culture and … · · 2015-02-19knowledge of literatures in english, literary and cultural...

It’s a pleasure to present next year’s postgraduate taught pro-

grammes. I hope the information we provide in this leaflet will prompt

you to find out more of what’s on offer at the University of Limerick. In

the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences every year we run more than

twenty taught master’s programmes as well as an expanding portfolio of course-

work based structured PhDs.

Why choose Limerick? I can think of at least four good reasons. Firstly, at Limer-

ick we take pride in the quality of our teaching—at all levels. As a postgraduate,

you will benefit from close attention to your individual needs. Secondly, we offer

courses in fields and combinations that are fresh and often unique. Thirdly, we

have built our postgraduate choices around areas and methodologies in which we believe are field lead-

ers. Fourthly, you will be living and working in a really invigorating place, on Ireland’s most scenic campus.

Our postgraduates have a record of achievement not just with respect to conventional academic goals but

also in a range of careers. Our taught masters programmes have two generalised objectives. They are part-

ly intended to prepare people for more extended scholarly training, as bridges to doctoral study. For this

reason many of them incorporate a strong research skills orientation. But they are also planned as pro-

grammes that supply skills and experience for different kinds of work, as vocational qualifications.

I hope this prospectus prompts you to consider postgraduate work at the University of Limerick.

Welcome from the Dean 2

CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION…………………………………… 4

MA in Creative Writing

MA in Critical Irish Studies

MA in English

Grad Dip /MA in Journalism

MA in Technical Communication and E-Learning ONLINE OPTION

Grad Cert in Technical Writing (Distance Education) ONLINE COURSE

HISTORY……………………………………………………………… 12

MA in History

MA in History of Family ONLINE OPTION

MA in Local History

LAW…………………………………………………………………… 18

LLM/MA in Human Rights in Criminal Justice

LLM in International Commercial Law

LLM (General)

Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)

Structured PhD in Criminal Justice

MODERN LANGUAGES AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS………………… 26

MA in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies

MA in Irish/German Studies

MA in Modern Language Studies

MA in Languages and ICT Content Development NEW!

MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Structured PhD in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Structured PhD in Applied Languages

Structured PhD in New Media and Film

POLITICS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION…………………………… 36

MA in Politics

MA in European Politics and Governance

MA in Peace and Development Studies

MA in International Studies

MA in Ethics and International Affairs NEW!

Structured PhD in Politics

SOCIOLOGY…………………………………………………………… 44

MA in Gender, Culture and Society

MA in Sociology (Applied Social Research)

MA in Sociology (Youth, Community and Social Regeneration)

International students 50

How to apply 51

Fees and funding 51

he School of Culture and

Communication houses the

subjects English, Irish Lan-

guage and Literature,

Journalism, and Technical

Communication and Instructional Design.

Literary and cultural studies in the School

have a particular emphasis on compara-

tive and interdisciplinary approaches.

Strengths include Anglo-Irish literature,

with a focus on Yeats, American literature,

Victorian literature, poetry and Utopian

Studies. The MA in Creative Writing was

introduced in 2014. This course is taught

by internationally successful authors in-

cluding our Chair of Creative Writing,

Professor Joseph O’Connor (author of the

million-selling Star of the Sea), Donal

Ryan (The Spinning Heart) and Giles

Foden (The Last King of Scotland).

Technical Communication and Instructional

Design is a strong focus in the School, with

students of the MA and Graduate Certifi-

cate graduating with practical and theo-

retical skills, desirable for many types of

employers. Irish Language and Literature

has a strong research base in 18th-21st

century literature, folklore and ethnology,

sociolinguistics and language policy and

faculty contribute to teaching and super-

vision across a range of masters pro-

grammes. Journalism students at UL com-

bine the development of high-level jour-

nalistic writing skills and professional

practices for a broad range of media

with an in-depth understanding of the in-

teraction between media, language and

culture. Researchers in the School are in-

volved with the Ralahine Centre for Uto-

pian Studies, the Eighteenth-Century Stud-

ies Research Group, the Centre for Ap-

plied Language Studies and many nation-

al and international research projects.

Supervision to PhD is available in all sub-

jects within the School.

1 year Full-time

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ARTS, HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES // UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK

ABOUT

The University of Limerick offers a Master of Arts in Creative Writ-

ing, taught by internationally successful authors including our Chair of

Creative Writing, Professor Joseph O’Connor (author of the million-

selling Star of the Sea), Donal Ryan (The Spinning Heart) and Profes-

sor Giles Foden, (The Last King of Scotland).

This one-year programme enables students to develop their skills in

creative writing through careful consideration of the work of estab-

lished writers; through study of the elements of a piece of creative

writing; through assignments that enable students to master strate-

gies for revision of their work; and through an understanding of the

requirements of the submission and publication process. Through

coursework students consider the role of plot, characterization, dia-

logue, and point-of-view in crafting compelling fiction and dra-

ma.Students experience teaching-visits from leading contemporary

authors. The 2014/15 class enjoyed sessions with Colum McCann,

Claire Keegan, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Paul Lynch, Colin Barrett and

science-fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson.

Students gain practical experience through working on our literary

journal The Ogham Stone and in the preparation of their dissertation

portfolios. Ireland was the homeland of some of the twentieth centu-

ry's most accomplished writers, and the city of Limerick has a rich

history in creative writing, memorialized in the Frank McCourt muse-

um, and celebrated annually with several literary festivals - the Lim-

erick Literary Weekend; the Eigse Michael Hartnett Poetry Arts and

Literary Festival; and Cuisle, the Limerick International Poetry Festi-

val.

CONTACT Professor Joseph O’Connor

Phone +353 (0)61 202623 / 213701

Email [email protected]

Web www.ul.ie/graduateschool/courses

SCHOLARSHIP

OPPORTUNITY

Two scholarships are

available to pay the fees

of an Irish Student on the

MA in Creative Writing:

The Thomas and Ellen

O’Connor Scholarship and

The Riverdream Scholar-

ship.

Scholarships will be

awarded based on literary

talent and financial need.

If you wish to be consid-

ered for one of these

awards, please contact

[email protected].

1 year

Full-time

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Ireland has recently undergone a period of serious economic, social

and cultural change that is radically reshaping what ‘Irishness’

means, to whom, where and for what purposes. It is crucial to en-

gage in critical enquiry around this fluid set of ideas and practices,

especially stressing the embeddedness of ‘Irish’ issues in a global

context. President Michael D. Higgins has urged the development of

new ideas in Ireland. The MA in Critical Irish Studies at UL offers

Irish and International students an opportunity to be part of that

new thinking.

This MA will address current issues in Ireland and the Irish diaspora,

with particular attention to social theory, performance/

performativity, historical depth and aesthetic nuance. Students will

learn not only to identify and analyse but also to question received

narratives of culture, society, arts, history, politics, law and lan-

guages. The focus is on currents that affect Ireland, as well as the

construction and performance of these very concepts.

This inter-departmental, multi-disciplinary MA involves faculty from

the schools of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics; Culture

and Communication; History; Irish World Academy of Music and

Dance; Politics and Public Administration and Sociology.

