Candidates for the MA in Critical and Creative Media must have the equivalent of a 2.1 honours degree in Media Studies, or in a related subject in Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, or Communication and Information Technology.

Applicants from abroad must have a recognised primary degree that is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.

Closing Date : 30 June 2025

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.
We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.

For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact [email protected]
For queries or support on your application process please contact [email protected]

If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact [email protected]

Commences September

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Knowledge of, and skills in, mediated communication are required across a whole range of sectors. Media industries such as web design, games, film, and television all require understanding of the wider communication landscape, practical knowledge of production, and research skills. But it is also companies that interact with the public that have communications and a wider social presence that call for informed media graduates. Businesses include sports, arts, and heritage organisations, charities and NGOs, corporations and brands increasingly require media-trained graduates, particularly in the areas of content production and interactive media. They also demand the kinds of critical thinking, research skills, and creative problem-solving that are developed across this programme.

Graduates of the MA in Critical and Creative Media are also well prepared to pursue further research opportunities, including postgraduate studies.