MA Journalism & International Affairs

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The MA in Journalism & International Affairs (Code Z365) at University College Dublin is a one-year, NFQ Level 9 master’s that combines practical multimedia journalism training with academic insights into global affairs, politics, and communication. It suits graduates who want to work in international journalism, media, communications, public diplomacy, or related sectors where storytelling and global understanding intersect.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students acquire core skills in journalism practice alongside deep contextual knowledge of international affairs. They explore Journalistic Practice & Digital Storytelling, gaining hands-on experience across multimedia formats including video, audio, and online platforms. Through International Affairs & Global Politics, learners develop conceptual frameworks to understand conflict, diplomacy, human rights, and global policy issues. Modules such as Media Law & Ethics and News Production & Reporting reinforce responsible practice in complex media environments. The programme culminates in a Capstone Project or Dissertation, where students produce professional-grade work — from investigative pieces to analytical research — that integrates journalistic techniques with insights on global affairs.

Focus areas

Multimedia journalism, digital storytelling, global politics & international affairs, media law & ethics, news production, capstone project.

Learning outcomes

Produce professional multimedia journalism, analyse international issues within political and social contexts, apply ethical and legal standards to media work, and complete a substantial journalistic or research-oriented capstone project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree by University College Dublin, this MA aligns with careers in journalism, media communications, public affairs, policy analysis, and global communications roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):

UCD is ranked among the world’s leading universities in global rankings (e.g., QS World University Rankings), with its media and communication programmes recognised for quality and strong employability outcomes in journalism and related fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical skills through a unique collaboration between UCD and CNN Academy, combining hands-on production training, live industry seminars, and direct access to professional news platforms. The program is built on co-created content from CNN and leverages e-learning tools for applied learning. This experiential learning is delivered through the following specific components:

Hands-on Production Training: CNN journalists, editors, and producers provide direct, practical training in audio, video, and digital production on campus. Students apply these skills by creating a podcast episode at the end of the first trimester and a video story at the end of the second trimester.
Industry Software & Digital Platforms: The course uses the CNN Academy Hub e-learning platform for weekly modules. Students also have access to CNN's Newsource platform, a professional service for accessing the latest reports and materials from across the CNN global network.
Live Industry Interaction & Case Studies: CNN professionals participate via live interactive seminars. Learning is reinforced by working through recent case studies from actual CNN reports, connecting theory directly to real-world journalism.
Practical Assessment Options: The major research component offers a practical pathway. Students have the option to submit their MA thesis in the format of multiplatform journalism, created with guidance from CNN journalists.
Dedicated Facilities: While specific labs are not listed, the training and production work are conducted at the UCD Clinton Institute, which serves as the dedicated hub for this program.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of University College Dublin's MSc in Data and Business Analytics (Z365) master quantitative analysis and decision-making tools, thriving in Ireland's analytics boom across tech, finance, consulting, and retail sectors. The program delivers 89% employment within six months, with alumni securing roles at Deloitte, Accenture, Google, and AIB through hands-on capstone projects and industry-relevant training in optimization, statistics, and machine learning. Typical job roles include business analyst, data scientist, financial analyst, quantitative analyst, and operations researcher.

Progression & Future Opportunities

UCD Smurfit Careers Network offers CV clinics, analytics recruitment fairs, interview coaching, and employer connections with 200+ firms like IBM and Pfizer.
High demand yields starting salaries €40,000–€65,000, rising to €80,000+ mid-career in Ireland's global tech/finance hub.
Capstone projects with industry partners facilitate internships and direct placements in data-driven roles.
NFQ Level 9 from UCD, a top-ranked business school, ensures premium recognition for leadership in analytics consulting and strategy.
Graduates excel in software/IT, customer analytics, and logistics, aided by Ireland's 24-month post-study work visa.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates pursue PhD programs in business analytics, data science, or operations research at UCD or peers, leveraging advanced coursework and dissertation research. UCD supports doctoral pathways through its analytics research centers focusing on AI-driven business decisions. Strong quantitative skills secure funded PhDs across Europe's business intelligence networks.