MA Geography

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

The MA Geography is aimed at students who wish to develop a deeper understanding of key geographical ideas and themes, embrace opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills, undertake independent research in an area of specialist interest, and enhance their geospatial skills set. This Masters programme provides students with a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers including teaching; research; consultancy; Geographical Information Systems; and careers in the public sector. We value holistic approaches to learning and active, sustained engagement with issues of societal importance. We challenge our students to develop as spatially-sensitive global citizens and encourage them to be analytical, reflective and critical thinkers. The capacity to engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving is a key competence of our graduates. The UCD School of Geography provides a high quality learning and research environment for graduate students and has pioneered innovative teaching and learning methodologies in the online and face-to-face environment. As well as small-group seminars, project-based learning and teamwork, fieldwork is a core element of the MA Geography programme.

 

  • A series of fieldtrips in Dublin and surroundings emphasising key geographical skills and landscape interpretation.
  • Solid programme emphasizing a broad training in political, economic, urban, environmental, climate, and physical geography.
  • Opportunity to undertake an independent research project on a relevant topic chosen in consultation with your supervisor.

Curricular information is subject to change


Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

Applications are welcome from graduates from any discipline, though undergraduate disciplines with a thematic link to Geography may be advantageous. The programme would also be suitable for those with a professional background in a field related to Geography who might wish to develop and broaden their skillset.

The MA Geography is aimed at students who wish to develop a deeper understanding of key geographical ideas and themes, embrace opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills, undertake independent research in an area of specialist interest, and enhance their geospatial skills set. This Masters programme provides students with a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers including teaching; research; consultancy; Geographical Information Systems; and careers in the public sector. We value holistic approaches to learning and active, sustained engagement with issues of societal importance. We challenge our students to develop as spatially-sensitive global citizens and encourage them to be analytical, reflective and critical thinkers. The capacity to engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving is a key competence of our graduates. The UCD School of Geography provides a high quality learning and research environment for graduate students and has pioneered innovative teaching and learning methodologies in the online and face-to-face environment. As well as small-group seminars, project-based learning and teamwork, fieldwork is a core element of the MA Geography programme.

The MA Geography is aimed at students who wish to develop a deeper understanding of key geographical ideas and themes, embrace opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills, undertake independent research in an area of specialist interest, and enhance their geospatial skills set. This Masters programme provides students with a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers including teaching; research; consultancy; Geographical Information Systems; and careers in the public sector. We value holistic approaches to learning and active, sustained engagement with issues of societal importance. We challenge our students to develop as spatially-sensitive global citizens and encourage them to be analytical, reflective and critical thinkers. The capacity to engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving is a key competence of our graduates. The UCD School of Geography provides a high quality learning and research environment for graduate students and has pioneered innovative teaching and learning methodologies in the online and face-to-face environment. As well as small-group seminars, project-based learning and teamwork, fieldwork is a core element of the MA Geography programme.

  • Articulate the importance of geographical context in addressing issues of major societal or environmental importance
  • Communicate effectively, through a range of formats, about concepts and problems in geography and the environment.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of, and mastery of the literature in, at least one particular geographic subfield
  • Display competency in a range of geospatial technologies, with a particular emphasis on the application of Geographical Information Systems
  • Think critically and illustrate their research skills through the development and execution of an independent research project
  • Work collaboratively and effectively in teams both in class-based activities and in the field.

MA Geography (W051) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9100
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MA Geography (W416) Part Time
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300
EU          fee per year - € 5460

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on www.ucd.ie/fees. Please note that the costs of travel and subsistence for some fieldwork modules are borne by the student. 

UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD masters programme. Please see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/ or https://www.ucd.ie/geography/study/scholarships/ for further information.

Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second class honours (2:1) degree or international equivalent at bachelors level in any academic field, with a preference for fields of study related to your chosen stream with good academic grades (your transcript should include grades for each subject taken).Names and contact details of two referees who can assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation should also be provided. At least one of these should be a member of academic staff at your current institution.
The School of Geography recommends that you make your application as early as possible, as late application may mean no further places are available.

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  •  Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

“The MA Geography has been a great benefit to me. I have learned very strong analytical skills in Geography. There are quite a few optional modules that I could choose based on my interests and research orientation. The lecturers are all professional and nice, always patient with my questions ”.

Mei Han, China

The following entry routes are available:

MA Geography FT (W051)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*
MA Geography PT (W416)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

Please be aware that the modules for the part-time route are only available during working hours, from Monday to Friday. This course is not offered in the evenings or online. Instead, it is designed to spread your learning requirements over two years, which is ideal for those who are currently employed and can only attend campus for one day per week. If you are worried about managing your work and study commitments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.