4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BA (Hons) New Media Studies at the Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT), Dún Laoghaire, is a creative and practical degree that blends media production skills with a critical understanding of digital culture — perfect for storytellers, content creators, and aspiring media professionals. This four‑year honours degree teaches you how to create videos, documentaries, podcasts, and digital content while exploring media theory and communication in the digital age.
Curriculum structure
Year 1: In the first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in media production and theory, developing practical skills in Media Production 1, Digital Content Creation, and Screenwriting, while exploring Introduction to Media Studies and Film Studies to understand how media works across formats. This year is about discovering your creative voice and getting hands‑on experience with camera, sound, and editing tools as you start telling stories for digital platforms.
Year 2: The second year broadens your skills into journalism and narrative practice with modules like Newswriting and Narrative Practice, alongside Documentary Studies and Interactive Media. You’ll deepen your understanding of global media industries and explore how culture and media intersect, preparing you for more advanced creative work.
Year 3: In the third year, you’ll take Media Production 3 and Media Platforms: News Formats to sharpen your practical craft and understanding of contemporary formats. You’ll also have the chance to complete a 20‑week industry placement or study abroad through the Erasmus Programme, gaining real‑world experience and an international perspective.
Year 4: The final year focuses on specialisation and professional readiness, with modules such as Journalism, Social Media, and Media Law underpinning your advanced projects. You’ll produce a substantial Major Project portfolio that showcases your creative identity and prepares you for work or postgraduate study.
Focus areas:
Media production, digital storytelling, journalism, screenwriting, social media, documentary practice, media theory, and cultural studies.
Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to create compelling media content across platforms, think critically about media’s role in society, manage digital communication projects, and present professional‑level portfolios for employment or further study.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This BA (Hons) is an NFQ Level 8 honours degree awarded by IADT, recognised in Ireland and internationally as a strong qualification for media and creative industries.
Reputation (employability rankings):
While specific rankings are not listed for this programme, IADT’s National Film School and media programmes have a strong reputation in Ireland for producing industry‑ready graduates and fostering connections with media employers.
At IADT, you won’t just learn about media — you’ll do it. From day one, New Media Studies students get hands‑on experience using industry-standard tools such as digital cameras, sound recording equipment, and the Adobe suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere, to create real media content. You’ll work in professional TV and radio studios, edit multimedia projects in modern editing suites, and develop content across video, podcasts, social media, and journalism, building the confidence and portfolio needed for a career in media. In your third year, you’ll step directly into the world of work with a long-term industry placement or have the option to study abroad, so your learning extends beyond campus and into professional environments:
Work with professional cameras, audio equipment, radio and television studios as part of production modules, taking media projects from concept to completion.
Develop practical digital skills with industry software like Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, and Illustrator, integrating them into real projects and assessments.
Undertake a structured 20-week work placement in media organisations in Ireland or abroad to apply your skills and grow your professional network.
Study abroad through IADT’s Erasmus partnerships, bringing global media perspectives into your creative practice.
Learn in IADT’s professional media environment with access to spacious studios, high-end editing labs, and specialised media facilities.
Graduates of the New Media Studies degree go on to build exciting careers across the digital and media landscape, stepping into roles in media production, broadcasting, journalism, content creation, and social media management. Typical jobs include media producer, digital content creator, social media manager, and broadcast journalist — many alumni also use their creative portfolios to secure work with leading media organisations or freelance opportunities.
IADT’s Careers Advisory Service provides personalised guidance, helping you refine your CV and portfolio, prepare for interviews, attend employer-led events, and make valuable industry connections throughout your studies.
A high proportion of graduates from this programme are employed or in further study after finishing their degree, with many working in media, broadcasting, production, and social media roles.
Work placements and long-term industry engagement are built into the programme, giving you real workplace experience and the chance to form professional connections before graduation.
The degree is an NFQ Level 8 honours qualification recognised in Ireland and internationally, giving your credentials lasting value whether you work locally or abroad.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this honours degree, many students choose to continue their studies to deepen their expertise and explore specialised opportunities. Graduates have gone on to Masters-level programmes in areas such as media studies, film and documentary production, scriptwriting, archive studies, and related fields, opening pathways into research, teaching, or advanced creative practice.



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