Transition Year Online Courses

We offer TY students the opportunity to experience what it is like to work as a journalist from the convenience of their classroom. We have introduced four new ONLINE courses for TY students.

Scripting and Recording a Radio Report
Smartphone Radio Journalism
Voice Training for Radio
Making a Podcast

Methodology

Each of these courses is taught fully online. Teachers have access to the same course material and have dedicated Academy support. Courses are mentored by teachers, usually over a 10-week period in double lectures. Each student receives individual access to the course, which is accessed through a link to our Cloud Learning management platform. Courses are accessible on computer, laptop, tablet or phone. Students have access to specially created text, video and audio; a ‘deep dive’ additional resource centre; individual online access 24/7. Students must complete an audio assignment to graduate. Each student receives a Certificate of Achievement on completion. We can onboard cohorts of students and give them access to our platform in 24 hours.

Scripting and Recording a Radio Report (Online Course)

“TV gives everyone an image, but radio gives birth to a million images in a million brains” Peggy Noonan.

Objectives

Students will be guided through the elements of this course using text, audio and video. They will learn how to write a good story, how to import audio clips, place them in order, level the sound, minimise any abrupt transitions from one clip to the next and save their project. They will learn how the proper and creative use of sound distinguishes between an ordinary radio report and one that stands out in the listener’s mind.

Assignment

Students are required to select a news piece and script and record a radio report which includes an interview clip.

Learning outcomes

How to tell your story. How to time your report. How to record your voice. How to assemble and sequence audio clips. How to use free sound-editing software.

Certification and Cost

On completion of this course, students are awarded a Certificate of Achievement. There is no maximum number of students. The cost of this online course is €30 per student, per course. Teacher’s access is complimentary.

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Smartphone Radio Journalism (Online Course)

“The smartphone enables the journalist to always be a journalist” Bjorn Staschen and Wytse Vellinga.

Objectives
Without the presence of visual clues, radio journalists, in words and sounds, must be able to create a picture to stimulate the listeners’ minds. We are experts in teaching Radio Journalism since 2014 and this course is perfect for those who want to learn how to research, prepare, record, package and pitch a radio clip.

Assignment
Students are required to develop a story idea, record and edit it, and submit the finished audio for evaluation.

Learning outcomes
An understanding of what radio journalism is all about. Comprehension of radio news formats and writing style. Ability to create and edit audio clips. The use of smartphone apps to record and edit. An ability to construct a radio story, create clips and scripts, and publish to social media platforms.

Certification and Cost
On completion of this course, students are awarded a Certificate of Achievement. There is no maximum number of students. The cost of this online course is €25 per student, per course. Teachers access is complimentary.

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Voice Training for Radio (Online Course)

“Radio is the most intimate and socially personal medium in the world” Harry von Zell.

Objectives
Using a combination of text, audio and video, we will guide students through this course so that they learn all of the tricks and skills to develop confidence and be their natural selves when the microphone is turned on.

Assignment
Students select a piece of text that they like – poetry, media article, passage from a book – and record it with the relevant inflections.

Learning outcomes

Students will understand the components of voice training, in particular: speed, enunciation, pronunciation, breathing, projection and emphasis. They will know how to prepare for and conduct an interview. They will be comfortable recording their own voice and using audacity software.

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Making a Podcast (Online Course)

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful” Malala Yousafzai.

Objectives
Podcasts are increasingly popular as people listen while they walk, exercise and relax. A good podcast can encourage others to take up a musical instrument, get involved in a hobby or just learn from the expert opinion of others. Although a one-way form of communication, podcasts are great for engaging with fellow enthusiasts.

Assignment
Students are required to develop an idea for a podcast, outline the contents, identify the audience, and create sample audio from the first programme in the series.

Learning outcomes
Students will understand the purpose of a podcast. They will know how to brainstorm ideas and create engaging podcasts. Students will have an ability to record and brand their podcast and will know how to keep audiences engaged.

