Bachelor of Arts (Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge)

Course Overview

The BA (Cumarsáid & Gaeilge is a creative and lively four-year degree in media and Irish which is taught entirely through Irish. It covers the latest thinking and research in the fast-changing world of digital media, and provides a balanced mix of academic study and practical, hands-on learning in journalism, television and radio production, broadcasting and multimedia, together with a thorough grounding in Irish language and literature and a focus on Gaeltacht heritage and culture.

A key aim of this robust programme is to develop the critical and analytical skills needed to become a ‘reflective practitioner’ in the media, able to parse and examine from an objective standpoint the conflicting voices and demands journalists face in their everyday work, and sift the spin from the substance. Graduates will be skilled storytellers who will be equally at home telling stories with pictures, in soundscapes or with words. They will also have strong television presentation skills, and an ability to express themselves with confidence and persuasion.

The programme differs significantly from its predecessor, the BA sa Chumarsáid, in that for the first time graduates will have a recognised qualification in Irish and will be able to teach Irish at second-level once they obtain a postgraduate qualification in teaching. Another key difference is that the course has moved from An Cheathrú Rua to the Galway campus.

If you are thinking about a media course through Irish you may also wish to consider Léann na Cumarsáide, a new optional subject on the three-year Joint-Honours Arts degree at University of Galway (GY101.

Minimum Grade H5 in Irish and Grade H5 in another subject and passes in four other subjects at 06/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including English, another language, and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

When you graduate you will be a skilled communicator with experience in television and radio production, broadcasting and journalism, and you will be well-placed to gain prestigious, high-status employment in the highly-competitive media world. You will also have a recognised qualification in Irish, and will be able to teach Irish at second-level once you obtain a postgraduate qualification in teaching.

Your ability to speak fluent Irish will give you a considerable advantage in the highly competitive media market, particularly in television and radio. There are many potential employers at home and abroad, including RTÉ, TG4, BBC, local radio stations, television production companies and public relations firms. A degree in media and Irish is also a strong foundation for a career in politics, business, management, the non-profit sector including NGOs and charity organisations, and the public service.