Information and Social Computing  (ICJ1)

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 - Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and conceptual basis of the information society and the impact of modern media, including the social web, on professional, social and everyday information behaviour.
2 - 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 - Highly developed information and digital literacy skills, including essay and report writing, information searching & retrieval, critical evaluation, creation of audio-visual media, online reputation management, ethical use of information, and communication.
4 - Knowledge and understanding of how ICT-based information systems and applications are implemented and used in a variety of contexts, both personal and professional.
5 - Significant experience in collaborative and team-based learning situations, requiring excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
6 - Highly developed information management and organisational skills, which enable them to function effectively in the modern, technology-enabled workplace.
7 - Foundational competency in research skills, including in digital environments.

Study abroad opportunities in third year currently include:

Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany

Royal School of Library and Information Science, Denmark

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Université Jean Moulin (Lyon III), France

University of Borås, Sweden

Hochschule Darmstadt (University of Applied Science), Germany

Information & Social Computing is relevant for careers in:

• Information architecture
• Web development
• Knowledge management
• Social media
• Social computing
• User experience design
• Investigative research
• Publishing
• Librarianship
• Digital Marketing
• Business

Graduates can progress onto -

MSc Information Systems, which prepares students for careers as information systems professionals, or

Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), which prepares students for careers as information professionals.

MSc Digital Information Management, this masters aims to train future professionals on how to tackle the challenging issues in maintenance of digital information.  
They can also pursue research careers in the form of a MA or PhD.

Stage 2

Students must select at least five level 2 option modules in stage 2.

Stage 3

Students must select at least five level 3 option modules in stage 3.

Stage 4

Students must select at least five level 3 option modules in stage 4.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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