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
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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 - €7,600

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.