An Irish university offers a four-year Internet celebrity course, enrolling 15 people in the first batch

A university in Ireland recently launched an intensive summer course on becoming an influencer, which received an enthusiastic response. Recognizing the growing interest among Generation Z in influencer careers, the institution has now established a four-year program to nurture future influencers and offer accredited degrees.

Irene McCormick, the academic director at South East Technological University in Carlow, told AFP, “Being an influencer is definitely one of the hottest professions right now.”

McCormick previously ran a summer crash course called “Digital Hustle,” featuring TikTok creators as instructors. Initially intended for just 30 students, the course garnered an overwhelming 350 applications. This high demand inspired her to develop an influencer degree program.

Surveys consistently indicate that a majority of Generation Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—are considering careers as vloggers, YouTubers, or streamers.

With her background as a television producer and director, McCormick noted, “The allure of these roles is incredible, and the demand is clearly there, so we decided to expand the program to award a degree.”

After two years of development, the university has officially launched a four-year bachelor’s degree program in “Content Creation and Social Media,” with the first cohort of 15 students starting classes in September.

The curriculum includes core courses on creative video production and the psychology of storytelling, entrepreneurial skills, celebrity studies, data analysis, and podcast production. Practical training involves operating cameras and microphones, along with hands-on internships in real-world settings.

McCormick emphasized, “About 70% of marketers now believe that influencers are the future of marketing. Governments around the world are also leveraging influencers to communicate messages to the public. This is how we are exploring market opportunities today.”