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. 

Year One

Léann na Cumarsáide
Digital Storytelling
Media Production Practice 1
Foundations of Journalism
Media & Society

Gaeilge
Contemporary Literature and Culture
The Living Language i & ii
The Irish Language Story and Community

Year Two

Léann na Cumarsáide
Media Technologies
Media Analysis
Broadcasting
Law, Ethics and the Public Service
The Broadcast Media

Gaeilge
Modern Irish Language I
Sociolinguistics
The Short Story in Irish
Modern Irish Language II
Themes in Modern Irish Poetry
Elective module

Year Three

Gaeltacht Semester
Enrichment and Language Skills
Communication and Presentation Skills
Translation and Language Technologies
Aspects of Gaeltacht Culture
The Contemporary Gaeltacht community
Gaeltacht Project

Second Semester
Internship in a media or public relations organisation, or a community-based learning project, or study abroad.

Year Four

Léann na Cumarsáide
Scriptwritng
Media Audience
The Challenges of Social Media
Applied Journalism
Media Economy
Final-Year Project

Gaeilge
Modern Irish Language III
Irish Language Poets and Poetry 700-1900
Folklore and Storytelling
Modern Irish Language IV
Irish Language Prose
Elective module        

Year One
First Year modules cover a broad range of topics including an introduction to journalism, digital storytelling in video and audio, basic video shooting and editing, storyboarding and scriptwriting, television presenting , communication skills, critical analysis and the study of key media texts. The academic content includes an examination of the role of the media in society, particularly its function as opinion-formers and shapers; discourses which challenge the traditional role of mainstream media as gatekeepers of information and legitimacy; and the crisis of public broadcasting in contemporary society.

The language and literature modules are focused on enabling students to acquire a high standard of fluency in both spoken and written Irish as a living, contemporary language, while attending to its broader literary and cultural heritage.

Year Two
In Second Year you will deepen your engagement with journalism and broadcasting, explore various forms of interviewing and research, learn about the importance of the soundscape in digital storytelling, and study the grammar of composition and editing. The academic focus shifts to efforts to contextualise and analyse the broader implications of technological and social change on media and society by situating specific contemporary issues within a larger historical context.

You will broaden and deepen  your study of the literary, cultural and linguistic heritage of the Irish language from the earliest times to contemporary life, including such highlights as the late medieval Irish love poetry in the 'amour courtois' tradition, and the work of contemporary writers such as Máirtín Ó Cadhain and Seán Ó Riordáin.

Year Three
During the first semester of Third Year you will be bases at the University's Gaeltacht campus in An Cheathrú Rua at the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht. Here you will have the opportunity to focus on written and spoken Irish, and deepen your understanding of Gaeltacht heritage and dúchas. During the second semester you will work as an intern in a media of public relations organisation, complete a community-based learning project, or study abroad. If you chose the work experience option you will gain invaluable industry experience in  high-quality internships in TG4, RTÉ, Raidió na Gaeltachta, local radio stations, television production companies, public relations firms and other organisations working with the media. These sought-after opportunities will give you a unique insight into the contemporary media world during which you will make invaluable contacts and gain practical, on-the-ground skills that will help you in your future search for employment.

Gaeltacht Semester: Gaeltacht Heritage, Learning in the Community, Irish and Communicative Skills, Career Competencies, Language Accuracy.

Second Semester: Internship in a media or public relations organisation, or a community-based learning project, or study abroad.

Year Four
In Fourth Year you will examine some key developments in the contemporary media landscape, including media convergence, the development of mobile and citizen journalism, and recent developments in Irish-language media. You will hone your skills in broadcasting, media production and journalism. You will also investigate key ethical and structural dilemmas in contemporary media production. These include the impact of 'churnalism' on real journalism; funding issues in public service broadcasting; and the impact of social media's 'Daily Me' on social cohesion. You will also carry out a specific final year project on an area of your choosing.

You will deepen your study of Irish literature and the living language, including contemporary drama and literature. The focus on Irish in media and communication will help you further develop the range of presentation and communicative skills you need in order to become a successful television or radio presenter.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• A Comprehensive course in media that provides a balanced mix of academic study and practical, hands-on learning in journalism, television and radio production, broadcasting and multimedia, as well as Irish language and literature.
• Spend a sem ester in the Gaeltacht to hone your language skills and and deepen your understanding of Gaeltacht heritage and dúchas
• Increase your employment prospects by having the ability to speak fluent Irish giving you a considerable advantage in the highly competitive media market, particularly in television and radio.

