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Media Management Project- Students

Media Management Project - Students

The Media Management Project is a module offered as an alternative to a thesis. It requires students to develop a media project in collaboration with a not-for-profit organisation, initiative or network. In negotiation with an appropriate client, students will develop a project which is of value to the client in their ongoing work. This module is worth 30 credits, and is required for the MSc degree programme. The purpose of the project is to help students develop and manage a media project in collaboration with a not-for-profit organisation. This will enable students to take ownership of their emerging career and professional identity in a specialisation of their choice and also to gain hands on experience working with media and communication in practice. Students will also deepen their understanding of the media and communications industry.

Detailed information can be reviewed in the MMP Handbook. Additional information and resources can be found below.

The Media Management Project (MMP) is a student-led and self-directed initiative. It is each student’s
responsibility to identify, contact, and secure a client organisation with whom to complete their
project. The process of sourcing a client is designed to mirror professional practice in the
communications and media industries, requiring initiative, professionalism and effective
communication skills.
While the module team provides guidance, support, and resources, it is ultimately up to the student to
take ownership of this process. The ability to independently secure a client is an important
component of the learning experience, reflecting the independence and confidence expected at
postgraduate level. 

To begin the project, both students and the client need to sign an agreed brief (available below and withinthe MMP Handbook). This includes conditions of the agreement and the nature of the student’s work for the duration of the project.

To support you in the process of finding and confirming a client, please review the MMP Handbook pages 18 - 26

Students undertake a minimum of 150 hours with a client organisation, engaging in a professional environment that enables the application of academic knowledge in real-world contexts, building confidence in decision-making and further developing a versatile skill set.

Each project is developed through negotiation with the client and tailored to address a real-world need.
The work must hold clear value for the organisation while also supporting the student’s professional
growth. This immersive experience not only enhances students’ capacity for creative problem-solving and collaboration, it also provides valuable insight into the workings of client organisations, preparing each student for future leadership roles and professional success.

The purpose of the MMP is threefold: 

  1. To give students hands-on experience in developing and managing a media project.
  2. To allow students to take ownership of their career path and professional identity within a chosen
    specialisation.
  3. To help students deepen their understanding of the media and communications industry by
    applying academic knowledge in practice.

Further details can be reviewed in the MMP Handbook

Document  Description
MMP Handbook

This handbook has been created as a resource for two key audiences:

  • Students who are preparing to take the Media Management Project (MMP).
  • Potential clients and partners who may wish to collaborate with our students or connect with the programme.
Sample Client Outreach Email

All students are expected to contact potential clients directly via email. Students should use this template to contact potential Clients.

  • Personalise each message — show you’ve researched the organisation and understand their mission.
  • Be professional, concise, and polite.
  • Avoid overly formal or academic language; keep the tone approachable.
  • Follow up once if you do not receive a reply after a week.
  • Save all correspondence for your project records.
  • Do not send generic mass emails — tailor each message to the organisation.
  • Do not solely apply through job boards or internship listings. The expectation is that you reach out to organisations directly. You will have very little success applying via this route to jobs because you are aiming for a 150 hour placement. You will generally bot be hired via this route because you are still a student on a full-time programme.
  • Clearly state that you are a UCD postgraduate student undertaking a 150-hour academic project as part of your degree.
  • Be proactive but courteous — organisations are often open to collaboration when the approach is respectful, professional, and clearly explained.
MMP Client Tracking Sheet

Your Portfolio must include the tracking sheet of all the clients you approached.

Agreed Brief with Client

Building on from the proposal, this will be a submission of the agreed brief, project, timescale and completion date, as agreed on with the client. This can be submitted at any point throughout the trimester as long as you have obtained a client.

Client Report

To be submitted directly to the School of Information and Communication Studies after completion of Media Management Project.

Please email the report to (opens in a new window)paraic.kerrigan@ucd.ie and (opens in a new window)edward.moore@ucd.ie

  1. Professional Developement Plan (20%)
  2. Media Management Project Proposal (10%)
  3. Agreed Brief with Client (Grade Neutral)
  4. Client Report (10%)
  5. Media Management Portfolio and Reflective Essay (60%)

Professional Developement Plan (20%)

One of the first tasks new professionals have as they enter the field is to establish a professional
presentation of themselves, and what they offer in the workplace. To that end, it is essential that new
professionals develop a personal professional development plan which will help guide them in their new
careers. In addition, applying for positions requires a professional curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter,
which will enable them to stand out from the competition. The purpose of this assessment component is
to develop these competencies. Further detail can be reviewed from page 12 of the MMP Handbook

Media Management Project Proposal (10%)

A robust proposal, including your planned Media Management Project, your supervisor and your
shortlisted client. The proposal should include specifics on the type of media project being carried and
over what period. It should include reasons as to why the project is necessary and how the client will
benefit along with a robust action plan and timeline as to how the project will be implemented.

Agreed Brief with Client (Grade Neutral)

Building on from the proposal, this will be a submission of the agreed brief, project, timescale and
completion date, as agreed on with the client. 

Client Report (10%)

To be submitted directly to project supervisor after completion of project. A report form will be forwarded directly to the client, at the address specified by you. The client will be asked to complete the form and email it directly back to the supervisor. 

Media Management Portfolio and Reflective Essay (60%)

The final component of your grade is awarded for the submission of your Media Management Project.
This is the submission of a Portfolio tracking your project. This portfolio can be submitted in varying
formats. The Portfolio should be submitted alongside your Reflective Essay

All details on assessment items can be found from page 11 of the MMP Handbook

Date Event
08 December 2025

MMP Information Session

10.00am - 12.00pm

Theatre R (Ground Floor), Newman Building

01 April 2026 Professional Development Plan (20%)
31 May 2026
  1. Project Praposal (10%)
  2. Agreed Brief with Client 
Summer

Client Report (10%)

The submission date for the client report will be co-ordinated over the Summer Trimester
by the academic mentor.

20 August 2026 Portfolio and Learning Journal (60%)

This MMP Handbook has been created as a resource for two key audiences:

Students who are preparing to take the Media Management Project (MMP).
Potential clients and partners who may wish to collaborate with our students or connect with the programme.

The Handbook is designed to provide practical guidance, answer common questions, and showcase the opportunities and impact that the MMP can generate for all involved. Whether you are a student embarking on your capstone project or an organisation considering partnership, you will find the information you need to understand the scope, process, and benefits of participation.

UCD School of Information and Communication Studies

Newman Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 8360