MA in Media Studies (MAMS)

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Mary Immaculate College

Program Overview

The MA in Media Studies (MAMS) at Mary Immaculate College, delivered in collaboration with University of Limerick, is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) NFQ Level 9 master’s that offers advanced interdisciplinary study of contemporary media topics including film, sound, visual culture, and communication theory. It suits graduates who want to deepen their critical understanding of media, advance research skills, and consider media in its social, cultural and historical contexts at a postgraduate level.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students explore a wide selection of media subjects through six taught modules and a major research dissertation or alternative creative submission. They may study Critical Issues in Media Theory, where they engage with key conceptual perspectives on media production, representation and audience cultures, and Mass Media Research Methods to build strong qualitative and quantitative tools for academic analysis. Modules such as Ireland and Film and Television Drama – Industry, Form & Audience enable students to apply theory to specific media forms and histories, while Radio – The Invisible Medium and Sound, Media & Society broaden understanding of audio-centred media practices. Options like Writing for the Screen – Craft and Context and Popular Music Studies let learners tailor their focus to creative or cultural dimensions of media. The programme culminates in a Dissertation (15,000–20,000 words) or equivalent research/creative project that integrates theoretical insight with independent scholarship.

Focus areas (in a string):

Media theory, research methods, film & television analysis, radio & sound studies, media culture, screenwriting studies, popular music studies, dissertation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Critically analyse contemporary media texts and contexts; apply interdisciplinary research methods; understand historical, cultural and social dimensions of media; and complete an independent media research or creative project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master’s degree by Mary Immaculate College in association with University of Limerick, aligning with roles in media research, cultural analysis, content creation, communication strategy, education and further academic study.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Mary Immaculate College is a well-established liberal arts and education institution in Ireland with strong links to University of Limerick; graduates of its postgraduate media programmes are prepared for careers across media, cultural sectors, academia and research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The experiential learning in MA Journalism programs in Ireland is highly practical and industry-focused. Students gain skills primarily through hands-on production work in simulated or real newsroom environments, creating professional content across multiple platforms like audio, video, digital, and print. Key features common to many programs include:

- Core Facilities: Access to dedicated, on-campus TV studios, radio studios, and digital newsrooms equipped with professional-grade broadcast equipment and editing suites.
- Industry-Standard Software: Training and regular use of professional software, primarily the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Premiere Pro for video, Audition for audio, Photoshop for images).
- Major Practical Projects: Completion of substantial, hands-on projects such as producing a podcast episode, a video news story, or multimedia packages, often culminating in a major dissertation or final project that can be a professional journalism piece.
- Live Newsroom Simulation: Participation in live news days or regular newsroom simulations that replicate the fast-paced, deadline-driven environment of professional journalism.
- Real-World Publication Platforms: Opportunities to have work published on student-run or community publications (e.g., Limerick Voice at UL) or through industry-linked platforms.
- Direct Industry Interaction: Regular workshops, masterclasses, and seminars led by current journalists, editors, and media professionals, providing direct networking and learning from experts.
- Professional Portfolio Development: A core focus on building a professional portfolio of published work acros

Progression & Future Opportunities

Mary Immaculate College's MA in Media Studies (MAMS) offers a flexible one-year full-time or two-year part-time NFQ Level 9 program at the Limerick campus, blending advanced study in Film Studies, Audio Studies, and Cultural Studies through face-to-face delivery. Assessment splits evenly between a thesis or film script and six modules, primarily evaluated via essays, with small-group sessions fostering collaborative theoretical and practical learning on Irish and international media case studies. Core streams cover contemporary topics like film analysis, audio production, and cultural impacts across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, supplemented by occasional modules such as News and News Media or Sociolinguistics of Irish Media.

Career Opportunities

Graduates enter media production, journalism, cultural programming, or content creation roles, leveraging practical industry knowledge from researcher-led teaching.
Opportunities span broadcasting, film scripting, audience research, and community media engagement in Ireland's creative sectors.

Further Academic Progression
PhD pathways open in media studies, cultural theory, or film/audio research, building on the thesis component and advanced methodologies.