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MA GEOGRAPHY
- Qualification
- Master Of Arts Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHN61
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The MA in Geography is an innovative and flexible degree programme that enables students to deepen their understanding of human geography while significantly enhancing their professional skills. It is offered on both a full-time basis (1 year, MHN60) and a part-time basis (2 years, MHN61).
This programme provides a wide-ranging suite of taught modules, allowing students to select the classes that best match their interests and career goals. Compulsory modules in Semester 1 (GY607 and GY608) build key competencies in field methods and spatial thinking. Students then choose forty credits of optional modules. These may include methodological modules that develop skills in analysis, research, and public engagement; specialist Geography modules such as critical ecologies, Dublin’s urban geography, spatial justice, digital geographies, landscape and health, and electoral politics (specialist modules rotate every two years); and up to twenty credits of elective modules in Anthropology, Law, Media Studies, or Sociology.
The capstone of the programme is an independent research thesis on a topic chosen by the student, completed in close collaboration with a supervisor and submitted in September. The programme as a whole is designed to develop critical spatial thinking, deepen specialist knowledge, and strengthen employability skills grounded in human geography.
Commences: September
If you would like to receive updates about this programme, upcoming events, and postgraduate scholarships at Maynooth University, you can register your interest here.
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part-time
The MA in Geography offers a wide-ranging programme of taught modules, delivered through lectures, seminars, fieldwork, practicals and placement, with an emphasis on research-led and research-informed teaching and learning.
Degree structure (90 credits):
Compulsory modules (50 credits)
GY607 Field School (10 credits)
GY608 Thinking Geographically (10 credits)
GY609 Thesis (30 credits)
Indicative Optional Modules in Geography (can select from 20 to 40 credits):
GY619 Public Engagement (10 credits)
GY621 Dublin Urban Laboratory (10 credits)
GY629 Spatial Justice: Geographies of Social & Environmental Change (10 credits)
GY699GA Global Environmental Change (Semester 1) (5 credits, course director and instructor approval required)
GY699GS Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Science (Semester 1 or 2) (5 credits, course director and instructor approval required)
GY699HA Advanced Studies in Human Geography (Semester 1 or 2) (5 credits, course director and instructor approval required)
GY699RS Environmental Remote Sensing (5 credits, course director and instructor approval required)
Electives (can select from 10 to 20 credits)
AN622G Winter School of Ethnography (5 credits, instructor approval required)
AN647 Foundations of Medical Anthropology (5 credits)
AN692 Anthropology and Development (10 credits)
AN693 Anthropology of Digital Media (10 credits)
AN694 Immigration and Diversity in Higher Education (5 credits)
LW634 Gender, Sexuality, Law (10 credits)
MD624 Irish Media History (10 credits)
MD632 Media Publics (10 credits)
SO617 Quantitative Analysis (10 credits)
SO620A Qualitative Analysis (10 credits)
Course Duration: 1 year Full-time (MHN60), 2 years part-time (MHN61),
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
Our graduates acquire valuable research, analytical and critical, spatial thinking, ethical and professional skills. The skills learned allow our graduates to find employment in various fields, such as: administration; education; services; creative industries; and working with NGOs and local government authorities. A number of our graduates go on to pursue a PhD.
One student said she ‘would never have gotten to this stage without the Masters’ because the high academic standards ‘helped me to define what I’m interested in’. Another student stated that ‘My MA in Geography has allowed me to expand my knowledge of working with vulnerable groups, census data and overall aspects of Human Geography’. Our graduates note that the professional research training in the MA ‘helped me demonstrate a varied skill set when interviewing for employment’ (data engineer). Another graduate stated that the research thesis and transferrable skills from the MA were the reason she landed a senior position ‘dream’ job in local government. Students who went on to receive fully-funded competitive PhD fellowships acknowledged that the MA provided the skills and accomplishments leading to doctoral research: As one stated ‘This is especially true about my funding which I couldn’t continue without’.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 1 (2:1) in Geography or a related discipline. Applicants who hold a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in a cognate area may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.