MA in Critical and Creative Media
The MA in Critical and Creative Media is an innovative course that combines critical thinking and cutting-edge creative practice to tackle the challenging environment of contemporary media industries. It develops a wide range of theoretical and practical approaches across several media forms, including film, interactive media, print, broadcast TV, and radio. It situates these media in their historic and social contexts, examining how people engage with them, their economic infrastructures, and technological forms, alongside hands-on practical engagement with media tools.
The programme’s flexible structure allows you to build a degree that suits you by following one of our 3 pathways:
Creative Media
Society and Justice
History and Culture
You may also pursue your own interests by taking related elective modules from across a range of subjects offered at MU. Finally, you can choose between a final dissertation or creative project, working on a topic of your choice. The MA in Critical and Creative Media can take you where you want to go.
The programme can be taken full-time (MHS528) or part-time (MHS529). There is also a Postgraduate Diploma programme which allows students to exit without the dissertation/project and which can be undertaken both full-time and part-time.
Graduate Testimonials
“I decided to continue my education with the Masters in Critical and Creative Media Studies at Maynooth University to dig deeper into subjects I'm really passionate about, such as expression through media and queer theory, and polish up my research skills. What drew me to this course in particular, is my belief that, in the realm of media studies, it's crucial to blend critical skills with creativity. The variety of modules offered me the freedom to balance both. With a mix of theory and hands-on topics, the modules not only helped me expand my creative portfolio but also gave me a broader perspective on the field. Now, equipped with a diverse set of skills, I can advance further in my career.”
Finn Reddy, 2022-23
"I chose the MA in Critical & Creative media because it’s the perfect qualification for anyone who wants to work both in the corporate and creative world. I was nervous because prior to this I was your standard law student, with little media experience. However, the course really allows you to design your workload in such a way where you can learn new skills from the ground up and further develop familiar ones. I learned how to use a camera and write a script for the first time ever, while also getting the opportunity to specialise in information technology law and media theory. I loved the versatility the MA offered. It’s really helped me in securing all types of work since graduation. I’ve been a freelance marketing executive and copywriter for a number of companies, organised projects for the art council, directed brand campaign videos and was even a Junior Project Manager for a marketing agency."
Dafe Orugbo, 2017-18
"I graduated from the MA Critical and Creative Media in 2020. This MA programme provided me with knowledge of the media and communications landscape which I have brought with me into the workplace. There is a wide variety of modules to choose between, from media history to production, the course has something for everyone. Looking back on my own experience, my dissertation, ‘A case study exploring the denial of gender imbalance on the airwaves of RTE Radio One’ was a standout highlight for me as this provided me with a broad range of knowledge as well as developing my own research skills.
I am currently working in Public Relations and the knowledge I learned during my time at Maynooth University is proving invaluable throughout this profession."
Rachel Rafter, 2018-19
