MA in Sociology, (Youth, Community & Social Regeneration) (ft/pt)
Introduction
This is a new programme being 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 relating to work and study with young people in the national and international 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 also offers the possibility of taking elective modules at NUIG and at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick (MIC).
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
Programme Content
Students are required to take four core modules and two elective modules in a combination of lectures and seminar discussion. Students will take a module on dissertation proposal writing in Autumn Semester and a module involving practitioner led seminars in Spring Semester. 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.
Students not proceeding to the dissertation may exit the programme with a Graduate Diploma upon successful completion of all coursework and assessments at this juncture. All elective modules may not be offered if student numbers are too small or irresolvable timetable clashes arise.
Semester 1
The Sociology of Youth & Community
Qualitative Research Methods 1 or Quantitative Research Methods 1
Workshop on dissertation proposal writing
Plus one of the following modules:
Researching Social Exclusion
Governance & Government
Community Development Theory** (NUI Galway)
** A limited number of places are available on this module.
Semester 2
The Sociology of Regeneration: Theory, Policy, and Practice
Qualitative Research Methods 2 or Quantitative Research Methods 2
Critical Perspectives on the Sociology of Youth, Community and Social Regeneration
Plus one of the following modules
Researching Social Change
Urbanisation, Urban Geography and Planning*(Delivered on MIC Campus)
Understanding Communities** (NUI Galway)
** A limited number of places are available on this module.
Summer Semester
Dissertation
Careers
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.
Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must normally hold a primary degree in a relevant discipline with First or Second Class Honours 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.
Application Fee:
An application fee will apply from January 2011 to all postgraduate programmes. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the application fee.
Tuition Fee
The University recognises that many students are experiencing serious financial constraints in the present economic climate. Accordingly the Fees Office will endeavour to accommodate, where possible, the payment of fees via an agreed instalment payment plan. For further details please contact the Fees Office at feesoffice@ul.ie. Click here for details on the fee schedule.
What to include 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)
Contact:
Informal inquiries may be made to:
Dr Martin Power (Acting Course Director)
Department of Sociology
Tel: +353 (61) 234721
Email: martin.j.power@ul.ie
OR
Dr Cliona Barnes (Acting Course Director)
Department of Sociology
Tel: +353 (61) 213151
Email: Cliona.Barnes@ul.ie
