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NUI Galway

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 which 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, public relations 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 which seek to shift attitudes and initiate change, including those working in community organisations, international relations, development, labour, rights, health and the environment.

3 Good Reasons To Study This Course

1. This is a unique programme that delivers a grounding in both the theory and practice of advocacy and activism, drawing on a range of disciplines and experts, and challenging you to think about the world from new perspectives.

2. The MA includes a work placement in which students gain the opportunity to put their developing skills into practice.

3. The diversity of experience and backgrounds in the class group provides constant opportunities for discussion, and to share knowledge and learn from each other.

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.

PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE: MA, PDip: 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.

Duration

1 year, full-time; 2 years, part-time.

Careers or further progression

Career opportunities
Graduates have gone on to pursue a range of careers in lobbying, campaigning, advocacy and humanitarian roles in organisations such as the SOAR Foundation, PETA, UNOCHA, GOAL Ireland, ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services, the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association, Amnesty International (Irish section), Cancer Care West, the National Youth Council of Ireland, Trocaire, Spunout, and the Washington Post. 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.

Further enquiries

Dr Fiona Bateman
T: +353 91 495 918
E: fiona.bateman@nuigalway.ie

Application date

1MPA1, full-time; 1MPA2, part-time.

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

When To Apply: NUI Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions). Offers will be issued on a continuous basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.