Students complete the MA in one year. Each year, there will be a

set of five agreed-upon core ‘texts’. These ‘texts’ may be pieces of

writing, but they also include events, places, or phenomena in popu-

lar culture that can be studied using a variety of interdisciplinary

approaches.


CONTACT Dr Caitríona Ní Shíocháin

Phone +353 (0)61 202127/ 213701



ABOUT

Video available at this link:

1 year Full-time

CU

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CO

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TION


ABOUT

The MA in English aims to broaden and deepen students'

knowledge of literatures in English, literary and cultural theory,

and textual practices. The course provides students with a

knowledge of the cultural, political, and historical contexts of liter-

ary movements and genres, and ensures that students can engage

with current critical debates in the areas of, for example, modern-

ism, post-colonialism, utopianism, gender and literature, and mi-

gration studies.

Students gain practical experience developing their writing and

editing skills through working on our literary journal The Ogham

Stone.

This MA enhances students' analytical and critical thinking skills,

whilst instructing them in the use of both traditional and technologi-

cal research resources, and provides them the opportunity of com-

pleting substantial original research in the form of a dissertation

during the summer months.

This programme attracts individuals interested in gaining such a

qualification in preparation for careers that build on strong skills

in textual analysis and written and oral communication, such as

journalism, broadcast media, publishing, culture and arts admin-

istration, politics, or social services.

CONTACT Dr Patricia Moran

Phone +353 (0)61 213562/ 213701



“Studying at the University of

Limerick was one of the most

positive experiences of my

adult life. The campus is unri-

valled in Ireland and the staff

were positive and engaging.”

Arthur Griffin

1 year full-ti

me

2 years part-time

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TION

The course aims to equip graduates with the high-level research skills

essential to all kinds of journalism, a solid appreciation of the ethical

and legal issues in the profession and a critical understanding of

how the media operates. They will also gain practical experience of

what it feels like to work as a journalist by completing assignments

to deadline while on the course.

Students take taught modules such as* Journalistic Writing for News,

Professional Skills for Journalism, Introduction to Broadcasting and

Media Law, Investigating Current Issues in Irish Journalism; Research-

ing Media; and Broadcasting and Multimedia Journalism.

After successfully completing the taught component of their degree,

students can opt to graduate with a Graduate Diploma , or go on

complete their Masters. This involves undertaking an individual jour-

nalism project, critical analysis of the project as well as an extended

reflective essay.**

All our students are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum of

four weeks work experience during the course. Additionally, each

year our Journalism students create a newspaper entitled The Limer-

ick Voice. Speaking at the launch of The Limerick Voice newspaper,

University of Limerick President Professor Don Barry said: “The pa-

per provides a platform for our students to showcase their talents, to

bring what they have learned in the classroom to a very real and

public project. It offers good practical experience that all our stu-

dents can add to their CVs, vital now in the highly competitive envi-

ronment of recruitment.”


CONTACT Mary Dundon

Phone +353 (0)61 234678/ 213701



Video http://youtu.be/F9SmeD1TEjM

ABOUT


*Modules listed here are subject

to change.

**To progress from the Graduate

Diploma to the Masters course,

students must achieve a second

class honours grade two overall

and complete a preparatory

module for the MA project.

1 year full-time 2 years part-time

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“I really enjoyed the MA in

Technical Communication. The

course introduced me to the

latest industry software, taught

me practical writing skills and

alerted me to the career op-

tions in the technical communi-

cation profession. The decision

to undertake the MA has been

invaluable; this qualification

enabled me to execute a ca-

reer change in my thirties in the

midst of a recession! I would

highly recommend it to anyone

interested in technology and

writing.”

Technical Communication

Orla Specht

ABOUT

This programme focusses on online content devel-

opment for e-learning and technical/professional

communication, and thus emphasises the strengths developed over

almost two decades at UL in technical communication and instruction-

al design. The programme equips graduates with the skills needed to

design and develop multimedia content and technology-enhanced

learning solutions. The need for this type of expertise is expanding

consistently as companies and institutions worldwide rely increasingly

on information and communication technologies (ICTs).

On successful completion of the programme, graduates can:

Write clear, correct, precise content and Manage complex

writing and design projects.

Use multimedia applications, and design and deliver online

learning materials and environments.

Deploy and use Web 2.0 technologies to collaborate and

communicate effectively in online and face-to-face environ-

ments.

From September 2015*, the course will be available online and on-

campus. In the online/blended mode, most content is delivered

through the UL Virtual Learning Environment. Lectures are delivered

via podcasts, combined with learning objects and other resources,

such as online chats and discussions.

Graduates have excellent job opportunities in Ireland, and world-

wide, working as technical writers, information developers, instruc-

tional designers, or in related roles that encompass design, writing

and digital technology skills.

CONTACT Dr Yvonne Cleary

Phone +353 (0)61 202466/ 213701



Video http://youtu.be/p76E_VFYE0A


*Subject to approval

ONLINE

OPTION

1 year

Full-time or part-ti

me

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Technical communication is a fast-growing disci-

pline worldwide, as communication media become

more pervasive and technology more complex. The

University of Limerick pioneered a full-time programme in technical

communication in 1995. Since September 2001, UL has offered a

Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing by distance learning.

The aim of this distance learning programme is to offer flexible ac-

cess to certification through distance learning for people who lack

qualifications in Technical Communication. The programme emphasis-

es that the job of a technical writer entails more than writing –

graphics, cultural issues, layout, and design all play a part, and stu-

dents receive tuition on all of these areas.

Graduates are unique in Ireland, qualified to work as technical writ-

ers, and in a variety of related roles such as editing, web design,

and technology journalism. In addition, graduates may be eligible to

gain employment in the areas of instructional design and e-learning

as they also receive tuition in these areas. Typically, our graduates

gain employment in Ireland but as the programme is university ac-

credited, it is also possible to gain employment abroad.

All course content is delivered online through the UL Virtual Learning

Environment. Lectures are delivered via podcasts, combined with

learning objects and other resources, such as online chats and discus-

sions. None of the four modules require attendance on-campus, since

they are all assessed online by continuous assessment. However, we

also run optional workshops each semester in FrameMaker,

Dreamweaver, and Flash.

“The Grad Cert is run entirely

online, so you can study from

the comfort of your own home.

The course is a mix of writing

and design theory and practice,

with practical modules in writing

for different audiences and

media, creating fully-functioning

web sites and e-learning cours-

es, and interview skills.

The lecturers are friendly and

approachable, and online chats

and forums help you feel like

part of the class community.

I found the skills I learned inval-

uable and would highly recom-

mend this course to anyone with

an interest in writing, design

and technology.”


CONTACT Dr Ann Marcus Quinn

Phone +353 (0)61 202292/ 213701


Web www.ul.ie/techcomm

Jess Beeley

Grad Cert in Technical Writing

(distance learning), 2014

ABOUT

ONLINE COURSE

he Department of Histo-

ry’s research strengths

are located in Irish, Eu-

ropean and US history

which embrace local,

national and international dimensions,

with a particular focus on Eighteenth

Century Ireland and Europe and Twenti-

eth Century Germany and Ireland.

Research clusters cover the early mod-

ern to modern periods around the

themes of diaspora, diplomacy, republi-

canism, medieval history and cultural

history.

