MA in Social Media Communications

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 in Social Media Communications addresses these and similar questions that have emerged out of the rise and rise of social media, and their increasing domination of the media and communication field.

The MA in Social Media Studies 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.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for this programme you must hold an honours primary degree or equivalent. Appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may be accepted as equivalent to an honours degree, in accordance with the relevant regulations of the University. Interviews may be held.

Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to submit evidence of an English Language qualification. For more information on entry requirements please consult our website.

Programme Content

The MA modules provide students with up-to-date knowledge of social media processes, and their impact on a variety of areas, with an emphasis on communication and socio-political life. All students are required to take instruction in research methodologies which enables them to collect and analyse data from different social media. Students are required to conduct their own research and write a dissertation on a subject in the area of social media.

Modules taught in this programme include:

• Understanding Social Media
• Communication Theory and New Media
• Research Methods
• Best Practice in Social Media
• Digital Storytelling
• Digital Communication
• Social Media, Journalism and Democracy
• Publication Design
• New Media Literacies
• Media Innovation and Enterprise
• Media Audiences and Consumption

Structure

The MA in Social Media Communications is designed to be completed in one calendar year of full-time study. It consists of two (full-time) taught semesters, followed by a practical project, completed between May and early September.

The next intake for this programme will be September 2017.

DCU offers a number of scholarships to international students each year. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship from DCU you must first apply to and receive an offer for a DCU Masters programme.

Apply online for September 2017 entry at www.pac.ie/dcu using the PAC code DC614