Study Abroad Programme: Journalism and International Affairs
Study journalism with CNN Academy in Ireland!
This one-trimester Study Abroad programme is a collaboration between University College Dublin and CNN Academy, providing a unique combination of journalistic and academic excellence.
The programme runs twice a year, in the Fall and Spring.
The syllabus is co-created and delivered by University College Dublin’s Clinton Institute and CNN Academy, connecting the classroom to the newsroom. It combines practical training by CNN professionals in audio, video, digital, and social storytelling with academic expertise in international affairs.
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“This programme has so much to offer young journalists from all parts of the world.”
“So many people from different countries with different views, it expands your worldview so much.”
“It is life-changing, it is very challenging but in a good way!”
With CNN training, students will develop skills in multiplatform content production techniques, social and mobile storytelling methods and digital tools for investigative reporting. They will learn about international standards and ethics in journalism, and verification techniques. CNN journalists, editors and producers will participate via live interactive seminars and also provide hands-on audio, video and digital production training in person at UCD Clinton Institute to equip the students with the tools they need to tangibly apply the media lessons they are learning.
With academic study, students will develop critical understanding of the structures and dynamics that shape global issues and relations. UCD Clinton Institute will provide core modules in research skills, international journalism, new media and international conflict, cybersecurity and political communications. These will be integrated with the CNN training to provide an innovative curriculum that will enable students to be reflective practitioners.
The programme is designed for students interested in international communications and journalism. It will appeal to and reward those with a passion to not only understand the world but explain it in ways that are informative and transformative.
New Simulation Week
The programme offers the option of taking part in a working visit to the CNN hub in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. In the Fall trimester students can take part in a Simulation Week in Abu Dhabi that brings together students from across the world to take part in a realistic breaking news environment. The ground-breaking initiative provides an environment where participants can apply their skills under CNN guidance and supervision whilst experiencing the fast-paced environment that journalists work in each day. Please note, there is an extra cost of €1,500 to attend the simulation week. This covers the cost of accommodation and food. Students are responsible for paying for their own flights.
Syllabus Details
Trimester 1 (Fall)
CNN Newsroom 1 (15 credits)
This module will teach students how to be ethical journalists who understand what makes a good story and how to tell it effectively across all platforms. Students will be taught how to shoot and edit using their mobile phones to produce professional news reports. The module will show what goes into producing breaking news and teach the verification techniques necessary to ensure the coverage remains accurate.
Journalism & International Affairs (10 credits):
This module focuses on the roles of news media in the making and representation of international affairs and how it interacts with politics and policy. It will link news production and consumption to historical, political, economic and cultural contexts. It introduces students to topics such as global news flows, the evolution of media technologies, and the challenges to reporting on international crises.
Option module (5 credits):
This module will be selected from courses that include:
Public Diplomacy and Soft Power
Global Politics of Cyber Security
Digital Storytelling and Politics
Photojournalism
Ireland and the US
Globalization and Its Discontents
Transatlantic Relations
and many more
Trimester 2 (Spring)
CNN Newsroom 2 (15 credits)
This module will introduce training in the use of professional cameras and desktop editing. Students will take part in a series of realistic news-days where they will generate stories and material across different formats. They will be taught how to use their voice to connect with audiences across all mediums including podcasts. Students will also create immersive, interactive digital writes.
Journalism & International Affairs (10 credits):
This module focuses on the roles of news media in the making and representation of international affairs and how it interacts with politics and policy. It will link news production and consumption to historical, political, economic and cultural contexts. It introduces students to topics such as global news flows, the evolution of media technologies, and the challenges to reporting on international crises.
Option module (5 credits):
This module will be selected from courses that include:
Public Diplomacy and Soft Power
Global Politics of Cyber Security
Digital Storytelling and Politics
Photojournalism
Ireland and the US
Globalization and Its Discontents
Transatlantic Relations
and many more
Admission Requirements
Students must be currently registered at a university and have completed a minimum of one year study at a high standard. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent is generally required for non-EU students. If you have concerns or questions about admission requirements, please contact Catherine.Carey@ucd.ie.
Note – there is an additional admission requirement for the Spring trimester programme. Students must have completed basic training in how to shoot and edit video and how to tell stories effectively across all platforms.
Transfer Credit
UCD uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), based on student workload. Your home institution decides on credits to be awarded for modules completed at UCD. We will be pleased to provide full information on our modules to enable institutions to make decisions regarding the transfer of credits. At the end of the trimester, your transcript will be available to you and sent to your home institution.
Dates
Trimester 1 (Fall) 2024-25: 2 September 2024- 29 November 2024 - Closing date for applications 1st May 2024
Trimester 2 (Spring) 2024-25: 20 January 2025- 25 April 2025 - Closing date for applications 25th October 2024
Fees
10,480 euros per trimester
Note: the Simulation Week in Abu Dhabi in the Fall trimester is a separate cost – please contact Catherine.Carey@ucd.ie for details.
Housing
Students studying on this programme are eligible to apply for UCD's on-campus housing.
Study In Ireland
Studying abroad in Ireland offers invaluable experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Dublin is a vibrant city with a rich heritage of arts and culture, with great places to eat, drink and discover. It is also a leading information and technology hub, hosting many of the world’s leading ICT companies, including Google, Apple, Twitter, Facebook, Tik Tok and Microsoft. Students studying on this programme are eligible to participate in UCD's Study Abroad Cultural & Social programme, which offers multiple opportunities to attend co-curricular activities while at UCD.