MSc Digital Policy

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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127

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Home/Ireland/Dublin /University College Dublin/MSc Digital Policy

University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Mix

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 22,600 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

MSc Digital Policy

About

MSc Digital Policy will be hybrid learning of online & face-to-face environments until Autumn 2026 when it will be completely face to face.

UCD’s School of Information and Communication studies has estabished the Microsoft-UCD Digital Policy Programme with the goal of building digital policy training and capability in Ireland and Europe.

The innovative programme mixes the abstract and the applied with modules from the School of Information and Communication Studies. This programme introduces students to basic concepts and issues in digital policy, giving a historical and critical understanding of how to theorise regulatory objects and environments by learning to situate them in perspectives such as new technology and governance, data infrastructures, artificial intelligence and information analytics, and platforms.

Our innovative programme mixes theoretical and applied approaches. We introduce students to basic concepts and issues in digital policy, giving historical, contextual, regulatory, and critical understandings of how to theorise digital technologies and environments.
We situate concepts in perspectives such as artificial intelligence, governance, data infrastructures, information analytics, platforms and media.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants should present with a primary (bachelor's) degree in any subject with an overall score of 2.1 or higher.
Names and contact details of two referees who can assess their intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.
While applications are accepted up to August of the year of entry, offers are made to suitably qualified candidates on a first-come-first-served basis so early application is recommended. Entry to the programmes is very competitive and the number of places is limited.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

The MSc Digital Policy aims to produce future professionals with a deep understanding of both theoretical and applied issues in digital policy. On graduating, our students will be able to embark on a variety of careers in Ireland and globally.

Our Digital Policy programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying core topical, theoretical, and methodological issues that arise in digital policy today, both in the public and private sectors.