Irish University To Offer Degree In Social Media Influencing

A university in the southeast of Ireland is set to introduce the nation's first degree program in social media influencing. The "Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation and Social Media" will be offered at Southeast Technical University in Carlow, with applications set to open in November. The inaugural class of students is expected to commence their studies in September 2024. This four-year degree program will cover a diverse range of topics, including business skills, video and audio editing, critical cultural studies, and creative writing. Dr. Eleanor O'Leary, a lecturer in media and communications at the university, highlighted the increasing interest in this field from both prospective students and employers. Graduates of this course will be well-prepared for careers as self-employed influencers or in content creation roles within companies or organizations. The global value of the social media influencing sector has doubled since 2019, estimated to be worth between €14 billion and €16 billion (£12 billion-£14 billion) worldwide, according to Dr. O'Leary. "It's an area that has a specific set of skills," Dr. O'Leary explained. "It draws on existing media and PR and marketing skills but it's a new area in and of itself as well." One of the key aims of the program is to educate students on audience engagement and the monetization of their social media presence. While some individuals become influencers almost inadvertently, the course will provide students with insights into managing an audience and collaborating with businesses. Dr. O'Leary emphasized, "As someone who 'stars,' creating content at home or by themselves, they may not have any understanding of that whole part of the industry where there are contracts and agencies, and business involved." This innovative degree program aims to bridge that knowledge gap and equip students for success in the rapidly evolving world of social media influencing.