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The BA (Cumarsáid & Gaeilge) is a creative and lively four-year degree in media and Irish which is taught entirely through Irish. It covers the latest thinking and research in the fast-changing world of digital media, and provides a balanced mix of academic study and practical, hands-on learning in journalism, television and radio production, broadcasting and multimedia, together with a thorough grounding in Irish language and literature and a focus on Gaeltacht heritage and culture.

A key aim of this robust programme is to develop the critical and analytical skills needed to become a ‘reflective practitioner’ in the media, able to parse and examine from an objective standpoint the conflicting voices and demands journalists face in their everyday work, and sift the spin from the substance. Graduates will be skilled storytellers who will be equally at home telling stories with pictures, in soundscapes or with words. They will also have strong television presentation skills, and an ability to express themselves with confidence and persuasion.

The programme differs significantly from its predecessor, the BA sa Chumarsáid, in that for the first time graduates will have a recognised qualification in Irish and will be able to teach Irish at second-level once they obtain a postgraduate qualification in teaching. Another key difference is that the course has moved from An Cheathrú Rua to the Galway campus.

Course Outline

The teaching on this programme takes place in small, intimate groups with individual attention and advice available on a daily basis from tutors and mentors. Formal lectures on aspects of theory and literature are blended with workshops on practical and language skills during which active student participation is encouraged. As well as frequent contact with dedicated University teachers, you will have many opportunities to meet journalists, photographers, film-makers and other media professionals as part of structured talks or guest workshops. You will be given lots of help and encouragement to build your own portfolio of television, radio and journalism work which will become a key asset when you seek employment following graduation. You will also be encouraged to play an active part in college societies such as An Cumann Gaelach, An Cumann Drámaíochta, the Literary and Debating Society, DramSoc and FilmSoc, and to take full advantage of the many seminars, conferences, guest speakers and workshops on offer from time to time in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies.