Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)

The Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) at University of Galway is a four-year undergraduate degree that trains students to become professional journalists. The program focuses on practical training, work placements, and a unique course structure that combines journalism with another Arts subject.

Course Overview

The BA Journalism program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the journalism industry. The course covers a range of topics, including:

• Practical training in writing, reporting, and producing multimedia content
• Work placements in media organizations to gain real-world experience
• A strong focus on public interest media and the role of journalism in society
• Opportunities to specialize in areas such as investigative reporting, data journalism, and broadcast journalism

Course Structure

The program is structured over four years, with students taking a combination of core and elective modules. The course includes:

• Year 1: Foundations of journalism, including news writing, media theory, and ethics
• Year 2: Advanced reporting and writing skills, including cross-platform reporting and digital storytelling
• Year 3: Optional work placement or study abroad, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as sports journalism or feature writing
• Year 4: Final-year project, with options to produce a long-form feature, documentary, or investigative report

Unique Features

The BA Journalism program at University of Galway has several unique features, including:

• Learn by doing: Hands-on practical training from day one, with opportunities to write, record, and produce real stories for publication
• Newsroom simulations: Live newsroom environments in final year, where students work together to produce professional-level news content under deadline conditions
• Flexible options: Opportunities to specialize in areas such as sports journalism, data storytelling, or investigative reporting
• Work placement or study abroad: Optional work placement or study abroad in Year 3, with opportunities to gain real-world experience or study journalism in an international context

Careers

Graduates of the BA Journalism program at University of Galway are well-equipped to pursue careers in journalism, broadcasting, and related fields. Career options include:

• News reporter or correspondent
• Feature writer or columnist
• Broadcast journalist (TV or radio)
• Digital content producer or social media editor
• Data journalist or investigative reporter
• Communications officer or press officer

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the BA Journalism program at University of Galway are:

• Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Grades in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, and three other subjects recognized for entry purposes
• Alternative pathways, including QQI/FET/FETAC places, mature student applications, and access and foundation programs

Fees and Funding

The fees for the BA Journalism program at University of Galway are:

• EU tuition fees: 3,098 per year
• Student contribution charge: 2,500 per year
• Non-EU tuition fees: 20,750 per year
• Levy: 140 per year

Scholarships and funding opportunities are available to support students, including the Free Fees Initiative and means-tested SUSI grants.