Community Research MA

The MA Community Research Plus+ programme is unique in providing students with real time, real-life on-the-job research training in UL Engage-supported community/university collaborative projects (locally and internationally).

This innovative cross-disciplinary and practice based graduate programme comprises a common ‘engaged research and practice’ core augmented by disciplinary specific academic training and research. To achieve this the MA Community Research Plus+ programme combines traditional lecture-based graduate studies with real time, real-life, on-the-job research training in UL Engage-supported community/university collaborative projects (locally and internationally).

Students choose one of three areas of graduate specialism:
Community Research + Journalism;
Community Research + Development;
Community Research + Sociology

MA Community Research + Journalism

Students will to learn vital professional skills including: news and feature writing; broadcasting; multimedia journalism; interviewing; investigative reporting and research methods. The application of these skills across print, broadcast and multimedia journalism is a major part of the course.

Students on the MA Community Research + Journalism will:

• Get practical experience of a community-based website and print newspaper (The Limerick Voice)
• Gain ‘real-world’ journalism work by completing multi-media assignments for various types of platforms to deadline, while also developing a portfolio of professional journalism work
• Be equipped with the high-level research skills essential to all kinds of journalism and develop a critical awareness of the role of journalism and media in society
• Learn an appreciation of the ethical and legal issues in the profession and a critical understanding of how the media operates.

MA Community Research + Development; Students will learn about developmental institutions and supports at national and international level, taking Graduate Seminars in Development and in Peace building. Elective options include modules in: Institutions and policies of the EU; International Cooperation and Conflict; Collaborative Governance and Leadership. 

Students on the MA Community Research + Development will:

• Get practical experience in engaged Research practice and community co-design
• Develop critical understanding of contemporary national and international institutions supporting development
• Examine the origins and impacts of contemporary conflicts in the Global South and the complex relations between development and violence
• An understanding of the key theories, concepts and debates relating to conflict

View out introduction Video here. 

Students taking the MA in Community Research+ may take eith of two pathways; MA in Community Research + Journalism or MA Community Research + Development

 Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules

Applicants must have a first or second class level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject, or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement. The University reserves the right to short-list and interview  applicants as deemed necessary

What to Upload with your Application:

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification(s) if English is not your first language
• Certified English translation of your transcripts/certificates where the original transcripts are in a language other than English
• A copy of your Birth Certificate (long document)

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 7.0 with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• Cambridge Assessment English –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade B
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice. 

The MA Community Research + is designed to meet the needs of professionals and practitioners in community based settings in the public, semi-state and not-for-profit sector. This MA combines practice based learning with academic rigour. Students taking this MA will be expected to be strongly motivated to develop applied research skills in the community.