Bachelor of Arts (Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge)

The teaching on this programme takes place in small, intimate groups with individual attention and advice available on a daily basis from tutors and mentors. Formal lectures on aspects of theory and literature are blended with workshops on practical and language skills during which active student participation is encouraged. As well as frequent contact with dedicated University teachers, you will have many opportunities to meet journalists, photographers, film-makers and other media professionals as part of structured talks or guest workshops. You will be given lots of help and encouragement to build your own portfolio of television, radio and journalism work which will become a key asset when you seek employment following graduation. You will also be encouraged to play an active part in college societies such as An Cumann Gaelach, An Cumann Drámaíochta, the Literary and Debating Society, DramSoc and FilmSoc, and to take full advantage of the many seminars, conferences, guest speakers and workshops on offer from time to time in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. 

Year One

First Year modules cover a broad range of topics including an introduction to journalism, digital storytelling in video and audio, basic video shooting and editing, storyboarding and scriptwriting, television presenting , communication skills, critical analysis and the study of key media texts. The academic content includes an examination of the role of the media in society, particularly its function as opinion-formers and shapers; discourses which challenge the traditional role of mainstream media as gatekeepers of information and legitimacy; and the crisis of public broadcasting in contemporary society.

The language and literature modules are focused on enabling students to acquire a high standard of fluency in both spoken and written Irish as a living, contemporary language, while attending to its broader literary and cultural heritage.

First Year modules include: Digital Storytelling; Critical Thinking and Presentation; Irish Language Literature and Culture; Broadcasting Skills; Media Computing Systems; The Language of Communications.

Year Two

In Second Year you will deepen your engagement with journalism and broadcasting, explore various forms of interviewing and research, learn about the importance of the soundscape in digital storytelling, and study the grammar of composition and editing. The academic focus shifts to efforts to contextualise and analyse the broader implications of technological and social change on media and society by situating specific contemporary issues within a larger historical context.

You will broaden and deepen  your study of the literary, cultural and linguistic heritage of the Irish language from the earliest times to contemporary life, including such highlights as the late medieval Irish love poetry in the 'amour courtois' tradition, and the work of contemporary writers such as Máirtín Ó Cadhain and Seán Ó Riordáin.

Second Year modules include: Creative Video Design; Broadcast Journalism; Media Analysis; Irish Language Literature 1200-1900; Modern Literature in Irish; Radio and Television Broadcasting; The History of Irish-Language Media; The Feature Article; Language and Community; The Language of Communication.  

Year Three

During the first semester of Third Year you will be bases at the University's Gaeltacht campus in An Cheathrú Rua at the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht. Here you will have the opportunity to focus on written and spoken Irish, and deepen your understanding of Gaeltacht heritage and dúchas. During the second semester you will work as an intern in a media of public relations organisation, complete a community-based learning project, or study abroad. If you chose the work experience option you will gain invaluable industry experience in  high-quality internships in TG4, RTÉ, Raidió na Gaeltachta, local radio stations, television production companies, public relations firms and other organisations working with the media. These sought-after opportunities will give you a unique insight into the contemporary media world during which you will make invaluable contacts and gain practical, on-the-ground skills that will help you in your future search for employment.

Gaeltacht Semester: Gaeltacht Heritage, Learning in the Community, Irish and Communicative Skills, Career Competencies, Language Accuracy.

Second Semester: Internship in a media or public relations organisation, or a community-based learning project, or study abroad.