Public Advocacy & Activism
Your Course
This is an interdisciplinary programme that combines training in the practical skills of advocacy and activism with an exploration of the theories and concepts that inform these fields. No other programme in Ireland offers students the opportunity to acquire skills and training in such a breadth of disciplines, including management, communications, and human rights. By drawing on the expertise of scholars and practitioners across these fields, the MA provides the skills crucial for those who wish to work in organizations that seek to shift attitudes and initiate change, including those working in community organisations, international relations, development, labour, rights, health and the environment.
Entry requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
QQI Level 8 degree or equivalent H2.2. GPA 3.0 or international qualification. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent if applicable. Students who do not meet the honours degree requirement but have a Level 7 (Merit 2) degree may be admitted to the PDip course with the possibility of progressing to the MA if they receive a minimum of 60% in their course work during the year.
Students may apply for the MA in Public Advocacy and Activism. Those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted with relevant professional experience via a qualifying exam, or be admitted to the PDip.
Application dates
WHEN TO APPLY:
NUI Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions).
Duration
1MPA1: 1 year, full-time; 1MPA2: 2 years, part-time.
Post Course Info
Career Opportunities
Graduates have gone on to pursue a range of careers in lobbying, campaigning, advocacy, education and humanitarian roles in organisations such as the SOAR Foundation, PETA, UNOCHA, GOAL Ireland, ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services, Amnesty International (Irish section), Cancer Care West, COPE Galway and the National Advocacy Service, the National Youth Council of Ireland, Trócaire, and Spunout. Others have continued in higher education, with a number of PhDs completed or underway. It should be noted that while the MA is structured towards careers in the not-for-profit sector, many of the skills gained during the year, for example those in research methods, analysis, media and communications, are transferable to any sector.