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BA MEDIA STUDIES

Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH109

CAO Points : 357

Closing Date : 01 July 2025

View QQI details

Degree Overview
>Media Studies students:
– Gain practical experience through hands-on instruction in creative media practice and critically analyse a range of media forms in society, culture and politics;
– Combine creative and practical storytelling with the development of critical understanding of media - a vital skill since media industries are constantly expanding with new platforms emerging each year and new issues materialising like fake news;
– Research and analyse media cultures, genres and industries as well as the role of media in society and politics.
Students then apply this in their practice of media design and production and interactive storytelling.
>Students develop employability and professionalism through their exploration of media and cultural industries and working lives. Students can also broaden their educational experience by studying Media Studies along with Arts subjects (such as languages, business, social sciences, computer science).
>Media Studies can be combined with Computer Science to develop a broad expertise in Media Technologies.

Duration: 3 years or 4 years (with Erasmus/study abroad option)

1st year

  • 30 credits of Media Studies theory and practice modules
  • Choose up to 2 Bachelor of Arts subjects (or Critical Skills) from BA groups 1-5 (max 1 per group). The only compatible double subject is Mathematics (Pure).  Subject Groups.

2nd & 3rd year

  • Media Studies as a Double Major or Major/Minor with 1 of your 1st year subjects
  • Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year

Students may apply to study overseas after 2nd year (on Erasmus or Study Abroad) and graduate with a BA (International) after 4 years. See the International Studies website for details.

Media and Cultural Studies is available as a subject in the MH101 Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Course Duration: 3 years (BA) or 4 years (BA International)

After Graduation
>Graduates emerge with a range of practical, critical and transferable skills that enhance their employability in areas including: film, television and radio production; social media; marketing, PR and communications; web and graphic design; content creation; media research; IT.
>Our graduates have taken up positions at RTÉ, Virgin Media, BBC One, Cartoon Saloon, Brown Bag Films, Microsoft, Accenture, BBDO, Version1. In addition, graduates have become independent creative professionals film-making, content creation and social media.
>The Department offers a range of postgraduate study options.

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes N/A H5
Language Yes O6 H7
Math No N/A N/A
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants 

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2025

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants 

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish & 3rd language & H5 English required. MH109 Round 1 Points 2024: 357

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
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