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BA MEDIA STUDIES

Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH109

CAO Points : 377

Closing Date : 01 July 2024

View QQI details

On the BA Media Studies, you will combine creative and practical storytelling with the development of your critical understanding of media, a vital skill since media industries are constantly expanding with new platforms emerging each year and new issues materialising like fake news.

  • You will get to research and analyse media cultures, genres and industries as well as the role of media in society and politics, and then you’ll apply this in your practice of media design and production and interactive storytelling.
  • You will develop your employability and professionalism through your exploration of media and cultural industries and working lives.
  • Media Studies can be combined with Computer Science to develop a broad expertise in Media Technologies.

Why choose this degree?

  • To gain practical experience through hands-on instruction in creative media practice.
  • To learn about the impact of a range of media forms in society, culture and politics.
  • To broaden your educational experience by studying Media Studies along with Arts subjects (such as languages, business, social sciences, computer science).

Duration: 3 years or 4 years (with Erasmus/study abroad option)

You will engage in TV production, interactive storytelling and the study of media theories. You’ll also be able to choose specialist topics such as TV studio production, mobile journalism, scriptwriting, advertising, media and gender and media and politics among others.

You will get to choose what capstone project you do: short film  production or digital team project. You’ll  also develop your  employability by engaging in professional development modules that help you prepare for the working world. And you can take a number of specialist modules like live radio, global cinema, media law, podcasting and authorship in film and TV among others

1st year

  • 30 credits of Media Studies theory and practice modules
  • Choose up to 2 Bachelor of Arts subjects (or Critical Skills) from BA groups 1-5 (max 1 per group). The only compatible double subject is Mathematics (Pure).  See BA groups table.

2nd & 3rd year

  • Media Studies as a Double Major or Major/Minor with 1 of your 1st year subjects
  • Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year

Students may apply to study overseas after 2nd year (on Erasmus or Study Abroad) and graduate with a BA (International) after 4 years. See the International Studies website for details.

Media and Cultural Studies is available as a subject in the MH101 Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Course Duration: 3 years (BA) or 4 years (BA International)

Graduates emerge with a range of practical, critical and transferable skills that enhance their employability in areas including: film, television and radio production; web and graphic design; content creation; social media; marketing, PR and communications; media research; IT.

Our graduates have taken up positions at RTÉ, Virgin Media, BBC One, Cartoon Saloon, Brown Bag Films, Microsoft, Accenture, BBDO, Version1. In addition, graduates have become independent creative professionals in web-design, film-making and content creation.

Postgraduate options currently include:

MA in Critical and Creative Media, MA in Sociology: Internet and Society, MLitt and PhD research degrees.

Visit the Graduate Studies website for more information about postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes N/A H5
Language Yes O6 H7
Math No N/A N/A
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants 

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2024 to the Access Office. 

Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline. 

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2024

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants 

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish & 3rd language & H5 English required. MH109 Round 1 Points 2023: 377

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

APPLY TO THE CAO

WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
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