Program Overview

MA in Social Media Communications

Course Details

• Course Code: DC614
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• NFQ Level: 9
• Delivery Modes: Full-Time, Part-Time
• Duration: (FT - 1 Year), (PT - 2 years)
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• Email: [insert email]

Overview

This MA programme examines the complex impact of social media and the internet in areas as diverse as business, politics and culture. Such knowledge is vital as digital media have become central to communication and information ecosystems, as well as our everyday existence.

The MA in Social Media Communications addresses the way in which social media and connected technologies pervade all aspects of our personal lives, habits and identities, the way in which we relate to and coexist with other people, and the way in which we work and do business. It also reflects on the power hierarchies and tensions that result from the ongoing engagement with these networks by politicians, journalists, platform owners and the public.

Why DCU

• 93% of FHSS graduates are in work or further study 6 months to a year after graduation, including 75% in employment and 18% in further studies.
• DCU’s School of Communications has been ranked in the top 150 communications schools internationally.
• The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is DCU’s biggest faculty, taking in 23% of DCU’s student population.

Careers & Further Options

• Graduates of this program can be confident of job opportunities and employment in various media-related sectors or communication roles in other industries.
• They can also expand their career prospects in their current field.
• This program is valuable for individuals wanting to update their skills, specialise in the field of communication, or transition into more socially and communicatively focused roles.
• The MA in Social Media Communications provides an excellent route for further academic progression and a research-focused career.

Entry Requirements

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent.
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Programme Structure

• Programme Aims
  • To introduce students to theories, critical concepts and methods relating to digital media research.
  • To investigate and relate institutional, technical and social factors shaping social media practices.
  • To critically examine social media practices by a variety of actors, including politicians, businesses, journalists and the general public.
  • To analyse the impact of social media in politics, socio-cultural and economic life.
  • To enable students to develop effective social media research and communication strategies.

Full-time programme

• Semester 1: Core modules
  • Understanding Social Media (10 credits)
  • Social Media, Journalism and Democracy (10 credits)
  • Digital Media Campaigns (5 credits)
  • Research Methods (5 credits)
• Semester 2: Core modules
  • Digital Governance and Online Media Regulation (5 credits)
  • Digital Media Research: Approaches and Methods (10 credits)
  • Data Communication (10 credits)
• Semester 2: Optional modules - students choose one of the following modules
  • Information, Manipulation and Democracy (5 credits)
  • Gender and Sexuality in Digital Culture (5 credits)
  • Media Audiences and Consumption (5 credits)
  • Public Relations: Issues and Principles (5 credits)
• Year Long
  • Dissertation / Major Project (30 credits)

Part-time programme

• YEAR ONE
  • Semester 1: Core modules
    • Understanding Social Media (10 credits)
    • Social Media, Journalism and Democracy (10 credits)
  • Semester 2: Core modules
    • Digital Governance and Online Media Regulation (5 credits)
    • Digital Media Research: Approaches and Methods (10 credits)
  • Semester 2: Optional modules - students choose one of the following modules
    • Information, Manipulation and Democracy (5 credits)
    • Gender and Sexuality in Digital Culture (5 credits)
    • Media Audiences and Consumption (5 credits)
    • Public Relations: Issues and Principles (5 credits)
• YEAR TWO
  • Semester 1: Core modules
    • Digital Media Campaigns (5 credits)
    • Research Methods (5 credits)
  • Semester 2: Core modules
    • Data Communication (10 credits)
  • Year Long
    • Dissertation / Major Project (30 credits)

Fees and Funding

• Fees
  • Full-time: €7,900 (EU), €17,000 (Non-EU)
  • Part-time: €4,300 per annum (EU), €8,300 per annum (Non-EU)

How To Apply

• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
• Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

Life On Campus

• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
• Each campus has a library, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies.
• There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

FAQs

• Is DCU all one campus?
  • No, DCU is a multi-campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses.
• If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
  • Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
• Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
  • Yes, we have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.