Community Research MA
Limerick, Ireland
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
The MA Community Research Plus+ program 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 program comprises a common ‘engaged research and practice’ core augmented by disciplinary specific academic training and research.
Current MA options include: MA Community Research + Journalism, Department of English, Irish and Communication; MA Community Research + Development, Department of Politics and Public Administration.
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.
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.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
Curriculum
MA in Community Research + Journalism
Autumn Semester (Compulsory)
- Journalistic Writing for News
- Professional Skills for Journalism (produce website & print newspaper the Limerick Voice)
- Engaged Research Design
Spring Semester (Select two)
- Investigating current Issues in Irish Journalism
- Broadcasting & Multi-Media Journalism
- News & Features
- Researching Media
- Engaged Research Delivery
Summer Semester
- Large-scale student led piece of work; e.g. dissertation, portfolio of work
- Engaged Research Evaluation
MA in Community Research + Development
Autumn Semester (Compulsory)
- Graduate Seminar in Development
- Institutions & Politics of the EU Or
- Public Administration Theory & Practice
- Engaged Research Design
Spring Semester (Select two)
- Graduate Seminar in Peach Building
- Graduate Seminar in International Cooperation & Conflict
- Collaborative Governance & Leadership
- Engaged Research Delivery
Summer Semester
- Large-scale student led piece of work e.g. dissertation, portfolio of work
- Engaged Research Evaluation
Program Outcome
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.
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
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
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.