Digital Policy
The innovative programme mixes the abstract and the applied with core modules from the School of Information and Communication Studies and optional modules from other Schools in the College of Social Sciences and Law (COSSL) and Computer Science. This programme introduces students to basic concepts and issues in digital policy, giving a historical and critical understanding of how to theorise digital objects and environments by learning to situate them in perspectives such as platform capitalism, governance, data infrastructures, information analytics, interface critique and software studies.
| Award Name | Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 9 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should present with a primary (bachelor's) degree in any subject with an overall score of 2.1 or higher.
Names and contact details of two referees who can assess their intellectual ability, maturity and motivation.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate
English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
While applications are accepted up to August of the year of entry, offers are made to suitably qualified candidates on a first-come-first-served basis so early application is recommended. Entry to the programmes is very competitive and the number of places is limited.
Further information
Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.
MSc Digital Policy (W471) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9100
nonEU fee per year - € 21230
MSc Digital Policy (W472) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 5520
nonEU fee per year - € 10620
***Fees are subject to change
How to apply?
MSc Digital Policy FT (W471)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
MSc Digital Policy PT (W472)
Duration 2 Years Attend
Part Time Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
MSc Digital Policy
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
With support from Microsoft Ireland, UCD’s School of Information and Communication studies is establishing the Microsoft-UCD Digital Policy Programme with the goal of building digital policy training and capability in Ireland and Europe.
The MSc in Digital Policy is designed to prepare graduates for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying core topical, theoretical, and methodological issues that arise in digital policy today. The course will take a multi-disciplionary approach to investigating the institutional and public policy dimensions of the prevalence of digital technology, as well as the underlying social conditions (economic, political, and cultural) and public/private sector contexts that give rise to such technologies and their governance.
Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
The MSc in Digital Policy is designed to prepare graduates for careers in evaluating, implementing, and studying core topical, theoretical, and methodological issues that arise in digital policy today. The course will take a multi-disciplionary approach to investigating the institutional and public policy dimensions of the prevalence of digital technology, as well as the underlying social conditions (economic, political, and cultural) and public/private sector contexts that give rise to such technologies and their governance.
This MSc is available full time (one year) or part time (two years) and includes the completion of a thesis. The programme's core course modules are complimented by specific optional modules available within the school and through other select external schools.
Stage 1 - Core
Quantitative Data AnalysisIS40730
Research Theory and PracticeIS40820
Data & SocietyIS40840
Digital PolicyIS40910
Digital Policy IIIS40960
AI & EthicsIS40970
Platform GovernanceIS41050
Media Law & PolicyIS41190
Digital Policy ThesisIS41290
Programme Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
• Understand both theoretical and applied issues in digital policy
• Demonstrate advanced conceptual knowledge of digital technologies and their implications for socio-political life
• Understand the dilemmas and tensions involved in regulating digital technologies
Applying knowledge and understanding:
• Critically appraise evidence from research papers concerning topics in digital policy
• Critically evaluate existing digital policies and policy proposals and their limitations
Making judgements:
• Systematically analyse the research literature in a key area of digital policy as part of their dissertation
• Decide, under guidance, on appropriate methodology and materials to be analysed for their dissertation
Communications and working skills:
• Articulate theoretical concepts, current debates and research findings to both specialist and non-specialist
• audiences from a digital policy perspective
• Work effectively with peers in learning, research, and presentation
Learning skills:
• Collect or source data using research methodologies taught on the programme
• Engage in independent research and analysis under supervision
• Write to a high academic standard
Contact Name: Claire Nolan
Tel: 01 716 8360