Masters Degrees in Ethnic Studies, Ireland

This course examines the techniques used by states to manage population movement and conflict, their social and cultural impact and the responses they elicit. It is unique in the way it applies race-critical, cultural and postcolonial theories to racialization, population movement, conflict and peace-making. It is designed for people who work or wish to work in any of these fields, and/or who are thinking of PhD research. There is a focus on Ireland, Europe (including the Balkans), the US and the Middle East.

The course has three components:

i) Three core modules: race-critical theory, research methods, and colonialism, conflict and liberal intervention.

ii) Optional modules covering topics such as ethnic cleansing and forced migration; ethnicity and social policy; human rights and international issues; gender, race and conflict; migration and the European labour market; migration and education; representation and resistance; social movements and international solidarity. (Topics can vary from year to year).

iii) A 20,000 word dissertation researched and written under the supervision of a member of staff with relevant expertise.

(There are also optional field-trips.)

Admission Requirements

Candidates should have a good primary degree (an upper second or equivalent, GPA of at least 3.2) in one of the social sciences or a degree that has included social science as a component.

In exceptional cases, candidates without a first degree may be accepted directly into the programme if they can demonstrate that they possess the equivalent of a good first degree, have work experience in the fields of population movement, conflict, and/or publications that demonstrate analytical skills. Applicants seeking admission in this category may, where practicable, be called for interview .

In all cases the quality of the candidates statement of interest and of their academic references are important.

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Overview

MA students will:

• Develop their ability to apply theories of social change to empirical investigation
• Enhance their ability to communicate effectively through regular class presentations and discussions.
• Receive a grounding in sociological methods and will be supported in using these methods in their dissertation work.
• Gain an enhanced understanding of the economic, social, political and cultural dimensions of Irish society in comparative perspective.
• Be provided with a comprehensive overview of the processes giving rise to social change and the challenges faced by societies in transition. 

The course involves 6 x 10 credit modules over two semesters and the completion of a thesis (30 credits). Classes are timetabled on a Thursday and Friday. See our website for our MA handbook.

Course Structure

The taught programme is built around three components: a core theoretical module, substantive courses, and methods courses. Modules include societies in transition, debating big ideas, analytical reasoning in the social sciences, quantitative research and qualitative 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 course involves 6 x 10 credit modules over two semesters and the completion of a thesis (30 credits). Classes are timetabled on a Thursday and Friday. See our website for our MA handbook.

Campus venue: Auxilia Building and Iontas Building North Campus

Duration: One year full time

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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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We aim:

- To provide high quality research training in a lively intellectual atmosphere
- To promote students’ professional involvement in academic life
- To ensure that students will make a contribution to the advancement of knowledge in sociology
- And to ensure that students will make a contribution to the understanding and well being of contemporary societies

By the end of their time as a research postgraduate student in the Department it is our goal that students will:

- Have completed a thesis which is a high quality piece of orginal sociological analysis and is at least partly publishable in a peer-reviewed academic outlet
- Have developed and demonstrated a significant level of skill in at least one methodology of sociological research and analysis
- Have a broad knowledge of a number of sub-fields within sociology
- And have had the opportunity to develop teaching and administrative skills and experience

Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time however the deadline for applications is August the 15th if you wish to start in September of the same year.

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