If you've ever dreamed of becoming a social media influencer, a top Irish university is now offering a unique four-year course for you from next September.
South East Technology University (SETU) in Carlow is spearheading the brand new course which is called the Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation and Social Media. The course is accepting applications from November 2023, and will officially welcome students in September 2024.
Topics covered on the four-year course are to include business skills, video and audio editing, critical cultural studies and creative writing. Dr Eleanor O'Leary, lecturer in media and communications at the university, told RTE News at One that social media influencing has has doubled in value globally.
Read more: Storm Agnes: Met Eireann pinpoint when peak will hit as Orange weather warnings issued
Read more: Cost of Living: Thousands of students can apply for major €500 payment boost
The industry is now estimated to be worth between €14bn and €16bn worldwide, explained Dr O'Leary. She told RTE: "It’s an area that has a specific set of skills. It draws on existing media and PR and marketing skills but it’s a new area in and of itself as well.
"Lots of people end up working and collaborating with brands. They could be self-employed as an influencer, or they could go in with a company and organisation as a content creator."
Dr O'Leary added that while most young people are proficient in social media, they may not always understand the business side of the industry. The four year course at SETU Carlow will include teaching students business skills, critical cultural studies, and technical skills such as writing, video editing, audio editing, and podcasting.
Meanwhile, the course will also teach students about crisis management and the laws and practicalities around advertising products. The course description reads: "Do your family and friends complain about you being on your phone all the time?
"Well now is your chance to put all that screen time to good use by proving that you can have a successful and exciting career using your digital devices to connect with millions of people across the world.
"On finishing our programme you can start an energising media job in the worlds of business, campaigning, selling and influencing. Over the course of the programme you will learn to become an expert in social media theory and practice.
"You will enlarge your talent for connecting with people who are interested in what you have to say. We will help you professionalise your practice so that it transforms from hobby to career."
There's no points range for the course at the moment, but it can be put on a CAO application with the code SE301. For more information about the social media influencer course and to apply visit SETU Carlow's website.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
