School of Communications

MA in Social Media Communications

MA in Social Media Communications
Course Code:
DC614(Full Time) DC642(Part Time)
Course Type:
Postgraduate
NFQ Level:
9
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Part-Time
Duration
(FT - 1 Year), (PT - 2 years)
+353 (0) 1
700 6347

Introduction

How are social media linked to the economy? What role do they play in politics? How different is a life lived in and through social media? This MA addresses these and similar questions that have emerged out of the rise of social media, and their increasing domination of the media and communications field.

The MA in Social Media Communications offers a critical examination of the history, operation, ramifications, functions, use and embeddedness of social media in all spheres of life. It is aimed at people who look for a critical reflection on social media, who wish to understand their uses, and also learn how to analyse and mobilize them strategically.

The emphasis of the course is on a social scientific understanding and analysis of the emergence and functions of social media in a globalized networked society.

The course addresses the way in which social media became involved in and change personal lives, habits and identities, social lives, the way in which we relate to and coexist with other people; the way in which we work and live our everyday lives; and life, which changes as a result of the ongoing engagement with social media by politicians, journalists and publics.

The main idea behind this programme is that social media leave nothing untouched, introducing changes, sometimes subtle sometimes more apparent, that must be mapped, studied and understood. Successful use of social media is premised on a deep understanding of their roles and functions and ability to analyse current and emerging practices and trends.

DCU’s School of Communications has just been ranked in the top 200 communications schools internationally. The only ranked Irish media/communications School in the QS ranking. 

Programme Aims

  • To introduce students to theories, critical concepts and methods relating to social media.
  • To Investigate and relate institutional, technical and social factors shaping social media practices.
  • To critically examine social media practices by a variety of actors, including politicians, businesses, journalists and publics.
  • To analyse the impact of social media in politics, socio-cultural and economic life.
  • To enable students to develop effective social media communicative strategies.
View the current course structure

The DCU School of Communications has been the leading provider of taught courses in media communications in Ireland for almost three decades.

The School pioneered the development of teaching in communications, journalism and multimedia and has developed a considerable knowledge base through original research and collaboration with other universities and networks worldwide.

The School also has excellent working relations with media organisations throughout Ireland, which ensures that our programmes remain relevant and up-to-date.

 

Fees: www.dcu.ie/fees/index.shtml

Graduates of the programme can be confident of finding employment in a variety of media related industries, in communication-related roles in other industries, or of broadening their horizon and prospects in their existing career. The programme will have immediate relevance for those interested in updating their knowledge and skills; for those who seek further specialization in an increasingly important field of communication; and for those looking for a shift in their career towards a more social and communicative role. In addition, the MA in Social Media Communications offers an excellent route for further academic progression.

Potential Careers:

  • Content Manager
  • Social Media Specialist
  • Digital Media Supervisor
  • Engagement Coordinator
  • Social Media Analyst
  • Online Community Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Digital Marketing Manager

Requirements

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the MA in Social Media Communications programme, successful applicants will have - 

  • A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent, 
  • Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
  • International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.  More information about the English language requirements for DCU's School of Communications can be found here.
Qualification
Master of Arts in Social Media Communications

Fees

Full time

EU Status Fee
€7,400
Non EU Fee
€15,000

Part time

EU Status Fee Part-time
€4,000 Per Annum
Non EU Fee Part time
€7,400 Per Annum

Next Steps

Make an Application

To apply for this programme:

  • All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here.  Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
  • Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
  • Provide a personal statement of 500-750 words (maximum) outlining:
      (i)   why you wish to study in the programme;
      (ii)  what aspects of your experience, educational and professional, make you a suitable candidate for the programme;
      (iii) the impact that you expect the programme will have on your future career
  • Please upload a CV under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" section, as well as any additional details of relevant experience (e.g., certificates of completion, reference letters, etc.).
  • Please note: applicants must prepare a tailored Personal Statement for each programme that they apply for. See Writing a Personal Statement Guidelines for advice on how to compose a personal statement.

If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:

  • Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2022.
  • Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2022. 

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Queries

Queries from EU applicants should be directed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie.

Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to international.office@dcu.ie.

Commencement of Programme

The programme commences in September 2022.
https://www.dcu.ie/courses/postgraduate/school-communications/ma-social-media-communications
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