MA (Community Development)

College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies

Course overview

The aim of this programme is to impart specialist knowledge of the practical, organisational, managerial, and developmental skills that you need in order to practice effective community work; and to increase your analytical and evaluative understandings of the various contexts within which community development practice takes place.  The overall objective is to educate and train you to become an effective development worker, who, with a professional approach, can make a direct and valuable contribution to affecting change at community level.

Key facts

Entry requirements

At least a Second Class Honours Grade 2 degree in a social science or related discipline or equivalent. Development work experience is not a requirement for entry into the Programme, although accumulated work experience will be taken into account.

Additional requirements

Garda Vetting/Police Clearance is required for this programme.

Duration: 2 years, full-time

Next start date: September 2013

ECTS weighting: 120

Average intake: 14

Closing date: 22nd March 2013 (extended until 10th May 2013)

Mode of study: Taught

Course outline

The programme combines taught modules, practical work placement experience, and a minor dissertation. Students are provided in-depth understanding of the working principles, practices, contexts and methods that exist within the professional community work field. Modules included on the programme are Community Development Theory and Practice; Social Policy; Understanding Communities; Gender, Development and Human Rights; Sustainable Development in Ireland; Local Government.

Applications and selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

Who teaches this course?

  • Chris Curtin, MA (Galway), PhD (Hull)
  • Anne Byrne, MA (Galway), PhD (Limerick)
  • Michelle Millar, MA (Limerick), PhD (Limerick)
  • Liam Coen, MA (Limerick)
  • Ciara Bradley MA (Galway)
  • Brian McGrath, MA (Galway), PhD (Aberdeen)

Requirements and assessment

Participants will be assessed throughout the programme by a combination of project assignments, case study reports, seminar presentations, thesis research, and written examinations.

Find out more

Dr Brian McGrath
School of Politicial Science & Sociology
T +353 91 493 405 
E brian.mcgrath@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/soc

PAC code

GYA01

Fees for this course

EU (Total): €4,745
 - Student levy: €224
Non-EU (Total): €13,250

Fees for courses

Download taught and research

Postgrad prospectus cover 
NUI Galway Postgraduate Taught Prospectus

Research prospectus cover

NUI Galway Postgraduate Research Prospectus 

 

Graduate profile

Sinead Collopy

Community Development Officer, HSE

"Since graduating from the MA Community Development in NUI Galway, I have spent the past six years putting into action the skills I learned on the course. Working in the area of community health and social care for the HSE, I connect with a variety of communities ( youth, elderly, immigrant ) on a daily basis in order to assess their diverse and complex set of needs and put in place innovative initiatives in order to meet those needs. It is a challenging yet extremely rewarding role in which the M.A Community Development course has been an essential foundation on which to build my career.”