Praxisbezug - BA (Hons) in Journalism and Visual Media

Graduate Profile
Cormac Cahill - BA (Hons) Journalism & Visual Media
I entered the BA (Hons) in Journalism and Visual Media at GCD in September 2003 after completing a two-year Journalism and Media Studies (BTEC) Higher National Diploma in Rathmines College of Further Education. I chose GCD over other colleges and universities that I received offers from because the college gave me an exemption from first year based on my previous studies. From the outset I was extremely impressed by the lecturing staff who had a great deal of knowledge and experience in the media industry including distinguished Irish journalist and broadcaster Vincent Browne who was responsible for the Media Law module in second year.

The main highlight of second year for me was the Griff FM college radio station that is run by the journalism students for two weeks each year. I co-produced and was involved in the presenting of a daily lunch-time show called Small Talk with a team of about 10 fellow students. The show gave us a chance to use the skills that we had learned and put them into practice. Small Talk was then nominated for an Smedia award.

In third year, another opportunity for gaining practical experience arose in the shape of a student publication named The Circular which was a part of the optional Editing module. I took on the role of subeditor and reporter and covered a number of stories including current affairs and music. The publication gained exposure in the Sunday Independent and on www.indymedia.ie – which gave the team great satisfaction. The GCD hands-on approach to studying has given me great experience of the media industry and some fond memories.