Critical Geographies- Crises Climate & Inequality

Critical geographies allow us to engage with power relations and inequalities that create contemporary societies, spaces, places, environments and lives. It develops a robust critical analysis of power relations and inequalities that define our contemporary and past worlds, in search of improved futures. Hands on, in the field learning includes a choice of fieldtrips, including a Global South option. UCD Geography has an impressive range of engaged international experts leading their fields in Radical scholarship, Anarchism, Geopolitics, Global South, Postcolonialism and Decoloniality, Feminism, Queer, Healthcare and Urban studies. Advised by these world leading scholars, who work with you to engage in ways that develop your analytical, intellectual and practical skills, and informed by cutting edge research, you develop both in-depth contemporary critical geographies.



As a bridge between the natural and social sciences, Geography as a discipline is ideally placed to develop flexible and informed global citizens for the workplaces and societies of tomorrow. The popularity of the discipline is due to its relevance to important global, national and local issues such as climate change, inequality, migration, urbanisation and hazard management.



By focusing on the context of environmental, socio-cultural and politico-economic decision-making and their interconnections, geography graduates are well placed to excel in varied careers and contribute effectively to solving some of the most pressing problems of our time.



This Masters is for anyone who has an interest in considering how power and inequalities are created differently in different places, as well as created through the places that they are in. You do not have to have a Geography Degree. Critical geographies offers a distinctive graduate opportunity for activists to engage with and understand how place, environment and landscapes are central to shaping futures.



Please be aware that the modules for the part-time route are only available during working hours, from Monday to Friday. This course is not offered in the evenings or online. Instead, it is designed to spread your learning requirements over two years, which is ideal for those who are currently employed and can only attend campus for one day per week. If you are worried about managing your work and study commitments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Stage 1 Core Modules

GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn 5

GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn 10

GEOG40520 Dissertation Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

Choose one Fieldtrip module from the list below.

GEOG40830 Global South Fieldwork: Vietnam Spring 10

GEOG40940 International Urban Fieldwork Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - C)35CR:

Choose 35 credits

ARCT41260 Climate Carbon Cities Change Autumn 5

ARCT41310 Geodesign for Urban Futures Autumn 5

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn 10

GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn 10

GEOG41170 Citizen Science Autumn 10

ARCT41240 Urban Resilience and Ethics Spring 5

GEOG40450 Critical Geopolitics and Diplomacy Spring 10

GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Spring 10

GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring 10

GEOG41190 Advanced Qualitative Methods Spring 5

GEOG41210 GIS for Decision-Making Spring 10

GS40080 Culture and Sexualities Spring 10

GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Spring 10

LAW41090 Climate Change Law and Policy Spring 10

PLAN40390 Sustainable Cities Spring 10

PLAN40650 Healthy and Sust. Communities Spring 10

A primary degree with at least GPA 3.08 (2H1) or international equivalent in Geography or a related discipline.



We will also consider applicants with at least a GPA 3.08 (2H1) in a related area that provides appropriate background to the programme. In exceptional circumstances, students who have a GPA 2.48 (2H2) and some relevant work or other experience.



Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but can confirm professional qualifications and/or experience will be considered.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?



Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Delivery: On Campus

W589 Critical Geographies: Crises, Climate & Inequality MA Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



W590 MA Critical Geographies: Crises, Climate & Inequality MA Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

This programme offers direct employment prospects including in NGOs, voluntary sector, government, civil service, as well as further academic studies. Beyond this, critical geographies and the intellectual and practical skills developed are designed to enable graduates to understand the world in order to change it.