Masters Degrees in Comparative politics, Ireland

The objective of the course is to develop students' knowledge of comparative politics in contemporary Europe. This includes knowledge of the policies, politics of and public opinion in the European Union and its member states. In addition, the course aims to equip students with the research training required to conduct independent political research. Therefore, in addition to substantive modules on various aspects of comparative politics, the course also includes modules on research methods.

The course provides training in substantive topics relating to governance in the European Union, in addition to developing the research and technical skills needed to undertake political science research. It is ideal for those considering a career that deals with European and global issues. The course offers students the opportunity to study in international department with excellence in teaching and research in the area of European politics and governance.

The course is of twelve months duration, on a full time basis. Teachings starts in September and the M.Sc. concludes with the submission of a dissertation the following August.

The course offers a range of modules that will deepen students' knowledge of politics and policies in Europe and the European Union and help them gain new insight into the EU's role in today's world. The M.Sc. course consists of seven modules:

Government Institutions
Government and Politics of the EU
Principles of Comparative Research
Electoral Behaviour
International Organisations
European Union Policies and
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods.

All modules are taught around a weekly seminar and assessed on the basis of assignments and exams. In addition, students will complete a dissertaion of approximately 10,000 words in length. Students who fail to achieve a satisfactory mark for the dissertation element may be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science.

Admission Requirements

Candidates should normally have achieved an upper second class honour degree, or higher from an established university. GPA scores of at least 3.5 out of 4, or equivalent, will be expected from international applicants. A background in a social science will be an advantage but not a necessity. Applications are expected from candidates with a single or joint honours degree in Political Science, Economics, European Studies, History, Sociology, Business and Law.

Applicants must, in addition to the College requirement to provide academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation, provide a motivation letter and one piece of written work (for example an undergraduate dissertation or essay).

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This is a creative departure from the traditional Ph.D. offered elsewhere in much of Europe and is designed to produce rigorously trained, widely-read and well-rounded political scientists, able to take their place in the forefront of the profession. The programme combines an intensive set of courses on the substance and methodology of research along with a traditional emphasis on conducting original research. Political Science has eight full time academic staff and currently has thirty research postgraduate students.

In the first year students follow a number of courses in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of research, a course in political behaviour and comparative politics, which reflects the expertise and interests of most members of the department, and develops a research proposal for the final thesis. In the first year of the Ph.D programme, students are required to perform well on their coursework and to defend their draft thesis proposal successfully. In the second year of the Ph.D. programme, there are further optional courses and students start work on their thesis.

Successful applicants have a good honors degree in political science or a related discipline. Political Science seeks to recruit a varied mix of students from different disciplinary, cultural and educational backgrounds. Multiple awards are available each year for competitive candidates which cover fees and provide a stipend to meet living costs. In addition, our students have been very successful in attracting funding from the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) after their first year.

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Overview

Societies such as Ireland are adjusting very rapidly to change in the external and internal environments.

The aim of this MA is to interrogate the social, political, economic and cultural dimensions of the internet in contemporary societies. From work to leisure, from education to politics, the internet provides a platform for new forms of interaction, engagement and socialisation. This exciting new MA will build upon the theoretical and methodological strengths of the Department of Sociology, with additional options offered by the Departments of Law and Media in Maynooth.

Course Structure

The taught programme is built around three components: a core theoretical module, substantive courses, and methods courses. Modules include the political economy and cultures of the internet, information technology and privacy law and advanced digital research methods. Beyond this, the researching and writing of a thesis constitutes 30 credits. Each module comprises on average 12 two hour seminars.

Career Options

The aim of the MA in Sociology (Internet and Society) programme is to prepare students for both academic and non-academic positions which support social behaviour online, including on social media and in large transnational online communities. Graduates of this course will be able to interface with programmers and designers and with those working on the deep statistical analysis of user data. There is a demand for digitally literate graduates who understand the social, cultural, political, legal and business aspects of transnational online users and communities. Graduates will be able to develop, execute and report on internet based research projects for a range of public and private sector employers. They may also wish to use their new skills to progress to PhD studies.

How to Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHY56 MA Sociology (Internet and Society)

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide a copy of their birth certificate or valid passport, two academic references and official transcripts. A personal statement is required. This should include any information that you consider relevant to your interest and ability in the MA in Sociology.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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