Maynooth University

Geography

The MA in Geography is an innovative and flexible degree programme. It offers students the opportunity to develop their understanding of human geography while also significantly enhancing their skills. It is available on both a full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 year) basis.

The MA in Geography offers a wide-ranging programme of taught modules. Compulsory modules develop competencies in human geographic thought and field methods; optional methodological modules develop skills in analysis, research and public engagement; and optional specialist modules provide the opportunity for research-led teaching and learning on a range of topics, from urban geography, digital geographies, sexuality and space, place and politics, landscape and health, electoral politics, migration, bodies and environments, spatial justice, among others (optional modules in Geography rotate every two years). Students can also take up to two elective modules in Anthropology, Media Studies and Sociology. The MA in Geography also includes an independent research thesis, to be submitted in August-September. Overall, the programme is designed to nurture independent and critical thinking from a human geography perspective.

Entry requirements

We accept a degree in Geography or cognate discipline with a Second Class Honours, Grade One (2.1) or above. In special circumstances we may accept a Second Class Honours, Grade Two (2.2) upper. We also ask for a personal statement, to include a brief description of any aspects of your work or other experience which you feel are relevant to the programme and how you hope the programme will benefit your practice in these areas.

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

See more at: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/geography/our-courses

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

Duration

MHN60 1 year Full-time
MHN61 2 years part-time

Careers or further progression

Our graduates acquire valuable research, analytical and critical, spatial thinking, ethical and professional skills. The skills learned allow our graduates to find employment in various fields, such as: administration; education; services; creative industries; and working with NGOs and local government authorities. A number of our graduates go on to pursue a PhD.

One student said she 'would never have gotten to this stage without the [M]asters' because the high academic standards 'helped me to define what I'm interested in'. Another student stated that 'My MA in Geography has allowed me to expand my knowledge of working with vulnerable groups, census data and overall aspects of Human Geography'. Our graduates note that the professional research training in the MA 'helped me demonstrate a varied skill set when interviewing for employment' (data engineer). Another graduate stated that the research thesis and transferrable skills from the MA were the reason she landed a senior position 'dream' job in local government. Three students who went on to receive fully-funded competitive PhD fellowships acknowledged that the MA provided the skills and accomplishments leading to doctoral research: 'This is especially true about my funding which I couldn't continue without'.

Further enquiries

Programme Director: Dr Karen E. Till
Tel: +353 (0)1 708 4550
Fax: +353 (0)1 708 3573
Email: karen.till@mu.ie
Website; https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/geography/our-courses
Address Department of Geography, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Subjects taught

The MA in Geography offers a wide-ranging programme of taught modules, delivered through lectures, seminars, fieldwork, practicals and placement, with an emphasis on research-led and research-informed teaching and learning.

Comment

Geography is regularly ranked as one of the most visible international research programmes at Maynooth University and in Europe. Our staff are known for excellence in teaching and research in physical and human geography, and are frequently featured in the media, including Dr Conor Murphy (on climate change), Dr Jan Rigby (on health inequalities), Dr Adrian Kavanagh (on elections), Dr Chris van Egeraat (on economic geography) and Dr Mary Gilmartin (on migration).

Application date

All applications should be made through the PAC system.

Closing Date : 31 July 2020

Course fee

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.