Sociology (Youth, Community & Social Regeneration) MA

This programme equips students with the skills necessary to engage with contemporary theoretical, policy and practice-related issues relating to work and study with young people in the national and international context of community regeneration.  It includes an Internship where students undertake a placement in the field of Youth Work or Community Development.   A total of 15 Places are available on this programme.  All applicants will be interviewed as part of the application process.  The Internships are with a range of NGO and Voluntary organisations in the community and youth sectors.

Objectives

• To provide students with a conceptual and operational understanding of key issues, objectives and processes pertaining to the social aspect of Regeneration.
• To provide students with in depth knowledge of theoretical, policy, and practical issues related to the study of youth and youth experiences in the context of Community.
• To provide students with the transferable skills necessary to conduct high-quality social research in community settings.
• To facilitate learning and personal educational development by offering a range of teaching and assessment approaches, together with excellent research supervision.
• To assist students in designing, conducting and writing up high-quality research which will be of benefit to themselves and the wider community.
• To provide a core foundation, for those students, who on completion of the MA wish to embark on a PhD in this area.
• To provide a sound basis for moving from an academic setting into different areas of the labour force by helping students to identity the transferable skills gained during the MA programme

Students are required to take four core modules and two elective modules in a combination of lectures and seminar discussions. An additional and substantial research element includes: assessed course research papers; and a dissertation of 15,000 words written on a topic of choice under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor or two 7,500 word reports on the student’s internship placement.  Students not proceeding to the dissertation or Internship may exit the programme with a Graduate Diploma upon successful completion of all coursework and assessments at this juncture.

** Not all electives may run each semester. They are dependent on student numbers
Students not proceeding to the dissertation may exit the programme with a Graduate Diploma upon successful completion of all coursework and assessments after the Spring Semester Full Time or Y2 Spring Semester Part Time.

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

Applicants must normally hold a primary degree in a relevant discipline with First or Second Class Honours (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or an approved equivalent qualification.  All applicants will be called for interview.
Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but who have appropriate professional qualifications and/or professional experience will also be considered.   All candidates must be fully proficient in both written and spoken English.

What to include with your application

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)
• All applicants should submit a personal statement outlining their motivations for applying for a place on this programme. Please include details of any previous or current volunteering experience in the Youth and/or Community sectors.
• 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

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Career Prospects

This MA aims to equip students with the skills necessary to engage with contemporary theoretical, policy and practice-related issues relating to work and study with young people in the national and international context of community regeneration. Facilitating new learning as well as building on established academic, professional and practical experience, a range of teaching and assessment approaches will be utilised. These, combined with excellent research supervision, state-of-the-art training in either qualitative or quantitative methodological skills and a commitment to the collection and dissemination of both national and international examples of best practice in the field will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key practical and theoretical issues which characterise the field. The cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional nature of the MA encourages intellectual flexibility, strong communication skills and an awareness of the diversity of approaches and experiences which characterise community based research and engagement. Upon completion of the MA students will be well equipped to embark on PhD research in this area and indeed to move from an academic setting into different areas of the labour force across a wide range of career paths.   These paths include, but are not limited to, research careers, policy development, youth and community work and professional engagement in the processes of social regeneration

Graduate Testimonials

Jenny Schaeffer (Youth, Community and Social Regeneration Class of 2019) "In November 2018, I accepted a job as a director of a residential camp for blind children and adults - called Highbrook Lodge. I'm finding the role both a great fit and an interesting challenge.  And, happily, I know that I landed my dream-job having learned a great deal from a fine set of teachers. Thank you for a great academic experience and for all of your support and guidance while I completed my course. I also appreciated how you took the time to help me consider all of the possibilities for my future."