M.A (Sports Journalism and Communication)

Course Overview
This program builds on a long-standing and established research culture in sport studies in NUI Galway, including the Sport & Exercise Research Group in the Moore Institute for the Humanities and Social Studies. Further information on the research group is available here and members of the group will contribute to the programme.

The MA Sports Journalism and Communication program aims to prepare graduates to work as professionals in the journalism and wider media and communications industries with a specialism in sport. The programme will focus on fostering a critical understanding of our changing media environment and on preparing graduates who will have an insight into the role of sport in the media, as placed within historical, cultural, scientific and business contexts. Graduates will be trained with professional communication and production skills to work as professionals in the industry, across multiple platforms. Students will take a dual approach to their studies, being exposed to academic knowledge and understanding as well as practical skills and reflective practice. Students will also have an opportunity to further specialise and develop a niche in a subject of particular interest via a choice of electives in social and digital media, management and marketing and film. Employability, innovation and entrepreneurship skills will be developed via a specialist module and work internship opportunities. 

Aims and objectives of the program

• To equip graduates with transferable communications and critical thinking skills that will poise them for future success in the labor market
• To prepare graduates to work in the highly specialized media, wider communication, and creative industries with a specialism in sport, affording them an opportunity to develop an appropriate set of skills during the program
• To develop students’ research skills to a level commensurate with postgraduate study and afford them an appropriate grounding for further postgraduate research opportunities nationally and internationally
• To develop ethical, articulate and responsible graduates who will contribute to the strengthening of democracy in Ireland and internationally through their professional practice as journalists
• To encourage the personal academic development of postgraduate students through a coordinated series of modules that incorporate small group research-led teaching and learning experiences
• To create a program that will allow graduates to apply for postgraduate research opportunities within the field of media and communications in the College of Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies

Scholarships available