MA Journalism (incorporating MAJ, Sport)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Limerick

Program Overview

The MA in Journalism & Digital Communication at University of Limerick is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) postgraduate programme that trains students in multimedia journalism, digital storytelling and professional communication across broadcast, print, and online platforms. It suits graduates interested in careers in journalism, media production, communications, PR and content creation who want hands-on newsroom experience and industry-focused skills.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students build practical and critical expertise across core journalism and media disciplines. They begin with Journalistic Writing for News (JM5011) and Critical Issues and Ethics (JM6021) to master reporting techniques and ethical frameworks essential to responsible journalism. Through Introduction to Radio Journalism (JM4013) and Media Law (JM5021), learners gain technical broadcast skills and an understanding of the legal environment for media production. In the spring semester, Advanced Journalistic Writing (JM5012) and Broadcasting & Multimedia Journalism (JM5082) refine students’ ability to create polished multimedia content, while Media Professionalisation (JM6031) develops professional competencies for industry work. The programme culminates in a Supervised Dissertation Project (JM6000/JM6010) where students apply their skills to a major research or professional journalism piece that integrates storytelling, analysis, and practice.

Focus areas

Multimedia journalism, ethical reporting, broadcast & radio journalism, media law, advanced journalistic writing, professional media production, dissertation project.

Learning outcomes

Produce high-quality multimedia journalism, apply ethical and legal standards in media, communicate complex stories across platforms, and complete a substantial professional or research-oriented dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree by University of Limerick, preparing graduates for roles in journalism, communications, media analysis, broadcasting, and public relations.

Reputation (employability rankings):

University of Limerick is recognised internationally, with a strong reputation for practical, industry-engaged postgraduate education in media, arts and humanities that supports graduate employability in journalism and media sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

MA in Journalism and Digital Communication develops practical skills through hands-on projects in a dedicated campus newsroom, industry workshops, and a unique community publication. The program's facilities and tools are centered on this applied, newsroom-simulated environment. This experiential learning approach is implemented through several key components:

Dedicated Newsroom Facility: The program is delivered on-campus in a dedicated newsroom. This space is used for the program's signature "live news day" and other projects that replicate the fast-paced environment of professional journalism.
Professional Portfolio & Publication Platform: Students build a real-world portfolio of work by producing multimedia content for TV, radio, social media, and newspaper projects. A core platform for this is Limerick Voice, the program's own community publication, where student work is published.
Hands-On Workshops with Industry Experts: The program includes a Media Professionalisation module which consists of a series of workshops led by industry experts. These cover skills like political coverage, social monitoring, and investigative journalism, providing direct networking opportunities.
Dissertation with a Practical Option: While a traditional academic dissertation is an option, students can choose to complete a professional journalism project for their final supervised dissertation. This allows for the creation of a major, in-depth piece of professional work.
Specialized Learning Pathways: Students choose between a News Pathway or a Sports Pathway. The Sports Pathway, developed with sports media professionals, is the first of its kind in Ireland and provides specialized training in sports communication and writing.
Access to University Resources: Course materials are available online through the UL Glucksman Library. The program's focus is on professional skills, so while specific software isn't listed, the curriculum emphasizes industry-standard tools for multimedia storytelling, broadcasting, and digital production.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University of Limerick's MA in Journalism and Digital Communication provides cutting-edge multimedia training for careers across broadcast, print, online, and social platforms, emphasizing practical skills in reporting, editing, and digital storytelling. Students produce radio reports, TV bulletins, and digital content through hands-on projects like the award-winning Limerick Voice, while studying media law, ethics, and industry trends. Graduates emerge with professional portfolios ready for Ireland's evolving media landscape.

Career Opportunities

Alumni secure roles as multimedia reporters, broadcasters, editors, social media specialists, and PR professionals at national outlets, regional stations, and digital agencies.
Typical positions include TV journalist, digital content creator, corporate communicator, and magazine editor, with strong employability through UL's industry networks.
Opportunities span sports journalism, entertainment sites, local radio, and public relations, supported by guest lectures from media professionals.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates pursue PhD programs in journalism, media studies, or digital communication at UL or international universities, leveraging dissertation research. The program foundation supports advanced study in technical communication, politics, or public administration. Practical expertise qualifies candidates for funded doctorates in multimedia ethics and digital media innovation.