MA Media & International Conflict
This MA programme in Media and International Conflict is designed to allow students to develop understanding of the ways in which media interact with war, international conflict and security. It analyses the roles played by media in the enactment and representation of conflict and looks at the relationships between the media, government, military and NGOs in framing perceptions of international conflict.
You may also be interested in our MA in American Politics and Foreign Policy or the MA in Journalism and International Affairs.
We take an interdisciplinary approach that combines media studies and international affairs, and considers both political and cultural dimensions of media responses to international conflicts. The program covers a range of media, including print journalism, photojournalism, television, cinema, the internet and social media. It introduces students to critical debates on topics such as:
Public diplomacy and soft power
Human rights and representation
The role of new and social media in perceptions of conflict
The effects of news reporting on government policy
Although grounded in analysis the programme in recent years has added components in new media practice, so allowing students to develop skills in areas of news authorship and production – for example, in writing online news reports. The programme is closely linked with the America Unfiltered media platform on the Clinton Institute’s website - giving students opportunities to contribute to the making of our political and cultural commentary. Classes are taught by UCD faculty and by external collaborators, both academics and practitioners – journalists, diplomats and others – this helps to broaden discussion and insights. The programme will interest those seeking a career in political communications, professionals seeking more critical understanding of the international dimensions of their industry, and those wishing to prepare for advanced research in this area.
This is a 90 credit programme, of which 60 credits come from taught modules and 30 from a dissertation. 50 credits are from core modules and the remaining 10 from a list of options available through other Schools.
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Eligibility
Applicants for the MA should hold one of the following qualifications:
● A first class or second class, grade 1 degree. If a student receives 2:2 they will be considered but must be interviewed first, either in person or via Zoom
● A US or Canadian degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
● If an applicant does not meet the normal entry requirements of a Level 8 degree, in exceptional circumstances they would present another qualification or award along with extensive work experience in order to be considered.
For detailed information and a provisional list of core modules, please click below.
UCD Scholarships for International Students
UCD Global also offers international students a number of 50% and 100% Global Excellence Scholarships.
Full information on both types of scholarships is available on the UCD Global Office Scholarship site.
Introductory Reading List for MA Media & International Conflict
"This MA program was a fascinating journey through history, current affairs, politics and media. It offered a great opportunity to build strong writing, research and presenting skills with the support of the diligent and engaging staff at the Clinton Institute. I would do it all over again if I could.“
- Karen Dunne was a fascinating journey through history, current affairs, politics and media. It offered a great opportunity to build strong research, writing and presenting skills, with the help of diligent and engaging staff of the Institute . I would do it all over again if I could!”
– Karen Dunne
“Studying in the Clinton Institute was a wonderful experience. The classes are small, which means you really get to know everybody, and there is a very comfortable atmosphere. A wide range of topics ensured that everybody got a chance to study and discuss areas that they are passionate about. Lively debates were the norm!. This MA was a fascinating journey through history, current affairs, politics and media. It offered a great opportunity to build strong research, writing and presenting skills, with the help of diligent and engaging staff of the Institute . I would do it all over again if I could!” – Karen Dunne
You may also be interested in the Graduate Diploma in Media and International Conflict