Geography

The MA Geography is aimed at students who wish to develop a deeper understanding of key geographical ideas and themes, embrace opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills, undertake independent research in an area of specialist interest, and enhance their geospatial skills set. This Masters programme provides students with a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers including teaching; research; consultancy; Geographical Information Systems; and careers in the public sector. We value holistic approaches to learning and active, sustained engagement with issues of societal importance. We challenge our students to develop as spatially-sensitive global citizens and encourage them to be analytical, reflective and critical thinkers. The capacity to engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving is a key competence of our graduates. The UCD School of Geography provides a high quality learning and research environment for graduate students and has pioneered innovative teaching and learning methodologies in the online and face-to-face environment. As well as small-group seminars, project-based learning and teamwork, fieldwork is a core element of the MA Geography programme.



A series of fieldtrips in Dublin and surroundings emphasising key geographical skills and landscape interpretation.



Solid programme emphasizing a broad training in political, economic, urban, environmental, climate, and physical geography.



Opportunity to undertake an independent research project on a relevant topic chosen in consultation with your supervisor.



Applications are welcome from graduates from any discipline, though undergraduate disciplines with a thematic link to Geography may be advantageous. The programme would also be suitable for those with a professional background in a field related to Geography who might wish to develop and broaden their skillset.



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.

Module / Trimester / Credits

Stage 1 Core Modules

GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn 5

GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn 10

GEOG40520 Dissertation Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

Core Modules

GEOG40940 International Urban Fieldwork Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:

Choose 35 credits from the option list below.

ECON42600 Development Economics Autumn 5

GEOG40860 Practical Environmental Assessment Autumn 10

GEOG40960 Coastal Risks Autumn 5

GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn 10

GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn 10

GEOG41090 Urban Data Analytics Autumn 10

GEOG40450 Critical Geopolitics and Diplomacy Spring 10

GEOG40830 Global South Fieldwork: Vietnam Spring 10

GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Spring 10

GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring 10

GEOG41190 Advanced Qualitative Methods Spring 5

Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second class honours (2:1) degree or international equivalent at bachelors level in any academic field, with a preference for fields of study related to your chosen stream with good academic grades (your transcript should include grades for each subject taken).Names and contact details of two referees who can assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation should also be provided. At least one of these should be a member of academic staff at your current institution.



The School of Geography recommends that you make your application as early as possible, as late application may mean no further places are available.



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.

Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



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: No

90

W051 - Full-Time: 1 Year

W416 - Part Time: 2 Years

MA Geography (W051) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7315

nonEU fee per year - € 19900


MA Geography (W416) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4760

nonEU fee per year - € 9950


***Fees are subject to change


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

W051 Geography Master of Arts Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



W416 Geography Master of Arts Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

This programme will provide you with a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers. The choice is vast. In recent years MA Geography graduates from UCD have gone on to employment as:



- teachers at primary and secondary level

- researchers with government agencies and departments

- consultants with private firms including Deloitte & Touche and ACC Bank

- aid workers in developing countries

- marketing executive

- GIS specialists

- planners and local government officials

- researchers and lecturers in UCD, University of Bristol, Louisiana State University, and many other institutions