Information & Communication Studies  (ICC4)

The BA in Information & Social Computing is aimed at students who may wish to develop a career or pursue further studies in information studies, social computing, communication and other related areas. The programme is designed to spark and deepen understanding and appreciation of the role that information, social media and communication plays in all aspects of life and society. It is structured to foster the development of both critical thinking competencies and practical skillsets, including digital literacy, research and information management skills, the basics of web and app design, information architecture, and the creation and publishing of digital media. The programme provides the necessary groundwork for postgraduate study in these areas, and serves as an initial springboard for professional training leading to careers in Social Media Consultancy, Web Design and Development, HCI and User-Centred Design, Digital Publishing, Digital Marketing, Information Architecture and Information Management.





We value a questioning and analytical perspective on the key issues surrounding information, communication and social computing, as well as the broader impacts and consequences of the digital revolution. We encourage students to adopt a reflective approach to our subjects, and endeavour to provide the basis for meaningful engagement with course content through the use of real-world examples, case studies and practical projects. We encourage responsible citizenship through the consideration of the ethical issues surrounding information creation, communication and use, and endeavour to provide a learning environment that engages, motivates and supports students. Students work individually and collaboratively to debate and discuss social and ethical issues, to develop practical digital skills, and to create, publish and share information products. We support our students’ learning through a blend of approaches, including traditional lectures, face-to-face and online tutorials, team projects and presentations, computer lab sessions, virtual classrooms, videos, guest speakers, and independent learning. 

 

1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and conceptual basis of the digital society and the impact of modern media, including the social web, on professional, social and everyday information behaviour.
2 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how information is created, stored, used, shared and communicated by individuals and groups in society, and awareness of how this occurs in practical and real-life contexts
3 - Demonstrate highly developed information and digital literacy skills, including essay and report writing, information searching & retrieval, critical evaluation, creation of audio-visual media, presentation of the self online, ethical use of information, and communication.
4 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how digital information systems and applications are implemented and used in a variety of contexts, both personal and professional.
5 - Demonstrate significant experience in collaborative and team-based learning situations, requiring excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
6 - Demonstrate highly developed information management and organisational skills, which enable them to function effectively in the modern, technology-enabled workplace.
7 - Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance and application of academic knowledge to the real world and the skills to communicate information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Students may study abroad for a year or a semester. Destinations include the USA, Australia, China and Canada.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

Information & Social Computing is relevant for careers in: Web design and development, Social media, Social computing, User experience design, Investigative research, Publishing, Digital marketing and Business.

Graduates can progress to various Master’s courses:

• MSc Communication & Media, which prepares students for public and private sectors careers in digital media industries, communication regulation and policy, media design, management and research.
• MSc Human-Computer Interaction and MSc Information Systems, which prepare students in careers in human-computer interaction, usability, user experience, user research and information systems-related professions.
• Master of Library & Information Studies (MLIS), which prepares students for careers including librarianship, information consulting and digital media management.

Graduates can also pursue research careers by studying for a PhD.

UCD School of Information and Communication Studies

fiona.smyth@ucd.ie

Stage 1

Students may progress to Stage 2 having passed any two Level 1 Information & Communication Studies modules offered Stage 1.
Information & Communication Studies is only available with a limited number of subject combinations in Stage 2 and Stage 3. Please see the Programme Office website for information on the combinations available if you plan to progress with Information & Communication Studies into Stage 2.