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MA in Media Studies

Note: The 'At a Glance' section below is indicative only.

Available: Full-time/Part-time

Level: 9

Duration: 1 yr FT/2 yrs PT

Location: MIC Limerick/UL

Delivery Mode:

Face-to-face

Assessment:

50% by thesis or film script and 50% by successful completion of 6 modules mostly assessed by essay.

  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • Entry Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question

Programme Overview

The Master's in Media Studies at MIC is an innovative programme that offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of contemporary media topics at an advanced level. These include streams in Film Studies, Audio Studies and Cultural Studies. All courses are taught by experienced researchers with practical knowledge of the industry and the small group sessions facilitate collaborative learning, both theoretical and practical. The programme enables graduate students to develop a deeper understanding of the field and provide the foundations for their own original research and career development.

Key Features

The MA programme is interdisciplinary, drawing on theories and applications from a range of academic fields, including sociology, history, cultural studies, literary theory and linguistics. It seeks to analyse the historical, social and cultural contexts in which the media have been produced; how meaning is generated through the interplay of image, word and sound in media texts; and how the media impact upon their audiences as well as being invested with significance by those audiences.

The programme is jointly offered by Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick. Teaching takes place in daytime on the MIC campus and the modules offered depend on student choices and the availability of lecturers in any given semester. The one-year MA is delivered over three semesters (but there is an option to complete it part-time over two years). 

The programme familiarises students with current issues and developments in Irish and international mass media and mass media theory, situating the analysis of Irish media within the context of post-Independence Irish society, culture and identity. Students develop the ablility to analyse structures, trends and developments in the mass media and to undertake research, using a variety of methodologies, on key aspects of media production, texts and consumption.

Media Studies student sitting in production studio at MIC.
MA in Media Studies
MIC student John Joe speaks about his experience on this master’s programme.
Enhanced Career Opportunities
Enhanced Career Opportunities
MAMS graduates (pictured here with Department staff & a PhD graduate) can pursue many paths in media

Career Opportunities

The programme also aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to advance to doctoral degree studies and to enhance career opportunities in the media industry and other professional fields.

All students undertake six taught modules, split over two semesters (full-time) or four semesters (part-time), and the focus of the final, summer semester is upon individual research and dissertation preparation. Students complete a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words on an approved topic.

While the course is mostly theory driven, some modules offer tuition in and assessment based on production. For example, some students learn to make a radio documentary and to master multi-track sound editing. The option to complete the Master's by writing a full film script rather than a traditional dissertation has proven popular in the past, particularly with those coming from an industry background.

The programme’s teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, presentations by guest lecturers, individual consultation with relevant lecturers, guided reading and written assignments.

Contact

Dr Rosemary Day, Programme Coordinator and Head of Department of Media and Communications, Mary Immaculate College

T: +353 61 204327

E: Rosemary.Day@mic.ul.ie

Programme Content

Programme assessment is 50% of grade for a dissertation of 20,000 words (or agreed alternative) and 50% for successful completion of six modules from a wide suite of choices.

Please note: Students who do not undertake a dissertation but complete the six taught modules can graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies.

The following is the full selection of modules that students may draw from, the course team chooses the modules to be offered each year based on students' interests and on institutional resources.

Course Modules
Critical Issues in Media Theory
Mass Media Research Methods
Radio: Invisible Medium
Television Drama: Industry, Form & Audience
Ireland and Film
News and News Media
Researching Irish Media Audiences
Sociolinguistics of Irish Media
Women and Ageing in Popular Culture
Scriptwriting for TV Drama and Film
Music and Sound in Popular Culture
Media, Sport and Popular Culture
Popular Music Studies
Sound, Media & Society
Community Media Engagement
The Development of Irish Media: A Theoretical Overview

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:

2.2. in relevant degree or media industry experience.

Some flexibility with regards to the scheduling of classes may be possible to facilitate students who are working full-time, so please let us know your needs when you apply.

Click here for English language requirements.

How to Apply

EU Applicants

Applications for September 2023 entry are now closed.

    Non-EU Applicants

    You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:

    E: International@mic.ul.ie or T: +353 61 204988/ +353 61 774790

    • Entry requirements and the application process vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country, click here.
    • Please complete your application through PAC.
    • You will be required to upload your university transcripts
    • In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) is required
    • The  application fee is €50 and is non-refundable

    Transferring from another 3rd Level Institution

    The transfer route into MIC depends on the content overlap of your new and old course and the number of places on the new course in the year you apply. Before submitting an application you should contact international@mic.ul.ie where we will consider your case with the relevant Head of Department of the course you wish to transfer to.

    EU/Non-EU Status Assessments

    The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at MIC, i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third-level studies and would qualify for EU fees for example. 

    Click here for more information on EU/Non-EU assessments which will be conducted by MIC International office to determine status.

    Fees

    For Postgraduate Fees click here.

    US Students please note that you can apply for Federal Aid.

    Contact
    Contact
    Non-EU Applicants:
    +353 61 204988 / +353 61 774787

    Ask a Question

    • Programme Overview
    • Programme Content
    • Entry Requirements
    • How to Apply
    • Ask a Question