Program Overview
The Higher Diploma in Arts - Geography is a conversion course designed for non-Geography graduates seeking to add Geography to their skillset or pursue further studies in the field. It emphasizes developing a geographical perspective and provides comprehensive coverage of physical and human geography. The program equips students with transferable skills, technical geographical expertise, and a range of career opportunities in planning, environmental management, teaching, research, and more.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Higher Diploma in Arts - Geography is a conversion course designed for individuals holding a degree in Arts or Science, excluding Geography. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of geographical perspectives on the world, preparing them for further studies and employment opportunities. The program focuses on developing a geographical perspective, often sought by those seeking to pursue a career in geography or add Geography as a second-level teaching subject.
Outline:
The program consists of 60 credits worth of modules, chosen from a range of existing second and third-year Geography modules. These modules cover the main thematic areas in Geography, including:
- Physical Geography: Quaternary Environments and Geomorphology, Introduction to Geoinformatics, Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, Coastal and Marine Geomorphology, Advanced Geographical Information Systems, Environmental Remote Sensing, Landscape Palaeoecology and Palynology.
- Human Geography: Cities of Diversity, Geography of Tourism, Economic and Rural Geography, Contemporary Human Migration and European Settlement, Geography as Human Ecology, Sustainable cities and communities, Regional and Local Planning Issues and Policies, Geography of Heritage, Geographies of the Irish Diaspora, Historical Geographies of Urbanism and the Anthropocene, Geopolitics and Geostrategies.
Required Modules (25 credits):
- GG2038 Geographical Research Methods (5 credits)
- GG2022 Field Work (5 credits)
- GG3001 Geographical Ideas (5 credits)
- GG3006 Research Methods and Dissertation (10 credits)
- At least one Physical Geography module
- At least one Human Geography module
- Five additional 5-credit modules from the department's second and third-year undergraduate program, ensuring at least 30 credits from the third-year program (GG3xxx modules, including required modules).
Course Practicalities:
- The program can be taken part-time over two years, taught during weekday working hours.
- All students are required to attend a week-long residential field methods course, typically held at the end of Semester 2.
Assessment:
Geography modules are assessed through a combination of end-of-year examinations and continuous assessments.
Careers:
The program equips students with transferable skills, including:
- Understanding the spatial dimensions of physical, environmental, and human phenomena
- Appreciation of the importance of a broad, international, and comparative perspective
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Independent learning
- Self-directed research
- Remote sensing
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Social surveys and analysis
- Landscape evaluation/planning
Career Paths:
- Planning
- Local/community development
- Environmental assessment and management
- Housing policy
- Regional development
- TV news production/research
- Geo-informatics
- Journalism
- Diplomatic service
- Financial services and global business
- Public relations
- European space agency
- Market research
- Teaching
- Tourism
- Academic teaching and research
- Museum/heritage management
Other:
- The program is not a secondary school teacher training program. Graduates must complete the Professional Master of Education (PME) to qualify as a Secondary School Teacher.
- The integrating nature of geography is considered a major asset in a world of constant change. Its unique combination of humanities, social, and physical sciences allows geographers to develop a perspective on the world that is especially relevant to key global issues such as climate change, migration, food security, and urbanization.
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025 Deposits If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January. Fee payment Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January. page.
University College Cork
Overview:
University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Support:
UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.Library:
The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Campus Life:
UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.Accommodation:
UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.International Office:
The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.Adult Continuing Education:
UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.Continuing Professional Development:
UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.Micro-credentials:
UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.Scholarships and Prizes:
UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.Transition-In Programme:
UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.Graduate Attributes:
UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Education:
UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.Strong Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.Vibrant Campus Life:
UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.Beautiful Location:
UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.International Reputation:
UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Business and Law
- Engineering and Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Education
- Music
Other:
- UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
- UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
- UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
- UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.
Entry Requirements:
- **Applicants must hold a 3 or 4 year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences.
- **The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.
- Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland: Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements.
