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Digital Policy from the University College Dublin offers a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of digital policy. Through blended online and face-to-face learning, students explore the social, legal, and governance challenges posed by digital technologies. The program prepares graduates for careers in policy analysis, implementation, advocacy, and consulting, equipping them with the skills necessary to shape responsible and equitable digital policies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Diploma in Digital Policy is a hybrid learning program offered by the School of Information and Communication Studies at University College Dublin (UCD). It is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying digital policy. It delves into the implications of digital technologies for socio-political life, exploring the dilemmas and tensions involved in regulating these technologies. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach, investigating the institutional and public policy dimensions of digital technology, considering the underlying social conditions (economic, political, and cultural) and public/private sector contexts that shape their development and governance.
Outline:
The program is structured around core modules delivered in a blended format, combining online and face-to-face learning.
Autumn Modules:
- Data & Society (IS40840): This module explores the relationship between data and society, examining the social, cultural, and political implications of data collection, analysis, and use.
- Digital Policy (IS40910): This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and issues in digital policy, providing a historical and critical understanding of how to theorize digital objects and environments. It explores perspectives such as platform capitalism, governance, data infrastructures, and information analytics.
- Research Theory and Practice (IS41250): This module equips students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for conducting research in digital policy. It covers research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations.
Spring Modules:
- Digital Policy II (IS40960): This module builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the first semester, delving deeper into specific areas of digital policy, such as cybersecurity, privacy, and online content moderation.
- Media Law & Policy (IS41190): This module examines the legal and regulatory frameworks governing media and communication in the digital age. It explores issues such as freedom of expression, copyright, and media ownership.
- Platform Governance (IS41210): This module focuses on the governance of online platforms, exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with regulating these powerful entities.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online and face-to-face instruction.
Careers:
The Graduate Diploma in Digital Policy prepares graduates for careers in various fields related to digital policy, including:
- Policy Analysis and Research: Graduates can work in government agencies, think tanks, and research institutions, analyzing digital policy issues and developing policy recommendations.
- Policy Implementation: Graduates can work in organizations responsible for implementing digital policies, such as regulatory bodies, technology companies, and non-profit organizations.
- Digital Policy Advocacy: Graduates can work in advocacy groups, promoting digital rights and advocating for responsible digital policy development.
- Digital Policy Consulting: Graduates can work as consultants, providing expertise on digital policy issues to businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations.
Other:
The program features visiting lecturers from various sectors, including academia, government, industry, special interest groups, and civil society organizations. This provides students with diverse perspectives on digital policy issues and exposes them to real-world applications of their studies.
EU fee per year - € 7280 nonEU fee per year - € 7090
Fees are subject to change
