What is Journalism?
Journalism is the production and distribution of writing for news outlets. Students pursuing careers in journalism will study composition, editorial skills, and public relations as key facets of their degree.
What 3rd Level Courses are Available?
- Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Communications – the study of how humans communicate through literary and interpersonal means.
- Sports Journalism – the study of writing journalistic reports specifically for sports and athletic based publications
- Media Production – the study of the creation of film, television, video, or any other digitized media products.
Studying Journalism in College
Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational principles of journalism, including news reporting, researching, and publication.
Depending on the focus of their journalism 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 Journalism 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 journalism.
A bachelor’s degree in media studies is adequate for many careers in journalism. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working in advertising, journalism, or copyediting careers.
Career Options
Graduating from college with a degree in journalism studies will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set. 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 journalism working advertising copywriters and copyeditors, broadcasters and journalists, and as translators.
Other jobs that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for.
Related Jobs Include:
- Advertising Copywriter
- Broadcaster for TV/Radio
- Editor
- Journalist
- Press Officer
- Public Relations Officer
- TV Presenter
- Picture Researcher
- Copyeditor
- Translator
- Writer for TV/Film/Radio
Further Study
An undergraduate degree in journalism studies is often the first step towards further postgraduate study. Postgraduate students will often specialize in a specific type of journalism or analysis, depending on their desired career path after college.
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
- What points do I need to study Journalism?
- 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 Journalism?
- Students interested in careers in journalism 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 Journalism?
- Explore your options here.
Did You Know?
- The oldest surviving newspaper was printed in Amsterdam on December 2, 1620!
- Irish-American journalist Nellie Bly faked mental illness in 1880 to go undercover at a New York mental asylum in an attempt to expose the inhumane conditions at the facility.
- Readership of print newspapers has declined drastically from 63.3 million weekly readers in 1984 to only 28.5 million in 2018!
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