When you graduate you will be skilled in various aspects of television and radio production and broadcasting, print and online journalism, and multimedia and digital technologies. You will have a keen understanding of story structure and visual language; you will be able to analyse the role of the media in contemporary society; and you will have a keen understanding of Irish language and culture. Successful graduates have found that their ability to speak fluent Irish has given them a considerable advantage in the highly competitive media market, particularly in television and radio. This degree also offers a strong foundation for a career in politics, business, management, the non-profit sector including NGOs and charity organisations, and the public service. 

The Gaeltacht Semester

Live the Language!

The University of Galway offers a unique learning experience to students who undertake Irish as part of their studies on the undergraduate programme. As with other degree programmes that include languages, students who study Irish are offered an opportunity to benefit from an immersion study period of 12 weeks in  the Cheathrú Rua Gaeltachtduring year 3 of their studies.

The university is in the favourable position of having 3 university campuses in some of the strongest Gaeltacht regions in the country, namely: An Cheathrú Rua and Carna in Galway and Gaoth Dobhair in Donegal. At the end of the Gaeltacht semester, the students are more competent in Irish and, as a result, more confident in using it when undertaking work placements in semester two.

Students indicate their campus of choice and accommodation with local families is arranged for the semester. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media generously supplement the cost of the accommodation, with student contributing only €470 (2024 fee) for the entire 12 week period. Accommodation includes all meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Classes during the period are from 10am – 5pm. The modules covered during this semester are:

• Enrichment and Language Skills
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Language and Translation Technologies
• Native Culture of the Gaeltacht
• Today’s Gaeltacht Community
• Gaeltacht Project

During the Gaeltacht semester a wide variety of cultural and social events and other entertainments are organised to ensure students have the best possible Gaeltacht experience. These include:

• Guided Walks
• Tours and trips
• Sports
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Workshops
• Music
• Dancing
• Drama
• Kayaking

During the second semester you will work as an intern in a media or public relations organisation, or complete a community-based learning project. If you choose the internship, you will be given help and support to gain invaluable industry experience in high-quality internships in TG4, RTÉ, Raidió na Gaeltachta and the independent television and radio sector.

These sought-after opportunities will give you a unique insight into the contemporary media world during which you will make invaluable contacts and gain practical, on-the-ground skills that will help you in your future search for employment. 

Seán Breathnach, BA, MA, A.Diop. i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach - Léachtóir in Aonad Léann na Cumarsáide
An Dr Dan Dwyer, BA, MA, PhD - Léachtóir in Aonad Léann na Cumarsáide
Carmel Ní Bhriain, BA, MA, Diop. sa Ghaeilge - Léachtóir in Aonad Léann na Cumarsáide
Norita Ní Chartúir, BA, A.D.O - Léachtóir in Aonad Léann na Cumarsáide
Gearóid Ó Cadhain, BSc, MSc - Léachtóir in Aonad Theicneolaíocht na Faisnéise
Aodh Ó Coileáin, BA, LLB, LLM - Léachtóir sna Meáin
Fionn Ó Sealbhaigh, MA, A.Diop. i dTeicneolaíocht na Faisnéise, PGCE, Dipl (Gaeilge) - Léachtóir in Aonad Léann na Cumarsáide

The BA Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge is designed to provide a balanced mix of academic study and practical, hands-on learning in journalism, television and radio production, broadcasting and multimedia, as well as Irish language and literature.

How Will I Learn?

Language Immersion—Students engage in intensive language study through interactive classes, multimedia resources and conversation practice with native speakers

1. Broadcasting – Students will have the opportunity to produce and present radio programmes weekly to hone their professional skills under the supervision of industry professionals on the campus radio station Flirt FM.
2. Cultural Studies—Modules on literature, film, history, and society help students understand the cultures associated with their chosen languages.
3. Gaeltacht Semester— During the first semester of third year you will be based at the University’s Gaeltacht campus in An Cheathrú Rua at the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht.
4. Excellent media facilities—Students have access to industry standard equipment and facilities, including a radio and television studios.

How Will I Be Assessed?

1. Continuous Assessment—Regular coursework, including essays, presentations, in-class tests, and language exercises. Students receive regular (weekly) feedback on their progress.
2. Oral Assessments—Students participate in iinterviews, and presentations to test fluency and pronunciation.
3. Project Work—Students undertake a sunstantial amount of practical work duting the course, designed to hone their media literacy as well as their practical skills

Fionn Ó Sealbhaigh
Ceann Aonad na Cumarsáide
Léachtóir in Aonad Léann na Cumarsáide,
Áras na Gaeilge
Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
Gaillimh
R: cumarsaid@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie nó
R: fionn.osealbhaigh@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

 

 

 

Minimum Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/ H7 in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes. A H5 in Irish is also required.

Additional Requirements
Grade C in A Level Irish.

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

 

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements,  

 

 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€2,598	€3,000	€19,250	€140	€3,140	€5,738	€19,390

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

Application Process
Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for entry of the following September.  

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.