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 either 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 INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• A copy of your CV
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
•  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
• English language competency certificate
• Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded
• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here. 

EU - €7,600

Non EU - €18,000

Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments. A request for a payment plan should be emailed to student.fees.office@ul.ie.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

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.