MA Media & International Conflict

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

On this programme, students will develop an understanding of how media interacts with war, conflict and security in international contexts. The course provides an interdisciplinary approach that considers both cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflict. Students will focus on issues such as: public diplomacy and soft power, the role of new media in perceptions of conflict, the production, circulation and reception of imagery of conflict, and the effects of news reporting on government policy and NGO activity.

  • The programme analyses the complex roles played by the media in the presentation of conflict situations and addresses the relationships of the media, government, military, and NGOs in framing perceptions of international conflict. 
  • This is the only graduate programme in Ireland and one of very few in the world that blends together elements of media studies and international affairs to provide an innovative and challenging course of study
  • Students can expect to take modules similar to: Media and US Foreign Policy, New Media and New Conflict, Public Diplomacy, Challenges facing US Foreign Policy. In addtion student will submit a thesis 12,000 - 15,000 words.
  • The programme is available on a full and part time basis.

Careers & Employability

Our graduates progress to a wide range of interesting careers. 
Many of our alumni work in international communication, foreign affairs and Dublin's vibrant tech sector, where a background in the global humanities is particularly valued. Others graduates work in senior positions across a diverse range of industries including the media, Think Tanks, NGOs and advocacy work, whilst some continue on to PhD research.
Recent employers include Microsoft, LinkedIn, Kantar Media, Google, RTÉ, The Washington Marketing Group, Celtrino and the Institute for International & European Affairs. The programme will interest those seeking a career in international communications, professionals seeking more critical understanding of the international dimensions of their industry, and those wishing to prepare for advanced research in this area.

Curricular information is subject to change


Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

The programme will interest those seeking a career in international communications, professionals seeking more critical understanding of the international dimensions of their industry, and those wishing to prepare for advanced research in this area.

This is an academic programme but is also suited to practitioners/professionals in a related field who wish to gain a broader understanding of the cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflicts. We value and therefore encourage our students to be active, motivated, autonomous learners who have a critical and reflective approach to the subject. We aim to provide a learning environment that will encourage students to think critically about the ways in which media interact today with war, conflict, and security in international contexts, both individually and as part of a group. As a result of this approach to learning, the programme uses teaching, learning, and assessment approaches such as seminar discussions, short and longer writing assignments, one-on-one advising, small group activities, presentations, internships, and engagement with practitioners. 

  • Students should be able to communicate in interdisciplinary, academic language about the cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflicts, with special emphasis on contemporary events.
  • Apply knowledge in a variety of professional settings or in the form of further study, including at the doctoral level.
  • Demonstrate an ability to communicate in writing and in public speaking with a variety of specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Develop a sophisticated understanding of how media interacts with war, conflict and security in international contexts.
  • Develop significant expertise in a chosen subject by writing a MA thesis of approximately 12,000 words with an individual supervision from an academic member of staff.
  • Display an understanding of interdisciplinary modes of study.
  • Develop skills that will strenghtn students ability to independently accumulate further knowledge in this or other subjects.

MA Media & International Conflict (Z137) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9100
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MA Media & International Conflict (Z138) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4550
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

  • An upper second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8), or the international equivalent in the subject area  such as the Humanities, Politics, International Relations, Journalism or Media Studies but this is not an exhaustive list. Consideration will be given to students with a lower GPA but they will require an interview (via SKYPE or in person) and maybe asked for additional material
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must normally demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

 

Radwa Khorshid 
MA 2015
Global Programme Manager at LinkedIn Ireland

I always wanted to develop my academic studies in the field of media and international conflict from a western perspective. UCD Clinton Institute has been an ideal place to enhance my knowledge and understanding of media, western politics and international issues. I was thrilled at the quality of education in US and Middle East-related issues available at the Institute and enjoyed developing understanding of both regions. The MA has developed both my research and communication skills, which I regularly utilise in my current role.

  • MA American Politics and Foreign Policy
  • MSc Digital Information Management

The following entry routes are available:

MA Media & International Conflict PT (Z138)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*
MA Media & International Conflict FT (Z137)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised