Course Summary
The Master's in Media Studies at MIC is an innovative programme that offers students the opportunity to study a wide range of contemporary media topics at an advanced level. These include streams in Film Studies, Audio Studies and Cultural Studies. All courses are taught by experienced researchers with practical knowledge of the industry and the small group sessions facilitate collaborative learning, both theoretical and practical. The programme enables graduate students to develop a deeper understanding of the field and provide the foundations for their own original research and career development.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have:
• 2.2. in relevant degree or media industry experience.
Some flexibility with regards to the scheduling of classes may be possible to facilitate students who are working full-time, so please let us know your needs when you apply.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of their proficiency level English in the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 6.5 – 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any one component, or IELTS equivalent accepted by UL. Such applicants will also be required to undergo an interview through English.
Application Details
EU Applicants
Applications for the MA in Media Studies are now open.
To apply, please complete all the steps below:
Download and complete the application form our website.
You will be required to send your university transcripts.
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to [email protected].
Applications will close on 30th May 2025.
Non-EU Applicants
You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:
E: [email protected] or T: +353 61 204988/ +353 61 774790
Entry requirements and the application process vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country, click here.
Please complete your application through PAC.
You will be required to upload your university transcripts
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) is required
The application fee is €50 and is non-refundable
Transferring from another 3rd Level Institution
The transfer route into MIC depends on the content overlap of your new and old course and the number of places on the new course in the year you apply. Before submitting an application you should contact [email protected] where we will consider your case with the relevant Head of Department of the course you wish to transfer to.
EU/Non-EU Status Assessments
The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at MIC, i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third-level studies and would qualify for EU fees for example.
Next Intake: September
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
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.
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.
Career Progression
The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to advance to doctoral degree studies and to enhance career opportunities in the media industry and other professional fields.
All students undertake six taught modules, split over two semesters (full-time) or four semesters (part-time), and the focus of the final, summer semester is upon individual research and dissertation preparation. Students complete a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words on an approved topic.
While the course is mostly theory driven, some modules offer tuition in and assessment based on production. For example, some students learn to make a radio documentary and to master multi-track sound editing. The option to complete the Master's by writing a full film script rather than a traditional dissertation has proven popular in the past, particularly with those coming from an industry background.
The programme’s teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, presentations by guest lecturers, individual consultation with relevant lecturers, guided reading and written assignments.