The Media Studies Major has been developed specifically for students in the Arts programme, drawing on key modules and concepts from across the School of Media. This 80-credit major provides a comprehensive understanding of how media shapes, reflects, and influences society—combining theory, critical analysis, and creative practice.
All programmes in the School of Media are built on core foundations such as media theory, production techniques, media literacy, and critical thinking, all while encouraging innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This Media Studies Major integrates elements from each of these areas to form a focused yet flexible programme, designed with the knowledge that many Arts students may also wish to explore complementary subjects such as design, law and cultural studies.
This major equips students with the tools to analyse and engage with today’s complex media landscape—from social media and digital journalism to film, television, and emerging platforms. You will learn about the production process behind media content, but also dive deeply into the social, ethical, and cultural implications of media in the 21st century. Through both academic and creative approaches, you'll explore how media can challenge power, influence identity, and shape public understanding.
In your final year, you’ll bring together what you’ve learned in a capstone major media project. Using an appropriate format—whether written, audio visual, digital, or mixed-media—you’ll explore a contemporary global issue through an arts-based lens, showing how media can be used to raise awareness, foster dialogue, or drive change.
If you’re interested in understanding the power of media, developing your critical voice, and learning how to create meaningful media in a digital world, this major offers a dynamic and relevant path of study within the Arts framework.
ECTS Credits: 80
- Total Number of Mandatory credits to be taken (excluding the capstone project): 20
- Total Number of Optional credits to be taken: 45
- Total Number of Credits for the Capstone Project:15
What is the latest (semester) a student can select the Major:
Spring Recess 2nd Year
- Introduction to Media Theory
- Introduction to Film Theory
- Media Ethics
- Equality, Inclusion and Diversity
- Media and Society
- Cultural Studies
- Media Politics
- Screen Studies
- Popular Music: Culture, Texts & Contexts
- Narratives of Race, Exclusion and Identity
- Histories of Photography
- Photography, Theory and Criticism 1
- Photography, Theory and Criticism 2
- Film & Media Literacies
- Introduction to World Cinema
- Media, Memory, History
- Studies in Documentary
- Media Policy: National & International Dimensions
- Media and the Natural world
- Games in Society, Culture and Context
- Critical Play
- Universal Design
- Web Development 1
- Web Development 2
- Design Process & Practice
- Digital Photography
- Digital Video Techniques
- Digital Audio
- Visual Design Fundamentals
- Multimedia Development 1
- Multimedia Development 2
- Creative Practice Thinking
- User Experience Design
- Explorations in Journalism
- Introduction to Journalism Studies
- Corporate and Strategic Environment
- Media Studies
- Digital Media Environment
- Television Presentation
- Radio Package
- Video Journalism
- Broadcast Journalism
- Creative Photography
- Online Journalism
- Journalism In Practice: theCity.ie
- Electronic Public Relations
- Curating Photography
- Public Relations Writing
- Public Affairs Writing
- Introduction to Media Writing
- Political Communication
Choosing Media Studies as your Major within the Arts degree at TU Dublin offers a unique opportunity to explore the powerful role media plays in shaping culture, politics, and everyday life. This major combines critical theory with creative practice, allowing you to both analyse and produce media content across a range of platforms. You'll gain valuable skills in media literacy, communication, and critical thinking—skills that are increasingly essential in a world shaped by digital technologies, misinformation, and evolving global narratives.
The flexibility of the Arts programme means you can pair Media Studies with other subjects, creating a degree pathway that suits your interests and career goals. Whether you're interested in journalism, film, social media, or photography, this major provides the tools to understand and influence the media landscape. In your final year, you'll apply your learning in a capstone project that addresses a contemporary issue through a media lens, demonstrating your ability to engage with the world thoughtfully, creatively, and critically.
Graduating with a Major in Media Studies from the Arts degree at TU Dublin opens up a wide range of career opportunities across the media, cultural, creative, and communication sectors. The combination of critical thinking, media literacy, and practical skills equips you to adapt to an ever-changing job market and pursue both traditional and emerging roles in the media.
As Ireland’s oldest and largest dedicated School of Media, graduating from TU Dublin’s School of Media means joining a distinguished and global network of alumni who are making their mark across the media industry and beyond. Choosing Media Studies as your major is ideal not only for those who want to build a career in media, but also for students interested in related fields such as politics, marketing, education, or the broader humanities. This major allows you to channel your curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking into meaningful projects and outputs—offering the freedom to take your interest as far as you want to go.
Graduates of the arts with a major in Media Studies will be well equipped to continue to further study in the School of Media and beyond such as:
- MA in Public Relations
- MA In Public Affairs and Political Communications
- MA in Journalism
- MSc in Creative Digital Media and UX
PhD in Media