Institution:

NUI, Galway

How long has the course been running?

Since 1989

Why was it set up?

"Because there was a need for journalism education outside the capital," according to course director Bernadette O'Sullivan.

"Initially we serviced the provincial newspaper sector and local radio stations. Nowadays, though, our students work in all areas, including at national level in broadcasting and print."

How many people admitted to the course?

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Course duration: One year

Entry requirements:

An honours degree is preferred. "We look at the applications from a number of perspectives, including experience," O'Sullivan says. Candidates are required to submit examples of their work as part of their applications. Many applicants have worked in college newspapers or broadcasting.

However, "we don't want to exclude people who don't have portfolios of work", the course director says. If you don't have a portfolio, you can write and submit a number of articles instead.

Course content:

News writing and reporting, feature writing, broadcast journalism, photojournalism, sub-editing, financial journalism, media law, media ethics, local and central government, court reporting and public relations. The course also includes courses in shorthand and typing, word processing, layout and design.

Is there a work placement?

Yes - for eight weeks. "We organise the placements and try to match them with the students needs," O'Sullivan says.

Do most people get full-time jobs?

More than 60 per cent of graduates got staff jobs last year, according to O'Sullivan.

Cost:

£3,210, last year. New price to be confirmed.

Contact:

NUI Galway postgraduate admissions office. Tel: 091 524411.