Journalism

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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421

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC132

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,300 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

Journalism

About

Overview

Overview

DCU’s BA in Journalism is a top degree in Ireland designed to equip you with practical skills in reporting and writing for different media as well as providing you with essential knowledge in politics, law, ethics, society and culture. This degree will really appeal to you if you have an enquiring mind because the world needs journalists to analyse, examine and reveal how things work and what the future holds for people.

Here at DCU we believe in creating journalists who will tell stories that will help people in Ireland, and around the world, find the best way forward. On this degree you will cover the theory behind journalism and communications to help you understand your role as a journalist and the vital role journalism plays in society.

Building your journalism skills

Our Journalism degree focuses on three essentials:

practical skills such as video and audio production, news gathering, fact-checking, presenting and writing for different platforms (digital, social, print and broadcast)
knowledge of people, institutions and ethical principles needed as context
academic studies of law, politics and society to sharpen your critical thinking

Learn from the best

As a journalist, you often have to absorb information quickly, relate facts to the bigger picture and work to a tight deadline. Many of our lecturers are or have been practising journalists who are familiar with the profession and will help you develop the necessary skills to succeed in journalism.

INTRA eight-week placement

As a DCU journalism student, you will take part in an 8-week placement with a media organisation through DCU’s INTRA internship programme in the final year of your degree, where you can put your skills and learnings into practice.

Writing skills

This degree requires a minimum of H4 in English. We also recommend that you have an interest in writing, reading and all kinds of media and current affairs.

Disciplines

School of Communications

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Leaving Cert

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of H4 in English

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level C English

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route

For further guidance on completing your mature CAO application please click here

Additional Requirements

Mature applicants are asked to submit directly to the CAO, along with their other paper documentation, a hard copy of an article of c. 750 words of their own composition, written for a specific publication [published or unpublished]. If the article has been published, state when and in which publication. If the article is unpublished, indicate the newspaper or periodical for which you think your submission would be best suited

Advanced Entry

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

Today media employers expect new recruits to be skilled in video and audio production, reporting, social media engagement, web design, writing, presenting and producing, in all media formats. DCU's BA in Journalism has been designed to produce such multi-skilled graduates. Your ability to write clearly, quickly and accurately, and to process information speedily will equip you for a wide range of careers, not just those in journalism. Your communication skills and critical thinking will also be valuable in the public service, in non-governmental organisations, in public relations, in the commercial sector, and in organisations connected with international development.

Career Areas

Journalism/Reporting
Researcher
Editing/Sub-editing
Production
Corporate Communications
Presenting/Broadcasting
TV/Radio
Public Relations
Public Service
Politics Advocacy/Campaigning
Not for Profit
Consultancy/Agency
Web Content Management
Feature Writing/Magazines
Advertising/Copywriting

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.