Best Masters of Arts in Ireland 2019

How are social media linked to the economy? What role do they play in politics? How different is a life lived in and through social media? This MA in Social Media Communications addresses these and similar questions that have emerged out of the rise and rise of social media, and their increasing domination of the media and communication field.

The MA in Social Media Studies offers a critical examination of the history, operation, ramifications, functions, use and embeddedness of social media in all spheres of life. It is aimed at people who look for a critical reflection on social media, who wish to understand their uses and also learn how to analyse and mobilize them strategically.... [-]

The Masters in Journalism at DCU provides wide-ranging training and education for those interested in the profession of journalism and related fields. It balances practical, theoretical, technical and analytical elements to address the changing media environment and the new, and increasingly diverse demands being made on entrants to journalism. Upon completion, you will have the in-depth knowledge and aptitude to pursue a successful journalism career.

Up to 25 places are offered at each annual intake to the programme. To be considered for admission, applicants must have, at minimum, an upper second class honours degree (or international equivalent). Places also may be made available for candidates who have relevant professional experience.... [-]

Contemporary international relations impact on our lives in realms such as international politics, human rights, the economy, communications and trade. This degree offers a broad interdisciplinary introduction to this subject. It explores the concepts, forces and processes underpinning international relations, looking at the role of powerful states and international organisations, legal frameworks, foreign policy, and the international political economy. Students come from all corners of the globe and are both recent undergraduates and those already immersed in the field (NGOs, teachers), who want to further their professional development. The programme is suitable for students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, from politics, law and languages, to history, business and sciences.... [-]

This Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/Master of Arts in Leadership and Management for the Community and Public Sector aims to develop a range of skills for students to distinguish and analyse leadership, management and governance in the community, voluntary, non-profit, statutory and public sectors. Students are encouraged to bring their own experiences in the sector to apply to the theoretical and academic resources of the programme. This flexible, part-time programme offers either completion in two or three years and is accredited by NUI Galway.

The programme enables students to build a knowledge base and personal capacity in leading and managing change, governance and legislative compliance, organisational and operational management and advancing the organisation. By combining weekend seminars, online learning activities and self-directed study, students can develop strong leadership, analytical and research skills. The programme assignments combine reflective learning practices, case study analysis, management skills development (e.g. briefing documents, presentations) that allow students to draw from their own professional or volunteering experience. The final assignment is a Masters dissertation of 20,000 words on a topic negotiated with an assigned supervisor.... [-]

The Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MA in Historical and Heritage Studies of the North West will enable students to deal with the theory and practice of historical studies; learn about lore, life and mythology in the region; and stimulate students in themes of local history, museum studies and agriculture.

The programme will introduce students to a wide variety of primary sources and other materials, utilised in researching folklore, local and cross-border history, museum studies and history of agriculture in the NW. The programme will reflect the interrelationship between theory and practice, combined with principles of adult learning and the lifelong process. Students will, therefore, be exposed to a range of innovative teaching and learning strategies, including fieldwork experience... [-]

The MA Degree in Development Studies is designed to prepare participants for work in development in a community, local government, youth/adult education, or NGO setting. It offers learners an opportunity to explore contemporary theories of social change and development and to analyse development policies and practices. It builds skills, especially in relation to research, leadership and working with groups and in the planning, management and evaluation of development projects.

It is aimed at advanced level participants who hold a primary degree or equivalent qualifications and who have experience of working in a development context. Particularly welcome are leaders, facilitators and managers of community development projects, government and development agency staff, people involved in pastoral ministry, researchers, development educators, volunteers and activists. It should also appeal to academics in the countries of the Global South engaged in teaching and research in development. Some places are also retained for recent graduates who wish to study further before embarking on a career in development work.... [-]

The MA in Culture and Colonialism explores literature, politics and culture from Ireland to India, and from Africa to the Middle East. It is a multi-disciplinary taught Master of Arts programme, aimed at graduates from the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Students analyze imperial ascendancy, race and racial theories, nationalist movements, postcolonial experiences, the rise of neo-colonial thought, multiculturalism and interculturalism, and the implications of globalisation and development for the modern world.