The Centre for Historical Research (CHR)

promotes and supports historical re-

search within the University of Limerick,

including Mary Immaculate College. In

recent years faculty in both institutions

have published over a dozen books and

numerous scholarly articles, achieving

national and international recognition.

Critically, the Centre provides the intel-

lectual environment and supports that

students and faculty need to remain at

the cutting edge of research.

Through its seminar series, the Centre

provides a focal point for each post-

graduate student in the Department.

1 year Full-time

HIS

TORY


“I thoroughly enjoyed the entire

year – particularly the research

seminar class in which debate

and discussion was very much

encouraged. I found all of the

teaching staff to be very ap-

proachable and supportive.

Our classes were all quite small

which allowed for lots of indi-

vidual attention and feedback.

The module which had the big-

gest impact on my future career

direction was the concepts and

methods course. Studying histor-

ical methodologies, and the use

and accessibility of archival

sources, led me to consider the

work and role of the archivist.

With the help of the History

Department, I was able to se-

cure archival work experience

in the UL Special Collections

Library. This proved to be an

essential stepping stone in my

career and further study as a

professional archivist.”

Ellen Murphy

Senior Archivist,

Dublin City Archives

ABOUT

The MA in History is a one year, full-time postgraduate degree

programme. The aim of the programme is to enhance the histor-

ical understanding and skills of graduates in history, to extend

their capacity for historical research and thereby provide an

appropriate basis for advanced research up to, and including,

doctoral level. On completion of the programme the student

should have acquired:

the ability to identify and evaluate significant issues in

contemporary historiographical discourse;

a specialist knowledge of a select number of substantive

historical themes studied through three elective modules;

the ability to identify, locate and evaluate a range of

primary and secondary sources relevant to the under-

standing of a selected research topic;

a capacity to present the results of substantial independ-

ent research on a selected topic in the form of a disserta-

tion;

and the opportunity for an internship at a cultural institu-

tion or archive.

While graduates of this MA are well placed to pursue a multi-

plicity of career pathways the programme has proved to be of

particular value to: Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research, Educa-

tion Sector, Heritage and Tourism Sector, Library and Archive

Science, and Public History.

CONTACT Professor Anthony McElligott

Phone +353 (0)61 213524/ 202280



1 year full-ti

me

Or 2 years part-time

HIS

TORY

The MA in the History of the Family is offered as a

one-year full-time, two-year part-time or as an

online postgraduate degree programme. The aims of the

programme are to provide students with an opportunity to obtain

formal training in the methodologies and concepts of the History of

Family.

On the completion of the programme a successful participant will

have:

acquired a knowledge of a range of key issues in the history

of political, social and economic development as it might be

applied to families and communities

developed advanced skills in identifying, locating, assessing

and interpreting appropriate primary and secondary sources

acquired the skills necessary as a foundation to conduct histori-

cal research at doctoral and post-doctoral level

conducted a substantial piece of primary-source based re-

search under the supervision of a faculty member

developed the skills necessary to present the results of histori-

cal research to publication standard.

While graduates of this MA programme are well placed to pursue a

multiplicity of career pathways, the programme has proved to be of

particular value to: doctoral and postdoctoral research; heritage

and tourism sector; education sector; library and archive science and

genealogy.

“The passion and commitment of

the internationally renowned

history faculty at UL was evi-

dent from my earliest days as a

student, and their mentoring

and encouragement helped to

nurture my own passion for his-

torical enquiry, leading to the

award of a PhD in 2006. By

studying history at UL I had the

opportunity to develop my ca-

pacity to independently evalu-

ate and engage in critical

thought, as well as my research

and analytical skills. These skills

have proved to be immensely

valuable in my subsequent ca-

reer as a Senior Programme

Manager at the Royal Irish

Academy.”


CONTACT Dr Ruan O'Donnell

Phone +353 (0)61 233148/ 202280



John Maguire

ABOUT

ONLINE OPTION

2 years Part-time

HIS

TORY


Rita McCarthy

MA in Local History, 2013

ABOUT

People living and working in a particular locality during a specific

period provide the focus of this course. Local history is less about

the events of national history, such as war or elections as they oc-

curred in a particular locality, and more about the unique circum-

stances and events in the lives of ordinary people.

The programme is part-time over two academic years. During the

first year, students attend lectures and seminars at Plassey Cam-

pus and Mary Immaculate College on Wednesday evening during

the two twelve-week semesters. In the second year the student

completes a dissertation of approx. 18,000 words. Research top-

ics are identified during the first year. Ongoing research conduct-

ed under faculty supervision is reviewed in seminars during the

second year.

While graduates of this MA are well placed to pursue a multiplici-

ty of career pathways the programme has proved to be of par-

ticular value to:

primary and secondary teachers

librarians and archivists

those who want to research local history for its own sake

and is very suitable for those who wish to develop research

skills prior to undertaking the Ph.D. degree.

“I studied for the MA in Local

History at the University of Lim-

erick and can safely say that

this was a life changing experi-

ence for me. I have always

loved history and I wanted to

explore what happened in my

local area after the War of

Independence. The MA course

gave me the skills I needed to

carry out the research and most

importantly to be able to put

that research into a readable

thesis. It was a challenging but

extremely rewarding experi-

ence and I was supported fully

on my journey by the lecturers

in the Department of History

who made the classes interest-

ing and informative. I would

highly recommend the UL MA

programme to anyone interest-

ed in the history of their place

and people.” CONTACT Dr David Fleming

Phone +353 (0)61 233795/ 202280



he School of Law is

home to three interdisci-

plinary research units:

the Centre for Criminal

Justice, the International

Commercial and Economic Law Group

and the Research Cluster for Under-

standing Emotions in Society (CUES).

Faculty members have further research

interests in a number of areas, including

the evolution of Irish tort law, Irish consti-

tutional law, property law, commercial

law, legal history, medical law, human

rights, gender and the law, sports law,

employment law, animal rights, criminal

law, criminal justice and penology.

In 2010 the School of Law opened the

first replica courtroom in Ireland on a

University campus. The Courtroom is a

state-of-the-art replica courtroom and

has all of the traditional equipment and

embellishments including a judge's

bench, plaintiff and defence benches, as

well as a 12-seat jury box and even a

witness stand. This permits students to

practice their advocacy and presenta-

tion skills, but also to act as members of

the judiciary and to examine witnesses

in mock trials. In addition, the courtroom

has an advanced IT/AV system which

permits simultaneous viewing of judge,

jury, counsel and witness participants.

There is also a recording facility which

allows students to review their own ad-

vocacy and presentation skills, allowing

them to reflect upon, improve and hone

their abilities in practicing the law.

1 year full-time Or 2 years part-time

LAW


“I found the programme both

interesting and challenging. I

found the class led discussions

guided by our lecturers which

centred on our assigned read-

ing particularly valuable in fa-

cilitating a deeper understand-

ing of the correlation between

human rights and criminal justice

at a practical level in specific

core areas. I would recommend

this programme to prospective

students and believe that it of-

fers the graduate a greater

choice of career routes; I further

consider that the incorporation

of these two core areas, human

rights and criminal justice, is

becoming particularly relevant

to prospective employers.”

