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Duration
4 years
Level
Bachelor
Outlook
Growing
This course trains you in the craft of audio storytelling, covering radio broadcasting, podcast production, sound design, and digital editing. You learn to operate professional studio equipment, record and mix audio content, write scripts, and produce features, documentaries, and live programmes. Specialisms can include music radio, news and current affairs, sports broadcasting, and narrative podcasting. A typical week combines studio time, writing workshops, and editorial meetings, much like a working radio station. Work placements at local and national radio stations are a central part of the programme, giving you real industry experience. Some programmes offer opportunities to work with campus or community radio broadcasters.
Entry is typically through the CAO, requiring a Leaving Certificate with a minimum of five subjects including English, which is an essential subject for any communications programme. CAO points for this course are generally moderate, though competition can vary by institution and year. Useful Leaving Certificate subjects include English, Music, Media Studies, and Irish, as these develop the critical listening, writing, and cultural awareness the course demands. QQI Level 5 or Level 6 FET qualifications in media, journalism, or creative media production provide a recognised progression route into the programme for applicants without traditional Leaving Certificate points. Mature applicants aged 23 or over may apply directly and are typically assessed on relevant experience, portfolio work, or interview. HEAR and DARE schemes are available at many institutions for students from socioeconomic disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities.
Demand for skilled audio producers in Ireland has grown steadily alongside the global podcast boom and the continued strength of local and national radio. While traditional radio employment is competitive, the expansion of online audio platforms and branded content has created new pathways for graduates. Many graduates build portfolio careers, combining station work, freelance production, and independent podcast projects. Networking within Ireland's relatively compact media industry and building a strong production portfolio are key to securing early career opportunities.
AI tools are increasingly used in audio production for automatic transcription, noise reduction, voice cloning, and automated audio mixing, which are changing some routine editing tasks. You will need to develop skills in using these tools critically and ethically, particularly around issues of synthetic voices and AI-generated content in journalism. AI is unlikely to replace the editorial judgement, interviewing skill, and creative storytelling that define quality audio production. Understanding how to work alongside AI tools will become a valued competency in the industry.
Providers and indicative points are curated with AI support. Always double-check with the institution itself.
CAO points (indicative): 260-480 (2024)
* Indicative only: CAO points change every year. Always check the current points on cao.ie and with the institution.
How to apply
Most undergraduate BA programmes in Radio and Audio Production are applied for through the CAO (cao.ie) by 1 February each year; private colleges such as Griffith College and Pulse College/BIMM accept direct applications via their own websites. ETB/FET Further Education programmes at Levels 5–6 are applied for directly through the college or via fetchcourses.ie and can serve as a QQI-linked entry route to the CAO degree programmes.
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