MSc Communication and Media

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College Dublin

Program Overview

The MSc in Communication & Media (Code: W440) at University College Dublin is a one-year, NFQ Level 9 master’s that provides an interdisciplinary foundation in media studies, communication theory, digital platforms, and societal influence of media. It suits graduates from any discipline with an interest in exploring media content, audience behaviour, digital communication processes, regulation, power structures, and cultural contexts of media in contemporary society.

Curriculum structure

In the master’s year, students engage with core and elective modules that build critical understanding and practical insight into communication and media. They study Media Theory and Practice and Communication and Society (core concepts) to examine how media content is created, disseminated and interpreted in different cultural and institutional settings. Through Digital and Social Media Analysis, learners explore the impact of digital platforms on communication processes, audience behaviour, and information flows across networks. Modules such as Media, Power & Regulation and Political Economy of Communication deepen students’ ability to critically assess media influence on public discourse, policy and democracy in local and global contexts. The programme includes a Thesis or Media Management Project, allowing students to synthesise theoretical insights with research or practical media work.

Focus areas

Media theory and practice, communication and society, digital & social media analysis, media power & regulation, political economy of communication, thesis/project.

Learning outcomes

Critically analyse contemporary media and communication processes, apply interdisciplinary frameworks to media research and practice, understand digital platform impacts on society, and produce an independent thesis or media project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree by University College Dublin (School of Information & Communication Studies), aligning with careers in media research, digital communications, policy analysis, content strategy, and media management.

Reputation (employability rankings):

UCD is ranked within the top universities globally (e.g., QS World University Rankings ~118th) with strong research output and graduate employability, enhancing opportunities for media and communication graduates.

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

University College Dublin's MSc in Communication & Media (W440) equips students with theoretical and practical expertise to analyze media's societal impact, digital platforms, and communication power dynamics. The interdisciplinary program covers communication theory, media production cultures, research methods, and electives like data journalism or human-computer interaction, culminating in a thesis or media management project. Graduates develop skills for evaluating content creation, digital ethics, and global media policy applicable across industries.

Career Opportunities

Alumni pursue roles in digital media industries, communication regulation, policy analysis, content strategy, and media research in public/private sectors.
Typical positions include media planner, communications specialist, digital strategist, policy advisor, and content manager.
UCD's School of Information and Communication Studies networks facilitate placements through guest lectures and project collaborations.
The program supports careers in media design, management, and international communication, enhanced by Ireland's media hub status.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates advance to PhD programs in communication studies, media theory, or digital culture at UCD or international universities, building on the research thesis. The foundation in theory and methods qualifies candidates for funded doctorates exploring media-power intersections. Strong analytical training supports doctoral research across global communication networks.