Journalism Summer School
CNN Academy Summer Institute and Simulation Week
Two week programme
29th June - 11th July 2026 | University College Dublin, Ireland
Hear from CNN journalists, industry experts and media analysts about how technology is transforming the way we tell stories and the challenges of international reporting.
Learn the skills necessary to be a true multimedia journalist such as mobile storytelling, open-source intelligence and the benefits and challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
Then put those skills into practice during a realistic simulation where you’ll be split into groups, despatched to a fictional country and set the task of reporting on a breaking news story.
The simulation transcends traditional journalism training, providing a transformative experience that combines real-world challenges, collaboration, competition and a commitment to addressing pressing global issues.
Storytelling in the Age of AI: A CNN Academy Summer School Institute
One week programme
29th June - 5th July 2026
Students Requiring Visas
Whether or not a participant requires an entry visa will depend on their nationality. There is a list of visa required countries here on the Irish Immigration website. There is also information on short stay visas (Stays of up to 90 days), here. If a participant is from a visa required country, then they need an entry visa in advance of coming to Ireland, even for a period of 1-2 weeks.
If you have any queries about the Summer School, please contact Catherine.Carey@ucd.ie
Choice of Programmes
Programme 1: Storytelling in the Age of AI (CF37) - 1 week
29th June - 4th July 2026
This is a one module programme. The module is “Reporting in the Age of AI”.
Programme 2: CNN Academy Summer Institute & Simulation Week (CF38) - 2 weeks
29 th June – 12 th July 2026
This programme has 2 modules. They are “Reporting in the Age of AI” and “CNN Simulation Week”
Module 1: Reporting in the Age of AI
(29 June –4 July 2026)
This immersive one-week programme is designed for those eager to stay ahead with the latest skills and knowledge in journalism. CNN journalists and instructors will provide hands-on audio, video and digital production training in person. Participants will also benefit from masterclasses by leading industry professionals, ensuring they acquire a diverse skill set vital for navigating the complexities of modern journalism. The module includes:
Multiplatform content production
Mobile storytelling shooting and editing
Verification techniques and open-source intelligence
AI and the evolution of news media technologies
Practical exercises
Module 2: CNN Academy Simulation
(6 -11July 2026)
This is an immersive programme that unites emerging journalists in a week-long experience of intensive journalism training. Faced with a breaking news story unfolding in real-time, students will test and refine their skills in a realistic news environment. Participants will be split into groups and tasked with producing a comprehensive news report by the end of the week, shot and edited on their phones. The winners will be selected in a closing ceremony. The module includes:
Access to a custom-built social media tool
Mock news conferences
Interviews with role players
Trip to a realistic field environment
Feedback from CNN professionals
Note: further details on module content, schedule and faculty will be posted on this page.
Who is the Summer School for?
Students and early-career journalists and media practitioners.
Students should have completed at least one year of university. Students can be from any discipline but must have a strong interest in the field of journalism. Students can take the modules for credit if this is required by their home institution – see below.
For those who have completed a first degree, the modules will provide advanced skilling suited to transitioning to a career in journalism or developing transferable skills in communication and storytelling.
Credit
Each module carries 5 ECTS credits. Modules 1 and 2 together carry 10 ECTS credits.
UCD uses the ECTS European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), based on student workload. Your home institution decides on credits to be awarded for modules completed at UCD.
Note for US-based students: We recommend that 3 US credits be awarded for the successful completion of each week, so 6 US credits for the completion of both weeks.
Fees
1 Week Programme - Storytelling in the Age of AI (CF37)
EU fees €1,200
Non EU fees €1,600
7 nights accommodation and 5 days of food is extra but can be booked for an €620, but must be done before the 31st March 1016
2 Week Programme - CNN Academy Summer Institute & Simulation week (CF38)
EU Fees, €2,500
Non EU Fee, €3,600
14 Nights accommodation and 10 days food is extra but can be booked for €1,239 but must be done before the 31st March 2026
Housing
Campus accommodation can be booked through the Institute if done so before the 31st March 2026 - contact Catherine.Carey@ucd.ie
Study In Dublin
University College Dublin is Ireland’s largest and most international university, located on a modern campus in the heart of a leafy, residential area on Dublin’s southside. UCD offers world-class academic, residential and sporting facilities, and is within easy reach of Dublin's city centre, picturesque coastline and the magnificent Irish countryside, along with a host of cultural and visitor attractions.