Blánaid Kelly

ABOUT

The aim of this Master’s programme is twofold and depends on the

student registered on the programme. For those students with a

law background, the objective is to encourage them to approach

what are traditionally taught as separate modules in a comple-

mentary way and to build on their existing knowledge. Students

who approach the programme from a non-law background will be

encouraged to bring the experiences of their disciplines to bear on

the study of law. The programme aims to provide students with a

comprehensive knowledge of this ever developing area of law;

above all, students will be encouraged to assess the merit of main-

streaming human rights within the criminal justice process. The first

semester will provide a strong grounding in European and interna-

tional human rights law as well as introducing students to funda-

mental criminal justice theory. By the end of the second semester,

students will be equipped with the knowledge to critically assess

the capacity of criminal justice systems to ensure the protection of

human rights. Completion of a dissertation will then allow students

to develop their acquired research skills by focussing on a particu-

lar area of interest to them. Applicants with a primary degree in

law will be awarded an LLM, whereas other applicants will be

awarded an MA.

On a practical level, this qualification will prepare graduates for

work in the field of international human rights and criminal justice/

policing, in domestic and international organisations, non-

governmental organisations and as individual advocates incorpo-

rating human rights and criminal justice theory into practice.

CONTACT Dr Eimear Spain

Phone +353 (0)61 234896 / 202344



ABOUT

1 year

Full-time or part-ti

me

LAW

"During my year in Limerick, I

had the opportunity to study a

broad range of subjects which

were taught by not only highly

qualified but friendly lecturers.

On completion of my disserta-

tion, I was fortunate enough to

be offered the first position I

applied for- I believe this is

mainly due to the Masters I re-

ceived from UL."

The programme will be particularly attractive to law graduates who

wish to develop a specialisation in commercial law, and especially

an ability to understand and apply commercial law in multi-

jurisdictional scenarios. The programme is designed to enhance the

career prospects of graduates, those starting careers in the legal

professions, legal advisers to commercial entities and any lawyers

whose work will involve cross border commercial relations.

The LLM in International Commercial Law programme immerses the

post-graduate student in more detailed aspects of commercial law,

as well as developing broadly applicable legal research and other

transferable skills. The emphasis is on those areas of law, such as

credit and security, intellectual property and competition law, which

are critical to the operation of any commercial enterprise in the

modern world. The programme will also take account of the increas-

ing internationalisation of commerce with modules in international

business transactions and international protection of intellectual

property. Graduates of the programme will provide added value to

their employer and clients, whether in a traditional law firm, as a

practising solicitor/barrister, in private industry or with governmental

agencies. The international focus of the programme also provides

opportunities for employment overseas.

This programme is designed to ensure that graduates are self-

motivated and highly professional people who are equipped with

invaluable transferable skills, including: excellent oral and written

communication skills, analytical and logical reasoning skills, legal re-

search, organisational and team work skills.


CONTACT Eddie Keane

Phone +353 (0)61 234895/ 202344



Shauna Marron

Class of 2013, Pre-Litigation

Assistant at Permanent TSB

"Doing the LLM in UL was one of

the best decisions that I have

made, I found the course really

diverse and and it greatly as-

sisted me in securing a position

within a global company. The

modules were very engaging

and the support provided by

the faculty was fantastic".

Samantha Gleeson

Class of 2013 , Procurement at

Airbus, Bristol, UK

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

LAW


Arthur Griffin

ABOUT

The principal objectives of the Master of Laws are to enhance

students' legal skills and enrich their knowledge of a variety of

legal subjects across a broad spectrum. The range of choice is

designed to facilitate students to develop their own unique pro-

file in combining various branches of the law into which they will

develop the deeper knowledge and understanding brought

about by postgraduate study.

The programme can cover such diverse areas as criminal law,

competition law, property and human rights law. It is suited to

those looking for an advanced legal education but who do not

wish to focus on a single branch of law. Students successfully

completing this programme will be able to demonstrate special-

ist, graduate-level understanding of law in elective combinations

of the student’s choice.

Successful candidates will provide added value to their employ-

er and clients, whether in a traditional law firm, as a practising

barrister, in private industry or with governmental agencies. Ex-

perts in the relevant areas of law will assist students in develop-

ing a deeper understanding of, and an enhanced ability to in-

terpret and apply, the law on a wide range of topics.

CONTACT Dr Margaret Fitzgerald-O’Reilly

Phone +353 (0)61 213493/ 202344



“The campus is unrivalled in

Ireland. The staff were positive

and engaging. Law is taught in

a manner which balances theory

and practice equally well. Stu-

dents also got to know lecturers

and faculty administrators. It

created a village atmosphere

where everybody knew each

other and were both able and

willing to help each other out. I

would recommend studying law

in Limerick to anybody.”

“Studying at the University of

Limerick was the most beneficial

part of my studies to date. I

feel so lucky to have had access

to top-class lecturers who are

experts in their chosen fields. It

gave me essential professional

tools and really developed my

skill set and confidence.”

Martha Gorman

ABOUT

2 years

Full-time

LAW

The central objective of the programme is to provide students with

the knowledge and skills ordinarily associated with a degree level

legal education embracing legal knowledge, research ability, ana-

lytical skills, conflict resolution, conflict avoidance, critical evalua-

tion, personal skills and legal ethics.

The LLB (Graduate Entry) programme is specifically designed to

provide a legal education to graduates in disciplines other than

law. Graduates from any discipline other than law may apply and

no prior legal knowledge is necessary. Entry is competitive and the

minimum entry requirement is a 2nd class honours grade 2 under-

graduate degree.

The programme is ideally suited to graduates who wish to supple-

ment their primary studies with a legal education or to graduates

who are seeking a career change. The programme is also available

to graduates who have studied law in a country where the legal

system is not a common law system, ie the dominant system in

countries including Ireland, England and Wales, Australia, and the

United States of America.

All law subjects required by the Irish professional bodies, the Law

Society and the Kings Inns, are covered in full over the course of this

programme.

On successful completion of the programme, candidates are award-

ed an LLB degree.


CONTACT Dr Margaret Fitzgerald-O'Reilly

Phone +353 (0)61 213493/ 202344



"I decided to pursue the LLB

(Graduate Entry) after complet-

ing an undergraduate degree

in languages. The fact that I

had an undergraduate degree

in another discipline allowed me

to undertake the LLB in two

years, instead of the conven-

tional four year programme.

Although this meant that the

pace was more intense, it was

certainly manageable.”

Lorraine Barron

“There were many interesting

modules to choose from and all

were well-structured and clear-

ly explained in the syllabus. I

found the course work very

interesting and it provided me

with an excellent grounding in

the key areas of Irish law. Not

only has the degree helped to

strengthen my critical thinking

and analytical skills but has also

opened up new horizons includ-

ing that of further study as well

as wider career options. The

University provided a stimulat-

ing and supportive environment

and the staff and lecturers were

extremely helpful and encour-

aging.”

Carol Lynch

4 years Full-time or part-time

LAW


“I found the lecturers very ap-

proachable and helpful. On the

whole, lecturers were well pre-

pared, worked hard and knew

what they were talking about

which meant that it was easier

to learn for the class.”