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30 Years’ Experience

The Irish Academy of Public Relations has been teaching communications courses since 1992. We specialise in radio, television, PR, journalism and event management.

We have graduates in 50 countries around the world. Your students are in good hands.

Accreditation, Affiliations & Awards

Testimonials

What they say about Public Relations

When choosing a PR course last year, I was trying to find an institute that is offering a practical course and at the same time it is really covering the most important topics of public relations. Since I am always on the way, it was absolutely perfect for me to have the possibility to do the course online. The assignments related to every single topic were very interesting and useful, not only to get an insight into the different areas of Public Relations, but also to fully understand and have the chance to work on the details, just as in real life. The evaluation of the assignments were very clear and encouraging. If you are interested in learning, I definitely recommend to take the course!

Adrienn Banhegni
Public Relations Graduate

The PR degree from the Irish Academy of Public Relations combines practice with theory in ways that allow a graduate to tackle any real world promotional challenges. The ability to work with those involved in the Smoking Ban campaign, build projects for Enable Ireland and other organizations with international reach enables a graduate to hit the ground running, as it were. In my own case, I was able to take lessons in writing press release and strategic communication into rich curriculum activities that I can offer my students at the University of Cincinnati. The alumni network also provides opportunities for ongoing professional development and growth.

Antoinette Larkin
Public Relations Graduate

My job requires me to travel a lot so when it came to choosing a course, it had to be done online and in my time, so The Irish Academy was the perfect institute for me.

The teachers were fast and efficient to replying to emails and were always there to help when needed.

I wanted to learn more about Public Relations and the course that I did covered all of the important topics of PR. The modules and assignments were very clear and easy to understand. When it came to the evaluating of the assignment, the teachers were always very precise in their marking and encouraging. I would highly recommend this institute to everyone that is looking into it!

Dominique Beneli Lamon

Public Relations Graduate

Very interesting course, that covers every aspects of PR and gives a great understanding of the job. The feedback from the tutor was really constructive. Highly recommended!.

Lise Deuss Centanin
Public Relations Graduate

Signing in Irish Academy has been one of the best decisions I have made. I really enjoyed the Public Relations course. The Diploma gave me an excellent grounding in PR theory. I hope that it will help me to take the next steps in my professional career.

Stavroula Barbageorgopoulou
Public Relations Graduate

I am fortunate to be a graduate of the Irish Academy of Public Relations having earned my Diploma at UCC in 1998. I can categorically say over the last 21 years this course has been invaluable in every area of my career journey. Having recently spread my wings and launched the Just for Men brand with my two business partners once again the Public Relations training has been instrumental to the growth of our brand. While the medium of information may have to be adjusted to meet current market digital media demands; it is at the very core of the course that the ability to read, adjust and respond to the needs of our target audience was learned, it is this foundation that has stood the test of time. Ellen Gunning is and has been a positive influence over the spanning years, a force to be reckoned with, and, a genuinely nice woman I am proud to be associated with! I greatly admire Ellen, a dynamic lady who walks the walk!

Anne Marie McIlwraith
Public Relations Graduate

I really enjoyed the Public Relations Course. It was very beneficial and it gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge about communication, to make precise plans and to put them into action. Furthermore, the tutorship was effective, the assignments were well structured and overall, it was a unique learning experience. I would happily recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their communication skills.

Vasileios Palaiologos
Public Relations Graduate

Next Start Date

Spring 2020

Duration: We recommend that this course is taught, in a single semester, in one double-lesson each week.

Fee: €25 per student.

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Free Consultation with the Director

When you enroll for a professional course, you are investing a significant amount of money in yourself and in your future. It’s a big decision, you need to take your time. Most of all, it’s important that you know exactly where you want to go with this qualification. We have been teaching online courses for 2 decades. We have graduates all over the world. Many of them are in their dream jobs, traveling the world and loving the PR lifestyle. If you have any doubts about a career in PR, our director will speak with you about your background, your interests, your goals, and whether or not this course is the right one for you.