COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Global Media at University of Galway is an innovative four-year degree designed to equip students with the ability to understand, critique, and create media in a globalised and rapidly evolving world. Blending critical theory with real-world application, the program explores digital culture, global politics, media innovation, podcasting, and audience research, while examining media as a powerful cultural, economic, and political force. Students develop analytical, creative, and technical skills that are highly valued across the creative industries, digital sectors, and communications professions. In first year, students take Global Media as their denominated subject alongside two additional Arts subjects such as Sociology and Politics, History, Economics, Philosophy, English, French, Spanish, Italian, IT, or Gaeilge, following the Bachelor of Arts Joint-Honours structure. Core first-year modules include Introduction to Media and Communications, Digital Literacy, and Popular Culture, Media and Society, building strong foundations in media systems, representation, audience engagement, academic writing, and research skills. In second year, students continue with one additional subject while deepening their media studies through modules such as Understanding Media Audiences and Power without Responsibility, alongside practical experiences in podcasting, video, and multimedia storytelling, with optional modules in journalism, film studies, Irish language media, data storytelling, and user experience design. Year 3 offers study abroad opportunities across Europe and North America or professional work placements with broadcasters, NGOs, and creative agencies. In final year, students specialise further through advanced production modules, theory-led options including AI and Algorithms and Global Political Economy of the Mass Media, and complete a substantial capstone project or independent research essay to showcase their expertise and prepare for professional or postgraduate pathways.