Martin Munroe

ABOUT

The School of Law and the Centre for Criminal Justice introduced a

Structured PhD in Criminal Justice in September 2010. This pro-

gramme is a structured blend of graduate education in theory and

methods and supervised research, which emphasises the importance

of transferable research skills.

The Programme runs over four years. In addition to the standard re-

search thesis on their subject specialisation, students take a body of

taught modules on legal and criminal research methods and on quan-

titative and qualitative social research methods. These modules are

taken in the first year, and there is scope to take substantive modules

specific to the subject matter of the student’s research thesis in the

second years. In the second and third years of the programme, stu-

dents are also provided with coaching on: writing and publishing

journal articles; preparing and delivering conference papers; pre-

paring external funding applications; preparing and leading semi-

nars/tutorials; and transferable skills such as CV preparation, inter-

view technique and using a range of relevant electronic software

packages. These aspects are structured by way of four Doctoral

Research Portfolio modules which are directed by the student’s Doc-

toral Studies Panel and devised in accordance with the individual

needs of the student.

The progression and completion of a 60,000 – 80,000 word thesis

remains at the heart of the programme. Each student is allocated an

expert supervisor who will guide the development of the student’s

research and writing over the four year period. Each student also

benefits from the oversight and support of a PhD panel consisting of

faculty from the Centre for Criminal Justice.

CONTACT Dr Sean Donlan

Phone +353 (0)61 234199/ 202344



he School of Modern

Languages and Applied

Linguistics is home to the

subjects of French, Ger-

man, Spanish, Japanese

and Teaching English to

Speakers of other Languages (TESOL).

The Centre for Applied Language Stud-

ies (CALS) is the largest research centre

in the Faculty. CALS is a multilingual

centre with members carrying out re-

search in a variety of languages and

contexts,. Particular strengths in applied

and sociolinguistics include ICT and lan-

guage learning, corpus linguistics, lan-

guage policy, multilingualism, Gaeilge

and minority language sociolinguistics

and media discourse.

The Centre for Irish-German Studies,

founded in 1997, is a cluster of re-

searchers concerned with the experienc-

es of German exiles in Ireland. The main

aim of the Centre is to encourage and

support research dealing with all as-

pects of Irish-German relations

The Language Learning Hub is a free

resource which offers support to the

learning, teaching and research that

takes place within the School. Facilities

include 2 computer labs, a Digital Lan-

guage Lab and an Open Learning Cen-

tre. The Hub has a huge catalogue of

DVDs, CD-ROMs, TV stations, books and

audio material, free for use by all UL

students and staff.

1 year Full-time

MO

DER

N LA

NG

UA

GES

& A

PPLIED

LING

UIS

TICS


ABOUT

The MA in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies offers stu-

dents the opportunity to engage in the comparative study of a

range of world literatures and cultural practices in a combination

that is currently unique in Ireland. It aims to foster and develop

critical inquiry into the function and social resonance of literature,

art and culture (including popular culture). Successful completion of

the course will provide you with an internationally recognised pro-

fessional qualification, widely applicable research and communi-

cations skills, and a comprehensive understanding of current issues

and debates in the comparative study of literature and culture.

The course aims to:

broaden and deepen students' knowledge of world litera-

tures and cultural practices and their cultural, political and

historical contexts;

familiarise students with developments and current debates

in the comparative study of literary and cultural practices;

train students to carry out independent research in the field

of comparative literary and cultural studies and to enhance

their skills in critical analysis;

enhance students' communication skills, in particular to deliver

oral reports and to write well-informed essays with clarity

and grace;

enhance students' career opportunities, including the provi-

sion of the knowledge and skills required to proceed to doc-

toral degree studies.

CONTACT Dr Marieke Krajenbrink

Phone +353 (0)61 202453 / 202321



1 year

Full-time

MO

DER

N LA

NG

UA

GES

& A

PPLIED

LING

UIS

TICS

The MA in Irish-German Studies is a unique one-year programme

harnessing particular strengths in UL while combining with comple-

mentary existing MA programmes in Ireland, Germany, Austria and

Switzerland. It aims to attract highly qualified students who will

benefit from a strongly interdisciplinary and internationally fo-

cussed academic programme and enables them to work and re-

search in international contexts. The course aims to:

provide students with the knowledge of cultural, political, and

historical contexts of Irish-German relations and to explore

the inter-relationship between Ireland and the German-

speaking countries;

enable students to evaluate critically theoretical approaches

to the study of literature, culture, history and intercultural re-

lations;

enable students to hone their oral and written communication

skills in German and in English;

study themes and concepts that occur in the context of bilat-

eral relations, i.e. identity, ethnicity, history, memory, lan-

guage and home.

The MA gives students the opportunity to benefit from the excellent

research links of the Centre of Irish-German Studies in German-

speaking countries, and to study in an international setting and at

different academic institutions. Students spend the second semester

studying abroad in a German-speaking university.


CONTACT Dr Gisela Holfter

Phone +353 (0)61 202395/ 202321



Video http://youtu.be/CCoxVcO2DWc

ABOUT

“It supports and offers you

great international experience,

and not only develops your

language and communication

skills but your intercultural ex-

perience also, as you go

abroad for the second semes-

ter.”

Mary McDermot

MA in Irish-German Studies


1 year Full-time

MO

DER

N LA

NG

UA

GES

& A

PPLIED

LING

UIS

TICS


ABOUT

This MA is offered on a full-time basis using a combination of faculty-

student contact hours and self-directed learning and research. Stu-

dents choose from a variety of core modules and an elective of

French, German or Spanish, which they continue into their second se-

mester.

The compulsory core modules are normally taught by lecture, tutorial

discussion, film screenings, assigned and recommended reading and

viewing, and by research-based critical writing. All modules are

taught by specialists in a range of languages, disciplines and cultures.

Students will learn by listening to and engaging with lectures, read-

ing primary and secondary sources (both assigned and recommend-

ed), watching films critically, engaging in discussion in tutorials, giving

presentations, translating different types of texts, and writing analyt-

ical/critical papers. The first two semesters of the programme have a

significant taught component but work on the dissertation will begin

from Semester 2 with full research proposals being submitted that

semester. The course aims to:

develop students' understanding of key aspects of the cultural

life of German, French and Spanish-speaking countries today;

enable students to analyse and interpret German, French or

Spanish-language and culture within a broader European con-

text;

provide students with the necessary skills to communicate in oral

and written German, French or Spanish with a high degree of

accuracy and confidence;

foster students' ability to conduct independent research in all

fields relating to German, French or Spanish languages and

cultures.

