MA GEOGRAPHY: SPATIAL JUSTICE

Program Overview

The MA in Geography: Spatial Justice at Maynooth University explores spatial inequalities and injustices, focusing on Ireland. Students learn to analyze and address these issues through fieldwork, research, and public engagement. The program emphasizes ethical research practices and community collaboration, preparing graduates for careers in administration, education, NGOs, and academia.

Program Outline

Students explore social and environmental issues like the housing crisis, refugee crisis, and health and environmental concerns from the lens of spatial justice. The program offers unique public engagement opportunities with community groups and NGOs, fostering responsible research practices, fieldwork experience, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Outline:

• Program Structure: 90 credits over 1 year full-time (MHN66) or 2 years part-time (MHN67).
• Compulsory Modules (70 credits):
• Field School (10 credits):
Gain hands-on experience in conducting fieldwork and data collection.
• Thinking Geographically (10 credits): Develop foundational understanding of key geographical concepts and approaches.
• Thesis (30 credits): Conduct independent research on a chosen topic related to spatial justice.
• Public Engagement (10 credits): Collaborate with community partners on projects related to spatial justice.
• Spatial Justice: Geographies of Social & Environmental Change (10 credits): Explore theoretical frameworks and case studies of spatial justice.
• Optional Modules (20 credits): Choose 10-20 credits from a selection of geography and other relevant program electives on topics like urban studies, critical ecologies, anthropology, law, media studies, and sociology.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through various methods such as essays, field research journals, applied research projects, mapping projects, blogs, vlogs, presentations, and reports.
• Individual and group work are both assessed.

Teaching:

• Focus on participatory action research methodology.
• Delivered through lectures, seminars, fieldwork, practicals, and public engagement projects.
• Taught by a team of internationally recognized geographers with expertise in various areas of spatial justice.

Careers:

• Graduates develop valuable research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, making them well-prepared for careers in administration, education, services, creative industries, NGOs, and local government.
• The program also equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for further academic pursuits like doctoral studies.

Other:

• The program emphasizes ethical research practices and community engagement.
• Graduates have successfully gone on to obtain PhD scholarships funded by prestigious government programs.
• They also find employment in diverse fields, often highlighting the program's positive impact on their professional development.

Summary:

The MA in Geography: Spatial Justice offers a unique opportunity to delve into issues of inequality and social justice from a geographical perspective, learn theoretical and practical research skills, and connect with stakeholders working towards positive change. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in various sectors or continue their academic trajectory in doctoral studies.