Course Details

Course Code(s):
MACRDETFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Full-Time
Award:
Masters
Qualification:
NFQ Level 9 Major Award
Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type: Taught
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr. Maura Adshead
Email: maura.adshead@ul.ie Telephone: 353 (0)61 213429
Apply Now

Read instructions on how to apply

Express Interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

The MA Community Research Plus+ programme is unique in providing students with real time, real-life on-the-job research training in UL Engage-supported community/university collaborative projects (locally and internationally).

This innovative cross-disciplinary and practice based graduate programme comprises a common ‘engaged research and practice’ core augmented by disciplinary specific academic training and research. To achieve this the MA Community Research Plus+ programme combines traditional lecture-based graduate studies with real time, real-life, on-the-job research training in UL Engage-supported community/university collaborative projects (locally and internationally).

Students choose one of three areas of graduate specialism:
Community Research + Journalism;
Community Research + Development;
Community Research + Sociology

The MA Community Research Plus+ programme is unique in providing students with real time, real-life on-the-job research training in UL Engage-supported community/university collaborative projects (locally and internationally).

This innovative cross-disciplinary and practice based graduate programme comprises a common ‘engaged research and practice’ core augmented by disciplinary specific academic training and research. To achieve this the MA Community Research Plus+ programme combines traditional lecture-based graduate studies with real time, real-life, on-the-job research training in UL Engage-supported community/university collaborative projects (locally and internationally).

Students choose one of three areas of graduate specialism:
Community Research + Journalism;
Community Research + Development;
Community Research + Sociology

MA Community Research + Journalism

Students will to learn vital professional skills including: news and feature writing; broadcasting; multimedia journalism; interviewing; investigative reporting and research methods. The application of these skills across print, broadcast and multimedia journalism is a major part of the course.

Students on the MA Community Research + Journalism will:

  • Get practical experience of a community-based website and print newspaper (The Limerick Voice)
  • Gain ‘real-world’ journalism work by completing multi-media assignments for various types of platforms to deadline, while also developing a portfolio of professional journalism work
  • Be equipped with the high-level research skills essential to all kinds of journalism and develop a critical awareness of the role of journalism and media in society
  • Learn an appreciation of the ethical and legal issues in the profession and a critical understanding of how the media operates.

MA Community Research + Development; Students will learn about developmental institutions and supports at national and international level, taking Graduate Seminars in Development and in Peace building. Elective options include modules in: Institutions and policies of the EU; International Cooperation and Conflict; Collaborative Governance and Leadership. 

Students on the MA Community Research + Development will:

  • Get practical experience in engaged Research practice and community co-design
  • Develop critical understanding of contemporary national and international institutions supporting development
  • Examine the origins and impacts of contemporary conflicts in the Global South and the complex relations between development and violence
  • An understanding of the key theories, concepts and debates relating to conflict

View out introduction Video here. 

Students taking the MA in Community Research+ may take either of two pathways; MA in Community Research + Journalism or MA Community Research + Development

Programme Content MA in Community Research + Journalism

Autumn Semester (Compulsory)        

Spring Semester (Select two)                                     

Summer Semester         
  • JM5011 Journalistic Writing for News 9ECTS
  • JM5051 Professional Skills for Journalism (produce  website & print newspaper the Limerick Voice) 9 ECTS
  • UP5101 Engaged Research Design 12 ECTS
  • JM5052 Investigating current Issues in Irish Journalism
  • JM5082 Broadcasting & Multi-Media Journalism 9 ECTS
  • JM5012 News & Features
  • JM5072 Researching Media)
  • UP5102 Engaged Research Delivery 12 ECTS
  • PO6003 Dissertation/Large Scale Student Directed Work 24 ECTS  
  • UP5105 Engaged Research Evaluation 6 ECTS

 Programme Content: MA in Community Research + Development

 Autumn Semester (Compulsory)

Spring Semester (Select two)          

 Summer Semester
  • PO5004 Graduate Seminar in Development 9 ECTS
  • PO5017 Institutions & Politics of the EU 9 ECTS OR
  • PA6011 Public Administration Theory & Practice
  • UP5101 Engaged Research Design 12 ECTS
  • PO5006 Graduate Seminar in Peach Building 9 ECTS
  • PO5007 Graduate Seminar in International Cooperation & Conflict 9 ECTS
  • PA6032 Collaborative Governance & Leadership
  • UP5102 Engaged Research Delivery 12 ECTS
  • PO6003 Dissertation/Large Scale Student Directed Work 24 ECTS
  • UP5105  Engaged Research Evaluation 6 ECTS

 Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules

Applicants must have a first or second class level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject, or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement. The University reserves the right to short-list and interview  applicants as deemed necessary 

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Qualification transcripts and certificates
  • A copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of your CV
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
  •  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

 

EU - €7,270 

Non- EU - €18,000

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.

The MA Community Research + is designed to meet the needs of professionals and practitioners in community based settings in the public, semi-state and not-for-profit sector. This MA combines practice based learning with academic rigour. Students taking this MA will be expected to be strongly motivated to develop applied research skills in the community.