This MA allows students to combine the specialization of postgraduate research with the adaptable skills training of a multi-disciplinary approach. Students benefit from the legacy of an MA programme established in 1994; the programme has continuously re-invented itself in changing ideological climates while maintaining its primary goal: to offer a critical education in the cultural discourses of power.... [-]

This computing course aims to produce high-quality, technically competent, innovative graduates that will become leading practitioners in the field of data analytics. Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

The course structure accommodates a wide audience of learners whose specific interests in data analytics may be either technically focused or business focused. All students will also gain exposure to pertinent legal issues and product commercialisation considerations associated with the data analytics field.... [-]

Senior human resource professionals have a significant role to play in ensuring the achievement of organisational objectives working alongside other business leaders. They are required to have a broad business focus coupled with in-depth human resource management knowledge enabling them to think and act strategically.

Successful completion of the course leads to Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Associate Membership of the Mediators Institute of Ireland (MII). The part-time version of this course shares a common first year with the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in HRM in which a range of modules in HR is pursued.... [-]

As a graduate programme, participants will develop research skills in specific topics in religion and education. Upon successful completion of this programme the graduate will be able to:

This taught Masters programme is located in a vibrant School of Theology which offers a variety of opportunities for specialized teaching and research in an interdisciplinary context. Theology in MDI is rooted in the Catholic Christian tradition, engaged in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, with a commitment to global and social justice and the promotion of human rights.

Postgraduate programmes in theology are open to students interested in research in the areas of systematic theology, theological ethics, philosophical theology, biblical theology and pastoral theology.

The MA in Theology course is of particular interest to those aiming to progress to doctoral research, but it also attracts teachers of Religious Education, chaplains, clergy and pastoral workers. Persons wishing to pursue theological studies in the context of life-long learning are also encouraged to apply.... [-]

Innovative and exciting work in Poetry Studies takes place at MDI, with its Irish Centre for Poetry Studies and electronic journal POST: A Poetry Studies Review.

The MA in Poetry Studies is a pioneering Poetry course that provides students, teachers and practitioners of poetry with specialised skills in the appreciation of the art-form. Through this programme, we are reaching out to various communities, both professional and non-professional, with an interest in expanding their understanding of poetry through lifelong learning. MDI has strong links with Portugal’s University of Coimbra, the only other European institution currently offering a comparable MA in Poetry Studies. Possibilities exist for student exchanges, or for MDI students to visit Coimbra and experience their internationally-celebrated Meeting of Poets, which takes place biennially.... [-]

The Professional MA in Healthcare Chaplaincy offers students a multidisciplinary approach to Healthcare Chaplaincy. It provides academic, pastoral, spiritual, personal and professional education for people who wish to work in Healthcare settings.

The programme is designed for those wishing to pursue a career in Healthcare Chaplaincy in a variety of approved healthcare contexts including:

The course is offered on a one year full-time, three semester basis only. Upon successful completion of this programme the Graduate will be able to:

The MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work course provides the academic, pastoral, spiritual, personal and professional development for those already working or wishing to work in the above contexts who seek to enrich their skills in the areas of Faith Development, Chaplaincy and Chaplaincy Coordination.

This Chaplaincy course is offered on a full-time and part-time basis.

Full-time: Classes take place in MDI on 1 afternoon/evening and 1 day per week and 8 Saturdays throughout the academic year... [-]

The MA in Ethics (Corporate Responsibility) is a specialist pathway within the MA in Ethics offered jointly by Dublin City University and Mater Dei Institute of Education in partnership with the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland (ACOI). The pathway is designed to provide participants with the conceptual knowledge and practical skills that are needed to design and manage within organisations the ethical, social and governance aspects of business decision-making and operation. Participants will learn how to apply business ethics concepts and frameworks to the responsible management of organisations.

The programme is offered on a part-time basis over two years. It leads to the award by Dublin City University of the MA in Ethics (Corporate Responsibility). The Corporate Responsibility pathway has been developed as a response to the ongoing demand for knowledge, skills and competence in business ethics and corporate responsibility. Lectures are driven by a creative and active integration between theory and practice, which is facilitated by collaborative group learning, discussions, debate and analysis of various case scenarios. The programme is interdisciplinary, drawing on the expertise of lecturers from MDI, the DCU Institute of Ethics, DCU Business School, the DCU Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and practitioners in the field of Business Ethics in Financial Services.... [-]