Program Overview

Overview of the Interactive Digital Media (M.Sc.) Program

The Interactive Digital Media (M.Sc.) program at Trinity College Dublin is a one-year, full-time course that aims to provide students with a foundation in the theory and practice of creating and developing digital media applications. The program is designed to equip students with the skills required to work in the digital media sector, combining technical and creative skills.

Course Details

• NFQ Level: 9
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Number of Places: 30
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Director: Prof Gareth Young
• Closing Date: 31 July 2025

Admission Requirements

• A 2.1 (60-69%) grade or higher from a reputable university is required.
• Exceptions can be made on the basis of considerable professional and/or creative experience.
• A portfolio showcasing relevant digital media, interactive projects, or creative technology work is required to strengthen applications.
• English Language Requirements: All applicants must meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The full program, comprising 90 ECTS credits, takes one full calendar year to complete and leads to the qualification of M.Sc. in Interactive Digital Media, a Level 9 award under the Irish National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ).

• Formal teaching is divided into two 12-week semesters, running from September to December and then January to April.
• Research proposals are submitted in November and agreed by mid-December, with students then commencing their research project.
• After the research paper and coursework are assessed at the Exam Board in May, students then go on to complete a final project.

Course Content

This program focuses on teaching theory rather than applications. Students are exposed to programming languages and platforms as well as methodologies for the creation, capture, and presentation of text, graphics, audio, and moving images.

• Basic computer science courses are offered for students with no formal background in programming.
• Students with experience in programming are taught specialized programming for interactive digital platforms.
• Core taught modules include:
  • Programming for Digital Media
  • Authoring for Digital Media
  • Contextual Media
  • Audio, Video, and Sensor Technologies
  • Visual Computing and Design
  • Research Paper: Final Project
• Each student must also submit a minor research dissertation paper of 12,000 words, followed by a final project as a collaboration between groups of students.

Career Opportunities

The M.Sc. in Interactive Digital Media enables graduates to work and stay current in the digital media sector. Graduates work in many roles across the digital sector, including design, development, content, analysis, research, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the official Trinity College Dublin website.

Testimonial

Coming from a non-computer science background, I was looking for a way to transition into the tech and media industry, and Interactive Digital Media turned out to be the perfect place for that. I enjoyed the diverse and international cohort, making it truly a one-of-a-kind program. A real highlight for me was the summer project. It was both challenging and rewarding, and a great way to put everything we’d learned over the year into practice.

Augustina Vornehm

Graduate

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