Module: Media Writing & Expression

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Media Writing & Expression
Module Code	MCO1026 (ITS: CM2130)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module develops practical writing skills for contemporary media and communication contexts. It will equip students to write effectively across a range of professional formats by focusing on writing clarity, structure, and tone. Students will learn to produce industry-relevant forms of writing such as press releases, media statements, reviews, voice-over scripts, opinion pieces and digital content. The precise formats covered may vary from year to year. As appropriate, the module will introduce core principles of narrative and dramatic structure to explore how techniques such as pacing, tension, sequencing, and framing enhance across journalistic, promotional, and creative contexts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply appropriate structure and tone to a range of media writing formats
2. Adapt writing to different audiences and communicative purposes
3. Edit and refine work for clarity, accuracy and impact
4. Demonstrate an understanding of narrative
5. Produce professional-standard written material in response to a brief

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	103	Weekly exercises, writing tasks, and reading
Lecture	22	A structured approach to different modes of writing
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10991	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Declan Tuite	Module Teacher	Ferdia MacAnna, Mark O'Brien

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Mid-Term Writing Assignment based on a practical brief	40%	n/a
Assignment	Final Writing Assignment based on a practical brief	60%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Writing and expression

Lecture Topics
Topics may include: writing for contemporary media contexts; clarity, structure and tone; audience, purpose and voice; writing to a brief; press releases and media statements; opinion pieces and reviews; voice-over and script writing; digital and promotional content; narrative structure and storytelling techniques; editing and professional standards; AI and writing.

Writing Activities
Weekly writing practice is essential to developing skills. The lecturer will set tasks and assign readings or resources, but students are expected to continue practising independently between lectures.

Reading
Orwell, G. (2022). Politics and the English language. Bodleian Library Publishing. Stephen King. (2012), On Writing, Hodder & Stoughton. Carroll, B. (2023). Writing and editing for digital media (Fifth edition.). Routledge. Frederick, P. (2011). Persuasive writing : how to harness the power of words (1st edition). Prentice Hall.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Guides, National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), 2024, Writing and design tips, Dublin, National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)

Make lecture topics visible and added more reading