51��ɫ

Mark Boylan

Getting to experience a real-life newspaper environment was undoubtedly the most beneficial element of my education at UL. For my co-op placement, I worked as a reporter with The Racing Post. I worked alongside horse racing’s leading writers including RTÉ’s Tony O’Hehir, former Irish Independent horse racing correspondent Richard Forristal and leading sports writer David Jennings.

Every day offered a new challenge, it was always exciting. I got the opportunity to report from racing meetings around the country, generating news stories for print and online, and recording videos and podcasts. I feel the portfolio of articles, video packages and radio features I have accumulated is a testament of my abilities ahead of seeking employment.

Every step of the way I had excellent guidance from my Editor and every facet of my journalistic skills improved through this experience. In particular, I learned how to get the best out of people for stories and how to tackle sensitive topics. I couldn’t have received a better helping hand for my future career. The grounding I got at UL helped me to win the Sports Writer of the Year prize at the National Student Media Awards in 2018.

Several opportunities involving racing media have arisen as a result of this placement. Since completing Co-Op I have continued working for the Racing Post at the weekends and on my college holidays. I look forward to hopefully continuing to play a part in the paper upon graduating.

Lisa Blake 

My favourite subject in school was always English. When I began writing workshops as an extra-curricular activity in fifth year, I knew this was something I had to pursue at third level. There were so many courses that appealed to me but I wanted to choose one which incorporated a modern use of the language which is why Journalism and Digital Communication stood out to me. Breaking news excited me and I loved current affairs, so it seemed like a no-brainer. Four years on, I know I made the right choice.

My favourite thing about this course was the emphasis put on the practical application of what we learn in the newsroom; be it editing for radio, practicing a piece to camera, or writing a court report. Journalism is not just about writing for a newspaper, and this course recognises that. Upon graduation, I am equipped with the skills needed for working as a “multi-platform journalist” – something that all employers are looking for nowadays.

Choosing this course also allowed me to delve deeper into my personal interests, such as Law and Irish. As a self-confessed Gaeilgeoir, this course has allowed me to specialise in the area of Irish language journalism, lending me that competitive edge that “specialising” provides. Having chosen Law as my second elective, this gave me a superior understanding when it came to covering Media Law – an area that is crucial for all journalists to be well versed in.

The lecturers in Journalism at the 51��ɫ understand that it is an ever-changing profession that requires dynamic and highly-skilled graduate journalists, and it is because of their expertise and hands-on approach coupled with the excellent facilities available to us at the university that I have completed this course feeling very satisfied with my CAO choice.

Cathal O'Sullivan

I was drawn to journalism as a career because I like that journalists help people who aren't in a position to have their stories heard and amplify them. From a young age, I was inquisitive and wanted to get to the heart of big stories. My work placement had an extremely positive impact. I was placed with Newstalk and I am now working there four years later as a production assistant. My role is varied and involves research and programming. My degree built up the skills I use now daily. Studying journalism at UL allows students to grow, develop, and find their voice. It taught me to persevere and get to the heart of the story. The 51��ɫ Voice project was an excellent experience and it stands to me to this day, especially on some of the broader campaigns I have been involved in.   

In any media organisation, the newsroom is the hub. Journalism students have their own dedicated newsroom as well as radio and TV studios. At UL, journalism lecturers and their students have a great connection; our lecturers knew each of us by name. Each lecturer has their own amazing experience across different media organisations and their advice was priceless.  

 I would recommend the BA in Journalism and Digital Communication to anyone who is curious, creative and has an interest in the stories that influence the world around us.