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Information & Communication Studies  (ICI3)

Academic Year 2025/2026
School
School of Information and Communication Studies
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Dr Claire McGuinness
Overall Programme Credits:
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 2: 20
Stage 3: 20

Curricular information is subject to change.

Information & Communication 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. 



 


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.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Information & Communication Technology
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Presentations
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Global awareness
  • Social responsibility
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-awareness


This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Cultural awareness, resilience and self-confidence e.g. Study Abroad/ERASMUS
  • Social responsibility e.g. UCD In the Community and UCD Volunteers Overseas
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments
  • Development of self-reflection skills
  • Creativity and entrepreneurship e.g. elective modules at UCD Innovation Academy


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20150 Critical Research Skills Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20160 Theories of Media and Communication Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20180 Fandoms and Subcultures Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20200 Media Industries Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20030 Contextual Design Inquiry in Organisations Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20120 Computer-Mediated Communication Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20130 Social Studies of ICTs Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20170 Critical Data Studies Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesB)4 of:
Select
IS20210 Media, Politics and Society Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30020 Web Publishing Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30460 Gender and diversity in the digital age Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30510 Deep Tech: Futures of Information Technology Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30520 Research Methods Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30370 Digital Media Ethics (formerly Information Ethics) Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30380 Digital Storytelling Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30410 Web UX Evaluation Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30450 AI, Ethics and Society Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30470 Technology and Human Rights Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30500 Digital Media & Climate Crisis Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - - Information & Communication StudiesA)20CR:
Please select 20 credits from the below list of modules.
IS30530 Science & Technology Communic Spring  5