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Media & International Conflict

MA (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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On this programme, students will develop an understanding of how media interacts with war, conflict and security in international contexts. The course provides an interdisciplinary approach that considers both cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflict. Students will focus on issues such as: public diplomacy and soft power, the role of new media in perceptions of conflict, the production, circulation and reception of imagery of conflict, and the effects of news reporting on government policy and NGO activity.

  • The programme analyses the complex roles played by the media in the presentation of conflict situations and addresses the relationships of the media, government, military, and NGOs in framing perceptions of international conflict. 
  • This is the only graduate programme in Ireland and one of very few in the world that blends together elements of media studies and international affairs to provide an innovative and challenging course of study
  • Students can expect to take modules similar to: Media and US Foreign Policy, New Media and New Conflict, Public Diplomacy, Challenges facing US Foreign Policy. In addtion student will submit a thesis 12,000 - 15,000 words.
  • The programme is available on a full and part time basis.

About This Course

  • Students should be able to communicate in interdisciplinary, academic language about the cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflicts, with special emphasis on contemporary events.
  • Apply knowledge in a variety of professional settings or in the form of further study, including at the doctoral level.
  • Demonstrate an ability to communicate in writing and in public speaking with a variety of specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Develop a sophisticated understanding of how media interacts with war, conflict and security in international contexts.
  • Develop significant expertise in a chosen subject by writing a MA thesis of approximately 12,000 words with an individual supervision from an academic member of staff.
  • Display an understanding of interdisciplinary modes of study.
  • Develop skills that will strenghtn students ability to independently accumulate further knowledge in this or other subjects.

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 1 Core Modules
 AMST40030 Media and US Foreign Policy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 AMST40580 News Media Today Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 AMST40130 Public Diplomacy and Soft Power Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 AMST40480 Research Skills Seminar Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 AMST40650 Politics and Digital Storytelling Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 AMST40050 Minor Thesis Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select ten credits of option modules.
AMST40310 Challenges in US Foreign Policy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select ten credits of option modules.
AMST40590 Trump's America Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select ten credits of option modules.
GEOG40450 Critical Geopolitics and Diplomacy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select ten credits of option modules.
HIS41780 Origins of Modern Diplomacy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select ten credits of option modules.
GEOG41120 Geopolitical Risks and Crises Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select ten credits of option modules.
HIS42480 War, Peace, and Globalisation Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Select ten credits of option modules.
HIS42840 Modern Asia Spring  10

Radwa Khorshid 
MA 2015
Global Programme Manager at LinkedIn Ireland

I always wanted to develop my academic studies in the field of media and international conflict from a western perspective. UCD Clinton Institute has been an ideal place to enhance my knowledge and understanding of media, western politics and international issues. I was thrilled at the quality of education in US and Middle East-related issues available at the Institute and enjoyed developing understanding of both regions. The MA has developed both my research and communication skills, which I regularly utilise in my current role.

MA Media & International Conflict (Z137) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9330
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MA Media & International Conflict (Z138) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4660
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

  • An upper second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8), or the international equivalent in the subject area  such as the Humanities, Politics, International Relations, Journalism or Media Studies but this is not an exhaustive list. Consideration will be given to students with a lower GPA but they will require an interview (via SKYPE or in person) and maybe asked for additional material
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must normally demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

 

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


The programme will interest those seeking a career in international communications, professionals seeking more critical understanding of the international dimensions of their industry, and those wishing to prepare for advanced research in this area.
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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Media & International Conflict:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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Z137
Media & International Conflict
Master of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
Z138
Media & International Conflict
Master of Arts

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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