BA (Honours) in Politics, Society and Media
Overview
The BA (Honours) in Politics, Society and Media is a pioneering Level 8 degree that immerses students in the dynamic landscape of contemporary civic society. Designed for students who are passionate about making a meaningful contribution to the political and social environment, it offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of the forces that shape the world around them, and how, as media practitioners, they can communicate and advocate for change. It equips learners with the skills, knowledge and practical experience to make effective contributions to civic society, with an ethical framework for exercising critical judgement.
Throughout their studies, a balance of practical and academic modules will enable students to explore the intricate relationship between the political system, community organisations and NGOs, and the media that impacts on democracy and societal values. Bringing together insights into politics (the role of political actors and the public policy and political decision-making processes) social structures and institutions (inequality and social concerns) and media (communications, journalism and advocacy), students will be able to analyse the realities of, and public discourse surrounding, contemporary issues in order to prescribe solutions. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate information, arguments, and sources, giving them the confidence and competence to challenge assumptions and construct well-reasoned arguments.
Students will engage in hands-on research that addresses real issues, benefiting from opportunities to apply their knowledge in work placements in first and third year that will connect them with policymakers, media professionals and community organisations, among others.
Provider Locations and Structure
This is a new Tertiary degree programme delivered across 4 years.
City of Dublin FET College Ballyfermot, Ballyfermot Rd, Southwest Campus and the School of Media in TU Dublin have designed the programme together, with this delivery model:
• Years 1 and 2 are based in City of Dublin FET College Ballyfermot, Ballyfermot Rd, Southwest Campus.
• Years 3 and 4 are based in TU Dublin.
• There will be a work placement in Semester 2 of Year 1, with the further option to do either a work placement or study abroad in Semester 2 of Year 3, or an industry-linked project
in either semester of Year 3 or 4.
Course Content – For All Years
Year 1
• Communications
• Computer Illustrated Graphics
• Intercultural Studies
• Media Analysis
• Political Studies
• Research and Study Skills
• Scriptwriting
• Social Studies
• Work Experience
Year 2
• Applied Economics
• Community Organisation Management
• Conflict Management
• Debating and Public Speaking
• Government, Social, Public Administration
• Media Ethics and Legal Framework
• Research and Reporting for Digital Media
• Social Media for Digital Marketing
• Social Policy Practice
Year 3
• Digital Media in Info. Society
• Dissertation Research and Preparation
• European and International Affairs
• Foundation in Photography
• Media and the Natural World
• Narratives of Race, Exclusion and Identity
• Political Marketing
• Power and Popular Culture
• Social Media and Society
Electives
• Audio Foundations
• Equality Diversity and Inclusion
• Foundation in Moving Image
• Semester Away – Semester 2
• Students working with Industry
• Volunteering and Community based Leadership
• Work Placement
Year 4
• Advanced Online Journalism
• Advocacy and Public Affairs
• Ethics and Political Process
• Identity and Branding Design
• New Media and the Public Sphere
• Screening Politics
• Statistical, Scientific and Data Journalism
Electives
• Dissertation or Media Major Project
• Digital Identities or Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Embedded Awards
This Tertiary degree is a comprehensive four-year programme. The programme is designed to support academic success despite challenges that may arise. If a student has to leave the programme before completing the final year, Tertiary degrees include embedded exit awards. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in the programme. For this degree, they are:
• Exiting after successfully completing Year 1: QQI Level 5 Certificate (5M3114, General Studies).
• Exiting after successfully completing Year 2: Level 6 Higher Certificate in Politics, Society and Media awarded by TU Dublin.
• Exiting after successfully completing Year 3: Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Society and Media awarded by TU Dublin.
• Awarded after successfully completing Year 4: Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Politics, Society and Media, awarded by TU Dublin.
Planned Intake (Number of Places)
20 students per year
Entry Requirements and Eligibility
The minimum entry requirements for this programme are:
• Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade O6/H7
or
• Leaving Certificate with four subjects at grade O6 plus LCVP with distinction
or
• Leaving Certificate Applied with distinction
or
• Hold QQI Level 4 award with a minimum of a grade of distinction
Other qualifications: applicants may also present, A-Levels or other EU qualifications for equivalency. Qualifications from countries other than Ireland or the UK should be accompanied with a comparability statement from the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
Mature Applicants: Applications from mature students aged 23 or over on January 1 of the year of application are welcome, and may be called to interview to outline their holistic life and career experience, interest in and aptitude for the field of study, and recognition of prior learning (see below).
All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. An Irish Leaving Certificate qualification achieved through English meets this requirement. Applicants who have full Level 5 or 6 QQI award obtained in Ireland will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Applicants will be interviewed by City of Dublin FET College Ballyfermot, Ballyfermot Rd, Southwest Campus. They are not expected to show expertise in political, societal or media practices but should display an interest in, and aptitude for, the disciplines.
Onward Pathways
Graduates of the programme may wish to apply for master’s degrees in the School of Media, TU Dublin, including the MA in Public Affairs and Political Communication, the MA in Journalism and the MA in Public Relations, or master’s degrees in other institutions. They may also wish to apply for research master’s (MPhil) or PhD study.
Graduates of this programme will be equipped for communication, policy and advocacy, and administrative careers in politics, public administration, civic society and the media.
Special Features
This programme is unique in offering students two opportunities to avail of work experience: a two-week placement in Year One and either a semester-long internship or an extended placement in Year Three.
TU Dublin allows students to avail of elective choices from a range of modules across all Schools and Faculties. Student in Years 3 and 4 will be able to tailor their studies to their individual interests and specialisation by choosing one free elective in all but the final semester of the programme.
