Geography - Spatial Justice

The MA in Geography: Spatial Justice is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of critical geographical ideas and themes and apply this knowledge to the most pressing societal and environmental challenges of the 21st century. Students will be empowered to think geographically, to develop their critical thinking skills, undertake independent research in an area of specialist interest, and significantly enhance their professional skills.



Through this Programme, students will become familiar with a range of geographical perspectives on justice, including spatial, environmental, health and place-based justice. Through cutting-edge research modules, they will apply these perspectives to specific problems and case studies, including decarbonisation, migration, mobility and housing.



Through its publicly engaged research, the department has developed an extensive network of public engagement partners. The MA provides unique public engagement opportunities with these civil society partners through its innovative and immersive modules. Student will work together with these partners to collaborate and develop real-world projects. Our research-led and community-partnered teaching and learning approach has been recognised nationally by the Irish University Association.



This MA is flexible in delivery, innovative in emphasis, and stresses experiential- and field-based learning opportunities for students to develop ethical research skills and other employability competencies. Teaching and learning takes the form of small-group seminars, collaborative and project-based learning, guest talks and workshops, and regular, immersive fieldwork.



Students must take 70 compulsory credits, which develop competencies in field methods, spatial thinking, and theory and applied research methods in spatial justice. It also includes a 30-credit independent thesis focused on a topic of the student's choosing as related to spatial justice.



Depending on the student's interests, s/he will take an additional 20 optional credits, with at least 10 credits in Geography and up to 10 credits of electives in Anthropology, Law, Media Studies and Sociology.

Compulsory modules (70 credits)

GY607 Field School (10 credits)

GY608 Thinking Geographically (10 credits)

GY609 Thesis (30 credits)

GY619 Public Engagement (10 credits)

GY629 Spatial Justice: Geographies of Social & Environmental Change (10 credits)



Indicative Optional Modules in Geography (can select from 10 to 20 credits):

GY621 Dublin Urban Laboratory (10 credits)

GY626 Critical Ecologies (10 credits)



Indicative optional modules from other departments (can select up to 10 credits)

AN622G Winter School of Ethnography (5 credits, instructor approval required)

AN647 Foundations of Medical Anthropology (5 credits)

AN692 Anthropology and Development (10 credits)

AN693 Anthropology of Digital Media (10 credits)

AN694 Immigration and Diversity in Higher Education (5 credits)

LW634 Gender, Sexuality, Law (10 credits)

MD624 Irish Media History (10 credits)

MD632 Media Publics (10 credits)

SO617 Quantitative Analysis (10 credits)

SO620A Qualitative Analysis (10 credits)

Students should normally have earned a 2.1 or above in Geography (either subject degree in Geography or overall) or related disciplines. A personal statement is required so the Director can give consideration to applicants with relevant academic, work or professional experience if coming from a different background than the social sciences and/or if earned a 2.2 mark.



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.



Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

MHN66: 1 year full-time

MHN67: 2 years part-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Our graduates acquire valuable research, analytical and critical, spatial thinking, ethical and professional skills. This Masters programme provides students with a range of communication, research and other transferable skills that will be valuable in many careers including in administration, education, services, creative industries, and working with NGOs and local government authorities. A high proportion of our graduates go on to pursue fully-funded PhDs.