MSc in Emerging Media

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Dublin City University DCU

Program Overview

The MSc in Emerging Media at Dublin City University is a one-year, NFQ Level 9 master’s that blends contemporary media production, cutting-edge research and critical study of digital and emerging media forms to prepare students for creative and analytical roles in the evolving media landscape. It suits graduates interested in multimedia content creation, digital storytelling, interactive media, and media innovation, equipping them with both practical production skills and theoretical frameworks for understanding media in society.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students develop both practical and conceptual expertise across a range of emerging media formats and technologies. They explore Emerging Media Praxis and Responsive Media, where they engage with contemporary media production techniques and dynamic, interactive design. Through Understanding Social Media and Media Audiences and Consumption, learners gain critical insight into the social, cultural and technological forces shaping digital communication. Modules such as Imaging & Visual Design, Audio & Sonic Design, Moving Image & Video Production and Visual Design provide hands-on experience with creative tools and workflows, while Project Design & Management develops skills for planning and executing professional-level media work. The programme culminates in a Major Project, giving students the opportunity to synthesise these skills into a substantial media production or research-led portfolio piece.

Focus areas

Emerging media production, multimedia design, social media analysis, visual & audio design, interactive storytelling, project management, major project.

Learning outcomes

Apply practical and creative media production skills; analyse media technologies and audiences; design and produce multimedia content; integrate theory with practice in a major independent project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree by Dublin City University’s School of Communications, aligning with roles in media production, digital content strategy, UX/design, interactive storytelling, and emerging media industries.

Reputation (employability rankings):

DCU’s School of Communications is ranked among the top 200 communications schools in the world, with strong graduate employment outcomes in media, creative industries, broadcasting, and digital communications.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc in Emerging Media at DCU is designed to immerse you in hands-on creative production from day one. You’ll work in professional studios, experiment with cutting-edge digital tools, and collaborate on group projects that mirror real industry practice. This program doesn’t just teach theory — it equips you with the technical expertise, creative confidence, and collaborative experience needed to thrive in the fast-moving world of digital media.

Here’s how DCU ensures you gain practical skills and industry-level experience:

Media Studio & Production Facilities: Access to DCU’s dedicated Media Studio, Photography Studio, and two Audio Studios, where students practice documentary production, interactive media development, podcasting, and visual storytelling.
Specialist software and labs: Six computer labs with over 55 PCs and 90 Macs, all equipped with industry-standard software for multimedia production. Students train on applications such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, and audio design platforms.
HD video production & television studio: All video production is HD-based from shooting through to editing and final output, supported by a 3-camera HD television studio with green screen and autocue facilities.
Group projects and teamwork: The Major Project requires students to plan and execute a collaborative multimedia project, combining creative production with research-informed practice.
Interactive and responsive media modules: Courses like Responsive Media and Emerging Media Praxis encourage experimentation with new forms of digital storytelling, blending design, coding, and creative practice.
Library and research support: Full access to DCU’s O’Reilly Library, with extensive collections in communications, media studies, and digital culture to support both practical and theoretical work.
School of Communications expertise: Delivered by DCU’s internationally recognised School of Communications, ranked among the top 200 communications schools worldwide (QS 2024), ensuring graduates are trained to global standards.

This program ensures you graduate not only with advanced technical skills but also with the creative portfolio, teamwork experience, and professional confidence to stand out in roles across UX/UI design, multimedia production, and digital storytelling.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Dublin City University's MSc in Emerging Media blends hands-on production with research into digital culture, equipping students to create innovative multimedia content using state-of-the-art facilities. The program covers responsive media, audio/sonic design, visual design, moving image production, and social media analysis, culminating in a team-based Major Project that serves as an industry portfolio piece. Students develop skills in emerging technologies and storytelling for platforms like VR, interactive web, and transmedia campaigns.

Career Opportunities

Graduates secure roles as online visual designers, filmmakers, UX/UI designers, sound designers, interaction designers, animators, creative directors, and transmedia campaign managers in media, broadcasting, and NGOs.
DCU's top-ranked communications school (QS top 200 worldwide) ensures strong employability through practical training and alumni networks in Ireland's creative tech sector.
Typical positions span digital production leadership, content strategy, and media innovation across agencies, startups, and corporations.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates pursue PhD programs in emerging media, digital culture, or HCI at DCU or international universities, leveraging the research-informed Major Project. The program's focus on practice-based research supports funded doctorates exploring media-society intersections. Interdisciplinary skills qualify candidates for advanced study across Europe's digital media research networks.