Program Overview

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Journalism (TU985)

Overview

Journalism is the activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines, or news websites, or preparing news for broadcast. This four-year course offers students the opportunity to learn all of the skills needed to work in the media – whether in TV or radio broadcasting, creating content and news online, or producing content for newspapers, magazines, or social media platforms.

Course Details

• TU Code: TU985
• CAO Point Range 2024: 301−529
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Award Type: Major
• Award: Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
• ECTS Credits: 240
• Duration: 4 years
• Number of Places: 40
• Location: Grangegorman

What is Journalism?

Journalism is the activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines, or news websites, or preparing news for broadcast. This four-year course offers students the opportunity to learn all of the skills needed to work in the media – whether in TV or radio broadcasting, creating content and news online, or producing content for newspapers, magazines, or social media platforms.

Course Content

Students will learn to research, write, present courses, report on major events, investigate, report on breaking news, edit copy, produce and edit audio and video, report to camera, and interview across platforms. They will also gain a critical understanding of the role of journalism in a democratic society.

Subjects include:

• News Reporting
• Photo-Journalism
• Digital Media Skills
• Sports, Crime & Science Reporting
• Media Law
• News Production
• Layout & Design
• Broadcast & Online Journalism
• Local News Reporting
• Radio
• TV Presentation

Study Abroad Opportunities

In Year 3, students can study abroad either on Erasmus in Europe or the US, or on exchange courses.

Professional Accreditation

Recognised by the National Union of Journalists.

Work Placement

There is a work placement element to this course.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum Number of Subjects: 6
• Minimum Grade in Maths: N/A
• Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: H4

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: Level 5: 1 OF THE FOLLOWING AWARDS:
  • ETFPX / 5M5158 / 5M18519 Film & Television Production
  • EMPXX / 5M18518 Media Production
  • ERPXX / 5M4511 Radio Production
  • EPJXX Print Journalism
  • 5M2464 Journalism
• Additional Requirements:
  • 5 DISTINCTIONS WHICH MUST INCLUDE 1 OF THE FOLLOWING:
    • G20001 / 5N0690 Communications
    • E20078 / 5N2435 Writing for Journalism
    • E20008 / 5N1298 Media Analysis
    • G20031 / 5N1370 Social Studies
  • AND ANY 2 FROM THE FOLLOWING:
    • E20011 / 5N0757 Photography
    • E20076 / 5N2443 Research Skills for Journalism
    • E20077 / 5N2463 Technical Skills for Journalism
    • E20137 / 5N1379 Radio Programme Production
    • E20149 TV & Video Production
    • E20150 Film Production

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.

English Language Requirements

If English is not the first language, students will need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency as detailed on the university website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 7 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Sample Timetable

A sample timetable for this course is available.

Career Opportunities

• Broadcast Journalist (TV or radio)
• Online Journalist
• Video Journalist
• Sports Journalist
• Radio Presenter
• Radio Researcher
• Documentary-Maker
• Social Media Editor
• Editorial Assistant
• Magazine Editor or Journalist
• Newspaper Journalist
• Production Journalist
• Online Community Manager

Module Listing

• Year One:
  • Explorations in Journalism [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Academic Writing [Mandatory]
  • Introduction To Digital Technology [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Photojournalism [Mandatory]
  • Reporting News 1.1 [Mandatory]
  • Specialisms in Journalism [Mandatory]
• Year Two:
  • Local News Reporting [Mandatory]
  • Television Presentation [Mandatory]
  • Radio Package [Mandatory]
  • Online Journalism 1.1 [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Journalism Studies [Mandatory]
  • News Production [Mandatory]
• Year Three:
  • Journalism in a Globalised World [Mandatory]
  • Media Law [Mandatory]
  • The Liberty 2 [Mandatory]
  • Radio Reporting and Production [Mandatory]
  • Investigative Journalism [Mandatory]
  • Media Policy: national and international dimensions [Mandatory]
• Year Four:
  • Dissertation [Mandatory]
  • Media Management [Mandatory]
  • On-line Journalism [Mandatory]

Advanced Entry

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. To qualify for Advanced Entry, applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area.

Progression

On graduation, students can follow in the footsteps of TU Dublin alumni working in RTE, TV3, leading newspapers such as The Irish Times and The Examiner, Today FM, Newstalk, BBC, ITV, CNN, ESPN, Storyful. Or they may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.