This is an academic program but is also suited to practitioners/professionals in a related field who wish to gain a broader understanding of the cultural and political dimensions of media responses to international conflicts. UCD values therefore encourages its students to be active, motivated, autonomous learners who have a critical and reflective approach to the subject. UCD aims to provide a learning environment that will encourage students to think critically about the ways in which media interact today with war, conflict, and security in international contexts, both individually and as part of a group. As a result of this approach to learning, the program uses teaching, learning, and assessment approaches such as seminar discussions, short and longer writing assignments, one-on-one advising, small group activities, presentations, internships, and engagement with practitioners.