Disability Studies

Programme Description
Enabling the visibility, empowerment and participation of disabled people requires tackling deeprooted structural, environmental and attitudinal barriers. This means undertaking a deep analysis of what these barriers are. Structural barriers are found in the interaction between the disabled person and the state and result from how and to whom we give power and resources. Environmental barriers are found in the interaction between disabled people and the physical and social environment, evidenced by disablist language, institutional policies, professional practices and inaccessible physical environments. Finally, attitudinal barriers are found in the interaction between disabled people and non-disabled people and in disabled people's own internalised attitudes towards themselves, learned from the world of which they are part. These barriers comprise psychoemotional and behavioural responses towards impairment, evident in assumptions, perceptions, prejudices and practices.

Seeking to dismantle these barriers requires an investigation not just of the barriers themselves but also how they came to exist.

Programme Content
The Postgraduate Pathway in Disability Studies programme is modular in design. Students will undertake a series of modules*. In total the programme will be worth 90 ECTS (PG Certificate - 30 ECTS, PG Diploma - 60 ECTS & Master of Science - 90 ECTS). The programme runs over three years on a part-time basis.

*There will be an option to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate on successful completion of year one of the programme, or a Postgraduate Diploma on successful completion of years one and two of the programme.

Programme Structure:

Year 1: • Historical Perspectives in Disability Studies
• Personal and Social Perspectives in Disability Studies
• The Lived Experience of Disability

Year 2: • Disability and the Media
• Advanced Research Skills
• Applied Social Policy & Disability Equality

Year 3: • Dissertation Practicum

A primary Degree (min 2:2) OR equivalent academic credits (Candidates who do not meet this criterion, but who have relevant prior learning or experience will be considered in certain circumstances)

Online access and a good quality broadband connection.

Application Process: www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie

Go to Prospective Students and Postgraduate Programmes
4 to download an application form and to view all modules.

Postgraduate Certificate - One year
Postgraduate Diploma - Two years
Master's degree - Three years

Research/Employment Opportunities:
Students are empowered in their personal and professional / working lives to respond proactively to change and become key drivers in policy, practice and service provision. This postgraduate pathway will support employment and promotional opportunities within the Disability Sector. This programme is a route to progressing to Masters level education. It is aimed at anyone with an interest in disability. That might include disabled people, Health Professionals working with disabled people, families and supporters of disabled people and people who work in any roles with connections to the disability / community or voluntary sector.