| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA in Social Media Communications at DCU critically examines the history, impact, and uses of social media in various spheres of life. It aims to foster critical reflection, understanding, and strategic mobilization of social media practices. The program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving social media landscape effectively, preparing them for careers in content management, social media analysis, and digital marketing.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Introduction:
The MA in Social Media Communications critically examines the history, operation, impact, functions, use, and embeddedness of social media in all spheres of life. It seeks to foster a critical reflection on social media, understand their uses, and analyze and strategically mobilize them.
Program Aims:
- Introduce students to theories, critical concepts, and methods relating to social media.
- Investigate and relate institutional, technical, and social factors shaping social media practices.
- Critically examine social media practices by various actors, including politicians, businesses, journalists, and publics.
- Analyze the impact of social media on political, social-cultural, and economic life.
- Enable students to develop effective social media communicative strategies. Please refer to the program's official website or contact the program director for the most up-to-date course structure.
Program Content:
- History and development of social media
- Social media theory and concepts
- Social media research methods
- Social media analytics
- Social media strategy and planning
- Social media content creation and management
- Social media and public relations
- Social media and marketing
- Social media and politics
- Social media and law
- Ethics and social responsibility in social media Please refer to the program's official website or contact the program director for details on assessment criteria.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Group work
- Individual projects
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics with expertise in social media research and practice.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to social media. Students are encouraged to develop their own critical perspectives on social media and to engage in active learning and discussion.
Careers:
Potential Careers:
- Content Manager
- Social Media Specialist
- Digital Media Supervisor
- Engagement Coordinator
- Social Media Analyst
- Online Community Manager
- Public Relations Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager
Other:
School of Communications:
The program is offered by the DCU School of Communications, which has been ranked among the top 200 communications schools internationally. The School has a strong track record of teaching and research in media communications and enjoys close relationships with media organizations throughout Ireland.
Relevance to Current Landscape:
The program addresses the rapid changes brought about by social media and their increasing relevance in contemporary society. It equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and navigate the social media landscape effectively.
Application Information:
- Applicants must have 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.
- International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate competency in the English language.
Fees:
- Full-time EU: €7,700
- Full-time non-EU: €16,500
- Part-time EU: €4,200 per annum
- Part-time non-EU: €8,100 per annum
Application Deadlines:
- Non-EU applicants: 1st July 2024
- EU applicants: 31st July 2024
Contact Information:
- Email: tanya.lokot@dcu.ie
- Phone: +353 (0) 1 700 8595
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Full time EU Status Fee €7,700 Non EU Fee. €16,500 Part time EU Status Fee Part-time €4,200 Per Annum Non EU Fee Part time €8,100 Per Annum
Dublin City University (DCU)
Overview:
Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading young university in Ireland, committed to transforming lives and societies through education, research, and innovation. It focuses on delivering real impact and addressing global challenges in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
Services Offered:
DCU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student Advice and Learning Skills Centre (SAL) provides guidance on academic matters, learning skills, and international student support.Student Support & Development:
Counselling & Personal Development, Student Health Service, Financial Assistance Service, Chaplaincy, House of Accessibility, and Disability & Learning Support Service.Career Services:
Careers Service assists students with career planning, job searching, and internship opportunities.Student Life:
DCU Students Union provides a platform for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.Accommodation:
DCU Accommodation offers on-campus housing options for students.Research:
DCU is renowned for its research activities, with dedicated offices and institutes focusing on various fields.Global Engagement:
DCU Global promotes international collaborations and opportunities for students and staff.Student Life and Campus Experience:
DCU offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student body representing 135 nationalities. Students can participate in various clubs and societies, engage in social events, and enjoy the facilities of the campus, including The Helix, a performing arts venue.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Graduate Employment Rate:
DCU is ranked #1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate and #23 globally.World-Class Research:
DCU is recognized for its cutting-edge research, contributing to positive societal transformation.INTRA Work Placement:
80% of DCU courses offer INTRA, providing paid, relevant work experience or work placement opportunities.Diverse and Inclusive Campus:
DCU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.Strong Academic Programs:
DCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties.Academic Programs:
DCU has six faculties:
- DCU Business School
- DCU Institute of Education
- Faculty of Engineering & Computing
- Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
- Faculty of Science & Health
- DCU Connected
Each faculty offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with strengths in areas like business, education, engineering, humanities, social sciences, science, and health.
Other:
DCU has three academic campuses:
- St. Patrick's Campus
- Glasnevin Campus
- All Hallows Campus
The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent: This means the applicant should have completed a bachelor's degree with at least a 2:2 (second class honours, second division) classification, or a recognized equivalent qualification.
- Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered: This includes individuals who have relevant professional experience and/or qualifications that demonstrate their ability to succeed in the program, even if they do not have a formal degree.
Non-EU International Students:
- A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent: The same requirement as for EU students.
- Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered: Same as for EU students.
- International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language: This means that non-native English speakers need to provide evidence of their English proficiency by achieving the required score on a recognized English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE.
- 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.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Non-native English speakers
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with a minimum of 20 in each section.
- CAE: Overall grade C.
Note:
Other equivalent English language proficiency tests may be accepted, please contact the School for further details.
Other Requirements:
- Personal statement: A 500-750 word statement outlining your reasons for wanting to study the program, your relevant experience and qualifications, and the impact you expect the program to have on your future career.
- Academic transcripts: Official transcripts for each year of your studies, translated into English if necessary.
Application Deadlines:
- Non-EU applicants: 1st July 2024
- EU applicants: 31st July 2024
Application Queries:
- EU applicant queries: https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
- Non-EU applicant queries: https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Additional Points:
- All applicants should apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
- All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the program.
- The program commences in September 2024.