CONTACT Dr Frédéric Royall and Dr Mariano Paz

Phone +353 (0)61 202098 / 202039 / 202321



1 year

Full-time

MO

DER

N LA

NG

UA

GES

& A

PPLIED

LING

UIS

TICS

This MA is offered on a full-time basis using a combi-

nation of faculty-student contact hours and self-

directed learning and research. The purpose of this programme is to

equip graduates with the skills needed to design and develop multi-

media content and technology-enhanced learning solutions in Ger-

man, French or Spanish. As part of the programme, students will take

core modules on methodology each semester, and will choose one

language (French, German or Spanish) to carry through the pro-

gramme. For each language there will be a language practice and

applied language module in both semesters. Students also choose

either a technical communication or an e-learning elective in both

semesters. This course aims to:

develop students' competence in languages and ICT for appli-cation to multilingual environments

develop students’ understanding of key aspects of and de-bates in the cultural life of German, French and Spanish-speaking countries today.

enable students to communicate in oral and written German, French or Spanish with a high degree of accuracy and confi-dence (to C2 level in CEFR for languages).

develop students’ understanding of principles and theories of instructional design, technical communication and information design and how they can be applied to content development in a multilingual context.

enable students to write clear, correct, precise content in Eng-lish and in German, French or Spanish.

foster students’ ability to conduct independent research in all fields relating to German, French or Spanish languages and cultures and content development.


CONTACT Dr Elaine Riordan

Phone +353 (0)61 202112/ 202321



ABOUT

NEW!


1 year Full-time

MO

DER

N LA

NG

UA

GES

& A

PPLIED

LING

UIS

TICS


ABOUT

The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

(TESOL) programme has been running since 1990 and is the only

one of its kind in Ireland. The course has been hugely successful

and our graduates have always enjoyed full employment rates,

either at home or abroad.

The course aims to:

equip graduates with a professional qualification in the ar-

ea of TESOL;

enable students to acquire the knowledge, range of capa-

bilities, experiences and qualities that are required for the

teaching profession;

develop students' understanding of the language-learning

process and a critical awareness of associated pedagogies;

provide students with the necessary skills to carry out re-

search in the area of TESOL;

afford the opportunity to develop skills in areas of peda-

gogic practice relevant in contemporary educational systems

internationally, for example, new technologies and materials

development.

CONTACT Dr Elaine Vaughan

Phone +353 (0)61 202969/ 202321



Video http://vimeo.com/74118789

"I found the resources available

for students at UL to be invalua-

ble. I took part, for example, in

the Regional Writing Centre’s

PhD Writers’ Week and this

was a great opportunity to fo-

cus on writing and to meet and

chat with other students who

were facing the same challeng-

es. The library was a great

place to study and the staff

were always really helpful."

Joan O’Sullivan

MA in TESOL

4 years

Full-time

MO

DER

N LA

NG

UA

GES

& A

PPLIED

LING

UIS

TICS

The Structured PhD in TESOL at the University of Limerick is the first

of its kind in the Republic of Ireland and has been designed as an

expansion from the highly successful MA in TESOL that has been run-

ning at UL since 2001. The programme is specifically designed for

experienced English Language teachers, practitioners and research-

ers working in international contexts. It is a four-year programme

which caters to students’ varying interests, experience and needs.

The PhD in TESOL programme aims to:

develop highly educated TESOL professionals;

produce TESOL researchers with critical research skills;

and provide a professional qualification for work at third lev-

el.

The PhD in TESOL programme of study and research is designed to:

engage students with a range of concepts, methods, theories

and knowledge derived from English language education and

applied linguistics research;

educate students to work with a range of English language

educational problems across a variety of international con-

texts;

enable students to develop research projects which will direct-

ly impact on their professional practice;

expose students to a linguistically and culturally diverse edu-

cational experience;

enrich students’ understanding of the discipline they teach.


CONTACT Dr Freda Mishan

Phone +353 (0)61 202432/ 202321



Video http://vimeo.com/74118789

ABOUT


4 years Full-time

MO

DER

N LA

NG

UA

GES

& A

PPLIED

LING

UIS

TICS


ABOUT

This four-year Structured PhD includes a combination of research

and taught modules. The principal component of the programme is

the doctoral thesis. In addition to developing their research project,

students will follow a number of taught modules in disciplinary are-

as relevant to their thesis, as well as taught generic modules intend-

ed to provide them with the skills necessary to complete the thesis

and develop their future career. The course aims to:

enable students to locate their research in the wider context

of digital media and film studies by providing a taught com-

ponent in relevant areas;

enable students to develop skills with which to meet changing

demands for research in digital media and film by providing

a taught component including generic skills courses;

enable students to teach and develop their research to inter-

national standards by providing specialist disciplinary educa-

tion for its graduates;

develop students’ skills as autonomous researchers, able to

evaluate different research problems, select and apply ap-

propriate research tools and methods to address these prob-

lems, and gather and evaluate appropriate evidence for the

resolution of research questions;

facilitate student research that will contribute to the redefini-

tion of existing knowledge in digital media and film studies.

CONTACT Dr Joachim Fischer

Phone +353 (0)61 202354/ 202321



4 years

Full-time

MO

DER

N LA

NG

UA

GES

& A

PPLIED

LING

UIS

TICS

This Structured PhD is a structured blend of graduate education in

theory and methods, and supervised research. The taught elements

of the programme draw on modules offered to postgraduate stu-

dents in the School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics in

combinations designed to deliver both a broader graduate educa-

tion for research students, and a more specific focus for individual

students. This combination of modules is supplemented, as appropri-

ate, by external research methodology training and the develop-

ment of generic skills. The course aims to:

enable students to locate their research in the wider context of

applied language studies by providing a taught component in

relevant areas;

enable students to develop skills with which to meet changing

demands for applied languages research by providing a

taught component including generic skills courses;

enable students to teach and develop their research to inter-

national standards by providing specialist disciplinary educa-

tion for its graduates;

develop students’ skills as autonomous researchers, able to

evaluate different research problems, select and apply ap-

propriate research tools and methods to address these prob-

lems, and gather and evaluate appropriate evidence for the

resolution of research questions;

facilitate student research that will contribute to the redefini-

tion of existing knowledge in Applied Language Studies.


CONTACT Dr Liam Murray

Phone +353 (0)61 202742/ 202321



ABOUT

n the Department of Politics and

Public Administration, research-

ers embrace a diverse range of

fields both empirically and

methodologically. Researchers

in the Department have a strong combi-

nation of nationally and internationally

renowned specialists in post-Soviet poli-

tics, South African politics, international

political economy, contemporary Euro-

pean and EU politics, Irish politics and

public policy, international relations the-

ory, critical theory, public administration

and local government and security stud-

ies. The department retains a strong na-

tional and international focus in political

studies and accommodates the Centre

for Peace and Development, which has

a focus on peacekeeping and foreign

aid. In its postgraduate research, the

department emphasises methodological

training in comparative politics, qualita-

tive research and quantitative analysis.

1 year Full-time

PO

LITICS &

PU

BLIC

AD

MIN

ISTR

ATIO

N


ABOUT

The MA in Politics provides students with a solid disciplinary foun-

dation for the study of contemporary political issues and systems.

The programme is a one year, full-time programme that enables

students to choose the areas they wish to specialise in within the

field of politics. The only core modules that the MA in Politics stu-

dents will be required to complete will be the research methods

ones that are common to all postgraduate taught degrees. The

programme will thus be genuinely flexible; the students can choose

any of the modules offered either as cores for the other pro-

grammes, i.e. graduate seminars, or electives.

The programme equips students with substantive knowledge about

a variety of political phenomena, competence in the use of scien-

tific research methods as well as analytical and transferable skills.

