MA GEOGRAPHY

Program Overview

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The MA in Geography at Maynooth University equips students with advanced geographical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and research expertise. Through a combination of taught modules, fieldwork, and community engagement, graduates develop a deep understanding of societal and environmental challenges and are prepared for careers in various fields, including administration, education, and research.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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The MA in Geography

at Maynooth University is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to:

• Deepen their understanding of key geographical concepts and themes.
• Develop critical thinking skills.
• Undertake independent research in a specialized area of interest.
• Significantly enhance their professional skills from a human geography perspective.
This program offers a wide-ranging selection of taught modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career aspirations. The curriculum is designed to foster critical spatial thinking, enhance specialized knowledge, and strengthen employability skills through a human geography lens. The MA in Geography covers critical societal and environmental challenges, including decarbonization, migration, mobility, and housing, all viewed through a geographical perspective. Through its publicly engaged research initiatives, the Department has established a vast network of community partners. Students will collaborate with these partners to develop real-world projects. This research-led and community-partnered teaching and learning approach has garnered national recognition from the Irish University Association.
• The MA in Geography is offered on both a full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) basis.

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Outline:

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The program comprises 90 credits, requiring full-time students to complete their studies within one academic year (MHN66) and part-time students within two years (MHN67).

The curriculum consists of:

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Compulsory Modules (50 Credits):

• GY607 Field School (10 credits)
• GY608 Thinking Geographically (10 credits)
• GY609 Thesis (30 credits)

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Optional Modules (40 Credits):

• At least 20 credits in Geography.
• Up to 20 credits of electives in related fields such as Anthropology, Law, Media Studies, and Sociology.
All modules are assessed through a continuous assessment format, employing various methods like academic essays, field research journals, applied research projects, mapping projects, blogs, vlogs, videos, field-based reports, individual and group presentations, and other relevant formats.

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Assessment:

Assessment in the MA in Geography is undertaken through a continuous assessment format, encompassing various methods, including:

• Academic essays:
Demonstrating in-depth analysis and critical thinking skills.
• Field research journals:
Documenting and reflecting on observations and experiences during fieldwork.
• Applied research projects:
Engaging in practical research to address real-world problems.
• Mapping projects:
Visualizing spatial data and exploring geographic relationships.
• Blogs, vlogs, and videos:
Communicating research findings and insights through engaging multimedia formats.
• Field-based reports:
Providing detailed accounts of observations and data collected during fieldwork.
• Individual and group presentations:
Effectively communicating research outcomes and engaging in academic discourse.
• Other relevant formats:
Employing diverse assessment methods to gauge student learning and skill development. Each module employs a specific combination of assessment methods, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of student knowledge, understanding, and application of acquired skills.

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Teaching:

The MA in Geography program employs a multi-faceted teaching approach, encompassing:

• Small-group seminars:
Fostering interactive discussions and facilitating active learning.
• Collaborative and project-based learning:
Encouraging teamwork and promoting problem-solving skills.
• Guest talks and workshops:
Gaining insights from experts and practitioners in the field.
• Regular immersive fieldwork:
Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This diverse approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded educational experience, encompassing both theoretical understanding and practical application of geographical concepts and skills.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MA in Geography acquire valuable skills in research, analysis, critical thinking, spatial thinking, ethics, and professional competencies. This program equips them for successful careers in a wide range of fields, including:

• Administration
• Education
• Services
• Creative industries
• Non-governmental organizations
• Local government authorities
A significant proportion of graduates pursue fully-funded PhD programs, further enhancing their research and professional expertise.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes experiential and field-based learning, providing students with hands-on opportunities to develop ethical research skills and other employability competencies.
• The Department of Geography boasts a distinguished faculty with extensive research expertise and a strong commitment to teaching excellence.
• The program offers a unique Public Engagement module, allowing students to collaborate with community partners on real-world projects.
• Graduates of the MA in Geography are well-positioned to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on critical societal and environmental challenges.