Media studies NUI Maynooth or Communications DCU???

Philly Notaro

Hey guys,

Ive been agonising about which media related course to put as my 1st choice on my cao.
Ive been going back n forth between media studies in NUI maynooth and Communications in DCU.
I'd love to get into radio someday and I hear both courses offer consistent quality radio modules...can anyone help me out here??any opinions at all??
Please dont be biased cos your in DCU though ha thanks:D

giveliberty

I know current and graduate students of NUIM who did the media course....from chatting to them, some began to prefer the DCU course.

As I stated in the previous thread on the BA in Communication Studies the most unique element of this degree is the first year - its Arts element - which is lacking in the NUIM course. The NUIM course does offer Arts subjects but you cannot select Psychology, which I think is an important element of the degree, and links nicely with a number of the other Arts subjects, and indeed research elements later on. Don't get me wrong some of the arts subjects in NUIM are excellent but the subjects in DCU are more finely tuned to the Communication Studies Degree and are industry relevant

There is nothing in the Media Studies course that is not covered in the DCU course, but there are, as stated subjects that are not covered in NUIM that are in DCU. If you go into research, which some people will until they can climb the ladder, these subjects are a distinct advantage.

The DCU course is also the oldest course of its type in the country, a programme in the only dedicated Communications school meaning that academics and structures are ideally suited and focused on the BA in Communication Studies.

On campus facilities are improving in DCU. If you are thinking of radio you will be pleased to know that DCUfm is ever growing and professionalising with state of the art software and equipment. More importantly DCUfm is unique in the 'student radio station world' in Ireland. It has more live hours of broadcast than any other stations, and continues to have a highly developed management structure, which began last year, and continues to evolve. The ethos of the station is inclusivity so if you have any suggestions for programming or 'once-offs' you should feel free to suggest them. DCUfm is run by the MPS society, just catch their table at Clubs & Societies day. The station has one broadcast studio and access to two other recording studios, one which is set up for panel debates.

Even more importantly....there is talk about introducing an INTRA element to the BA in Communication Studies. This may well be in by the time you reach final year......so with the connections that DCU has with mainstream media this will be a major advantage of the DCU course.

Also if you aren't too keen on exams you may only sit three in your three years in DCU. Most subjects are continuous assessment driven.

The lecturers are fantastic and there is a significant amount independent learning time. They will encourage you to get actively involved in the campus radio station, drama, tv, newspaper and magazines etc so that you have a more rounded qualification.

The course does not end during the summer months to those who have some spare time and want to work on personal projects. The Loans Office is open during the summer months and you can borrow marantz and book time in the radio studios. The Audio labs remain open as well to edit your work.

In third year the Uaneen Module - which is worth 5 credits is an option. This recognises your extra-curricular actives such as working in the radio station. This allows you to concentrate on developing a quality show reel, developing the society you are working in and therefore benefiting your fellow students too.

I know this is totally one sided, but from speaking to graduates from the Maynooth course, they seem to prefer the DCU course, but some of them didn't have the points unfortunately to get into DCU. But other friends would still choose NUIM.

Hope this helps

Philly Notaro

The communications course in DCU does sound like the course for me. The media studies in NUIM is only in its 8th year which makes me think it hasnt got the best links with the industry. Although you do all the practical TV and radio modules in an independant media production company only a few minutes from the university campus.

I've just completed a Level 5 certificate in journalism and got exactly what i need for entry into the NUIM course(5 distinctions including communications) so i suppose I should be happy enough. However im not too sure if i can actually get into communications in DCU as I need 5 distinctions in 5 nominated modules. Even though I have 6 distinctions i only have distinctions in 4 of the nominated modules and am missing one in which i got a merit. Do you think there could still be a chance to get into the communications degree if the university does not fill their quota for fetac progression students? I really would love to do it and the media studies in NUIM would just be a back up really.

Or is there even any other way into DCU with only 4 distinctions instead of 5 like some kind of access programme? cos its getting to the point where I feel NUIM would be a complete waste and im even thinking of doing another 1 year media certificate to definitley get into DCU next year...

Any advice would help at this stage...thanks:D

giveliberty

I cannot speak for DCU, and I could be totally wrong but I'd imagine you would have a snowballs chance in hell. This is an incredibly popular course, but I have heard them make exceptions through Access mode. It's worth a try, and if the worse happens they will know you for the next time round.

As stated there is an Access method of entry on this course. There are at least three access students in my class. There are also four mature students.....would that be an option for you?

You should speak to Debbie Ging, the course coordinator, and all round nice person. You should also speak to the Access Office and Admissions who were very helpful when I applied.

Hope that's of some use.

loctite

How many threads on the Communications course can there possibly be in the DCU forum?? There should be a sticky on this course at this rate??

Philly Notaro

giveliberty wrote: »

I cannot speak for DCU, and I could be totally wrong but I'd imagine you would have a snowballs chance in hell. This is an incredibly popular course, but I have heard them make exceptions through Access mode. It's worth a try, and if the worse happens they will know you for the next time round.

As stated there is an Access method of entry on this course. There are at least three access students in my class. There are also four mature students.....would that be an option for you?

You should speak to Debbie Ging, the course coordinator, and all round nice person. You should also speak to the Access Office and Admissions who were very helpful when I applied.

Hope that's of some use.

Ah yeah i know its a long shot. So how does the access method work?? do i need certain attributes or disadvantages to qualify for it???

No im only 20 so I cant apply for mature entry. But thanks for your help giveliberty:D

giveliberty

Philly Notaro wrote: »

Ah yeah i know its a long shot. So how does the access method work?? do i need certain attributes or disadvantages to qualify for it???

No im only 20 so I cant apply for mature entry. But thanks for your help giveliberty:D

There are two access routes to DCU. These are:

• H.E.A.R.
• Access DCU

I've met some of the staff in the DCU Access Office, they are very accommodating.

All the criteria you need to know is listed in the links above.

No problem at all!

Click