This is the widest ranging of our Politics programmes and, as a re-

sult, it prepares students for a variety of professions. It is also an

excellent springboard for further research, potentially towards a

doctoral degree or public policy research. Most importantly, the

MA in Politics emphasises skills that the majority of employers seek,

such as analytical and critical thinking, writing and presentation

skills as well as a good work ethic. In the past, our graduates have

pursued careers in a variety of fields, such as business, public ad-

ministration, journalism and civil society organisations.

CONTACT Dr Adina Preda

Phone +353 (0)61 202630 / 202633



Video http://youtu.be/mRjgvaHAjSk

Videos available at these links:

1 year

Full-time

PO

LITICS &

PU

BLIC

AD

MIN

ISTR

ATIO

N

The MA in European Politics and Governance is a one-year full-time

programme designed to provide students with an advanced under-

standing of how European societies are governed through the com-

plex interaction between public and private actors at different lev-

els of government. The ability of national governments to determine

domestic policy outcomes is increasingly limited by interdependen-

cies with local and European levels of government. Furthermore, the

distinction between governmental and non-governmental organisa-

tions is increasingly blurred when the formulation and implementa-

tion of policies relies heavily on the cooperation of private actors.

Taking a multi-level and governance perspective, the programme

offers a distinctive approach to the study of politics and policy-

making in Europe.

The programme aims to equip students with the substantive

knowledge and analytical and transferable skills necessary to pur-

sue a successful career in civil society and other non-governmental

organisations, think tanks, interest groups, media organisations, lo-

cal, national, and European administrations. The programme also

provides the foundations for further doctoral research in the areas

of Irish Politics, Comparative Public Administration, and European

Union Politics.

“The MA in European Politics

and Governance developed my

knowledge and understanding

of the key issues of politics and

modern governance. I enjoyed

the use of problem based

learning to increase students’

analytical and research skills

through active learning on EU

decision-making and issues of

local governance. The

knowledge and skills gained

during the MA provides an ex-

cellent foundation for further

postgraduate study and the

dissertation is a great oppor-

tunity to identify a research

topic for a PhD thesis.”


CONTACT Dr Frank Häge

Phone +353 (0)61 234897/ 202633



Cian Finn

MA in European Politics

and Governance

ABOUT

PO

LITICS &

PU

BLIC

AD

MIN

ISTR

ATIO

N

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time


ABOUT

This MA programme can be pursued full-time over the course of

one year or part-time over a two-year period. Students pursu-

ing the MA in Peace and Development Studies benefit from

taught modules on politics, in peace and conflict studies and in

development studies, and can pursue their research in a support-

ive environment.

The course is well recognised and is relevant for employment in

positions within international affairs, peace operations, develop-

ment aid and related areas. An overall objective of the course is

to provide students with expertise in peacebuilding and devel-

opment issues so as to contribute effectively in these areas at a

professional level.

The course prepares students from diverse backgrounds for a

career in or further research on international affairs, conflict

management and resolution, peace operations, humanitarian

assistance, development aid and related areas.

CONTACT Dr Ingrid Samset

Phone +353 (0)61 233624/ 202633



Helen Basini

Project Coordinator, Responding

to HIV/AIDS in Africa: Connect-

ing Public Administration, Policy

and Communities, UL

“I found the MA was varied and

stimulating and it used many

practical examples and discus-

sions to complement the theoret-

ical elements. A highlight was

the field trip to Belfast which

helped explore peacebuilding

realities on the ground.”

1 year

Full-time

PO

LITICS &

PU

BLIC

AD

MIN

ISTR

ATIO

N

The MA in International Studies is a one year, full-time pro-

gramme which uses the disciplinary insights provided by interna-

tional relations theories to investigate and explain contemporary

international issues such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, global

inequality and child soldiers. Core modules are supplemented by

a wide range of departmental electives, allowing students devel-

op expertise in areas of their own interests.

The programme equips students with substantive knowledge about

a variety of international political phenomena, competence in the

use of social scientific research methods, as well as analytical and

transferable skills. Some graduates continue studying towards a

Ph.D. or towards professional qualifications in fields such as law

and commerce. Others may go on to pursue careers in journalism,

public administration, international organizations, non-

governmental organizations, think tanks, interest groups and busi-

ness.


CONTACT Dr Scott Fitzsimmons

Phone +353 (0)61 233603/ 202633



Aoife Leahy

Associate Conference Af-fairs Officer, Division of

Conference Services,

UNON, Ni Kenya

“The MA provided me with the

in depth knowledge that I need-

ed to embark on a career with

the United Nations. The modules

completed through my MA were

both relevant and interesting

and provided a solid base to

establish myself as an interna-

tional civil servant”

ABOUT

Michael Toomey

PhD Research and Teaching Associate Rutgers University,

New Jersey, US

“The lecturers in the programme

demand high standards from

their students: to achieve an A

truly means you have per-

formed A-grade work. These

high standards inspire & moti-

vate students to think about

problems in a complex & ana-

lytical manner, and helps to

prepare them for the rigors of

doctoral & post-doctoral study.”

1 year Full-time

PO

LITICS &

PU

BLIC

AD

MIN

ISTR

ATIO

N


ABOUT

The new MA programme in Ethics and Internation-

al Affairs is a one-year, full-time programme

that offers specialised graduate training in polit-

ical theory with a focus on the global dimension.

Many of today's real-world challenges, such as cli-

mate change, poverty, inequality, transitional exploitation, are no

longer confined to the boundaries of nation-states and raise dis-

tinct moral concerns. The programme equips students with the ana-

lytical tools for understanding and addressing the ethical dimen-

sions of these issues.

The core modules give students a solid foundation in contemporary

political theory, especially theories of justice, both domestic and

global. The students have a wide range of optional modules to

choose from, including further political theory modules as well as

modules in the area of development, international relations or in-

ternational political economy, allowing them to pursue specific in-

terests.

This unique MA programme prepares students for a wide range of

careers, including an academic career. The study of political theo-

ry offers genuinely transferable skills, such as analytical and criti-

cal reasoning and writing skills. Students can also tailor the degree

to suit their preferred career path, be it in governmental or non-

governmental organisations, think tanks, media or academia.

CONTACT Dr Adina Preda

Phone +353 (0)61 202630 / 202633



NEW!


4 years

Full-time

PO

LITICS &

PU

BLIC

AD

MIN

ISTR

ATIO

N

The Structured PhD in Politics is a four year, full-time programme

designed to provide students with the training they need to be-

come professional political scientists. It combines advanced train-

ing in the methods of political science research with specialised

training in at least one disciplinary subfield and the completion of

an original thesis.

The taught component of the programme is largely concentrated

in the first year of study. Requirements include core modules in

Research Methods, Comparative Politics and Contemporary Politi-

cal Theory, as well as specialised modules tailored to your disci-

plinary interests and needs as a developing researcher. Students

may exit the programme after the taught component with a

Graduate Diploma in Politics or (after completing a dissertation)

with a Masters in Politics.

Following the taught component, students will complete a substan-

tial and original piece of research, under the supervision of one or

more faculty members. The Department of Politics and Public Ad-

ministration is particularly eager to welcome students who wish to

conduct research in areas in which the Department has research

strengths, such as: Comparative Politics; International Relations;

European Politics; Peace and Development Studies; Public Policy

and Administration; Irish Politics; and Political Theory.


