COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Journalism at University of Galway is a four-year professional degree designed to prepare students to become skilled, ethical, and adaptable journalists capable of telling important stories across multiple platforms. From the outset, students learn how to report, write, edit, and produce news content for print, digital, audio, and video, while developing a critical understanding of media power, ethics, and the role of journalism in society. The program combines hands-on training in radio, social media, video production, and newsroom practice with strong foundations in media theory. In first year, students build core skills through modules such as This is the News, Introduction to Media and Communication, History of Media, and Audio Fundamentals, while also choosing two Arts subjects such as English, History, Law, Languages, or Politics to broaden their knowledge base. In second year, students advance their multimedia and reporting skills through modules including Cross Platform Reporting, Power without Responsibility, Digital Society and Platform Studies, and Broadcasting, with elective options such as Sports Journalism or Feature Writing and Magazines, while continuing one Arts subject and expanding their professional portfolio. Year three offers the opportunity to undertake a full-year work placement, study abroad at an international partner university, or combine both experiences, allowing students to gain real-world newsroom exposure and global perspective. In final year, students specialise and lead through modules such as Multiplatform Journalism and The Contemporary Irish Media, alongside advanced options including a major Final Project, Global Political Economy of the Mass Media, Data Journalism, or Gender, Race and the Media, graduating with a strong portfolio and professional confidence.