What is Media Studies?
Media Studies is the study of the content, history, and effect of media. Students pursuing careers in Media Studies will study the creation and distribution and effect of content through film, animation, and other mediums.
What 3rd Level Courses are Available?
- Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Creative Media Studies – the study of digital design, and technological and programming skills.
- Digital Culture & Communication – the study of human communication via the internet and growing digital cultures.
- Media Studies – the study of the content, history, and effects of mass media.
Studying Media Studies in College
Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational principles of Media Studies, including content creation, production, and distribution.
Depending on the focus of their Media Studies, students will likely move from exam-based modules to more hands-on production modules. Most media studies courses will combine lectures, exams, production projects, and written practical work as benchmark assessments for students.
Most undergraduate Media Studies courses in Ireland run for three or four years. In some cases universities will facilitate work or internship experience as a facet of their program.
It is common that all media-based courses will require students to complete long-term research or production projects including a final Capstone project. This will ensure the completion of a rigorous curriculum and prepare students for postgraduate studies or for their careers in Media Studies.
A bachelor’s degree is adequate for many careers in Media Studies. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working in film and television development, digital design, or content research.
Career Options
Graduating from college with a degree in Media Studies will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set in an increasingly digitized job market. A media degree teaches students how to think both logically and creatively as well as equipping them with invaluable production and communication skills.
Many recent graduates have entered into ‘entry-level’ careers in Media Studies working as film and television developers, digital designers and animators, and as social media managers.
Other jobs that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for.
Related Jobs Include:
- Website Designer
- Video Producer / Animator
- Broadcaster
- Film and Television Developer
- Musical Technician
- Market Researcher
- Public Relations Officer
- Presenter for TV/Radio
- Creative Content Manager
- Digital Marketing Executive
Further Study
An undergraduate degree in Media Studies studies is often the first step towards further postgraduate study. Postgraduate students will often specialize in their choice of Media Studies format, be it film, television, video games, VR, design, etc.
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
- What points do I need to study Media Studies?
- Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best that you check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, English, Irish or another language.
- Are there any particular qualities you need to study Media Studies?
- Students interested in careers in Media Studies will need to enjoy media and culture as well as have a desire to work creatively in a challenging job market. You will need to be collaborative, innovative, perceptive and curious as well as being able to successfully communicate your own ideas and opinions.
- Where can I study Media Studies?
- Explore your options here.
Did You Know?
- Sometimes post-production on a film can take twice as long as the initial filming!
- On average, over 70% of music consumed in the USA, UK, France, and Germany is now streamed digitally from online platforms and apps!
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