CONTACT Dr Maura Adshead

Phone +353 (0)61 223429/ 202633



ABOUT

“Good reasons to study in UL

are to do with the availability

of resources, the support ser-

vices, the research cluster team,

the University environment, rec-

reational, and sporting facilities

and more importantly the vi-

brant campus community. The

diversity of cultures makes UL a

splendid college to study.”

Mark Mantey

he Department of Soci-

ology has long been

committed to a critical

engagement around

what broadly constitutes

the basis of our social membership,

whether gendered, classed or linked to

core issues of health, the media, migra-

tion, education or globalisation. The de-

partment has a strong commitment to

and expertise in quantitative and quali-

tative research methods.

Gender ARC—the Advanced Research

Consortium on Gender, a joint initiative

with NUI Galway, is based in the De-

partment of Sociology, but works closely

with a range of disciplines.

Studying Sociology will not only give

you specific skills in terms of being able

to do good research, it also offers you

the space to become more analytical

and critical of the institutions which

shape all our lives. Sociology offers a

unique opportunity to understand the

complexity of modern life. In career

terms graduates of Sociology are well

placed to work in any job requiring da-

ta collection and analysis such as the

fields of research, education, journalism,

and community organisations.


SO

CIO

LOG

Y


“Doing the MA in Gender, Cul-

ture & Society was a truly in-

spiring process. The diverse

range of modules on offer

meant that I had an opportunity

to find the path that most suited

my interests. Participating in this

course has changed the way I

think and engage in the world

around me and it has given me

invaluable knowledge, skills

and confidence.”

Aoife Neary

Gender, Culture & Society

ABOUT

This programme facilitates students in gaining an in-depth

knowledge of how gender relations have operated in the past

and the present, and the ways in which the categories ‘women’

and ‘men’ are differentiated. For example, via notions of mascu-

linity and femininity representations of women’s lives and experi-

ences in the areas of literature, media and organisations feminist

research and theory gender, inequalities and multiculturalisms.

The aims of this interdisciplinary programme are:

To provide students with an advanced understanding of

gender as a social and cultural construct.

To facilitate a deepening of knowledge regarding current

historical, cultural, sociological, and/or political approaches

to the study of gender.

To enable students to critically evaluate theoretical ap-

proaches to gender and sexuality.

To support and facilitate independent self-directed learning.

To hone students’ intellectual and generic skills in prepara-

tion for further academic/and or professional work.

To work with students towards developing clear plans for

career development and employment.

CONTACT Dr Breda Gray

Phone +353 (0)61 234207 / 202445



1 year full-ti

me

or 2 years part-time

SO

CIO

LOG

Y

The MA in Sociology (Applied Social Research) is a postgraduate

degree programme offered as a one-year full-time course or a two-

year part-time course. The course focus is on sociological research

methods, and the intention is to produce graduates skilled in a varie-

ty of up-to-date research methodologies, ready to embark on re-

search careers in the private, public, voluntary or academic spheres.

Modules on qualitative and quantitative methods form the core of

the course, along with modules on substantive issues of contemporary

relevance. Computer-aided analysis of qualitative data, and statisti-

cal analysis of large-scale survey datasets will be central to the re-

spective modules. Faculty have extensive research experience in a

variety of areas, including the media, social exclusion, stratification

and inequality, the restructuring of work, feminist methodologies,

community development, education, marriage and divorce, the soci-

ology of health and illness, etc.

A research dissertation is a key element of the course, providing an

opportunity for students to exercise and deepen their research skills.

The course is designed for those seeking careers in social research in

government agencies, voluntary-sector organisations, private enter-

prises and academia.


CONTACT Mary O'Donoghue

Phone +353 (0)61 202317 / 202445



ABOUT


SO

CIO

LOG

Y


ABOUT

This Masters programme was offered for the first time in 2011. It

aims to equip students with the skills necessary to engage with

contemporary theoretical, policy and practice-related issues relat-

ing to work and study with young people in the national and inter-

national context of community regeneration. The course offers a

critical forum where the complexities of social regeneration can be

addressed. It builds upon existing research and teaching strengths

at undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the Department

of Sociology, namely inequality and social exclusion; the welfare

state; social change; youth and community, social regeneration

and sociological research methods. The programme aims to:

provide students with a conceptual and operational under-

standing of key issues, objectives and processes pertaining

to the social aspect of Regeneration;

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;

provide students with the transferable skills necessary to

conduct high-quality social research in community settings;

facilitate learning and personal educational development

by offering a range of teaching and assessment approach-

es, together with excellent research supervision;

assist students in designing, conducting and writing up high-

quality research which will be of benefit to themselves and

the wider community.

CONTACT Dr Martin Power

Phone +353 (0)61 234968 / 202445



“Throughout my years at the University of Limerick, I am proud to say that I

have been deeply involved in the success story of the university. For instance,

through my involvement, assistance and coordination, UL has developed a robust

programme of cooperation and exchange with Ghana, permitting over eighty UL

students to gain invaluable experience in third world development. “

Dr Mark Mantey

BA in Public Administration, MA in Public Administration, and Doctoral Student

UL has been voted by international students

throughout seven Irish universities as number one for

providing the best student experience and support

as well as the warmest welcome. UL ranks in the top

five universities internationally across the four sur-

veyed categories of ‘Living’, ‘Support’, ‘Arrival’ and

‘Learning’. The International Student Barometer™

survey was undertaken by independent research

group i-Graduate and involved 238 institutions

worldwide, including the seven Irish universities.

You can find lots of helpful information at this web-

site: www.ul.ie/international.

The following website has information for

international students on English requirements, Study

Visas, accommodation, immigration, working in Ire-

land, re-entry visas, medical insurance and arriving

in UL:

www.ul.ie/graduateschool/information-international

-research

http://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/information-international-research

http://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/information-international-research

All applicants apply through the online application system available at www.ul.ie/graduateschool.

Non-EU students may wish to contact the International Education Division first before completing an online

application.

International Office:

Tel: +353 61 202414 | email: [email protected] | web: www.ul.ie/international

What to include (upload) with your application

Certified results for all examinations mentioned on your application form and/or confirmation of

the award of your qualification(s).

Evidence of English language proficiency.

Certified translations of your award and transcripts if they are not in English

A copy of your birth certificate or passport

Please note that certain programmes request additional documentation such as personal statements and/

or references. Please check the programme entry requirements to ensure you have included the required

information.

An Application Fee of €35 (electronically) or €40 Bank Draft/Cheque applies to all taught postgraduate

programmes.

Once complete, your application will then be passed to the Course Director who will decide whether or

not to offer you a place. Some programmes require interviews and you will be notified of the date, time

and venue.

Information on fees can be found at www.ul.ie/finance/fees.php.

To find out about scholarships and fee waivers awarded by the Faculty, please visit:

www.ul.ie/artsoc/fee-waivers-and-scholarships

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences University of Limerick Tel: +353 61 202286 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ul.ie/artsoc Facebook: facebook.com/ahssUL Twitter: twitter.com/ahssUL

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