The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

The 2012 Guide to

POSTGRADUATE STUDY

Everything you need to study at 4th level in 2012

Full and part-time study • Funding • Research Options • Study Abroad • Application Process • Online Options

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ARTS & PSYCHOTHERAPY

• H.Dip Psychotherapy Studies (Level 8) • MA Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (Level 9)

BUSINESS

• MSc Accounting with Finance (Level 9) • Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing in partnership with Digital Marketing Institute

LAW

• MA Dispute Resolution (Level 9) • Postgraduate Certificate Comparative Media Law (Level 8) • Postgraduate Diploma Comparative Media Law (Level 8) • LL.M Comparative Media Law (Level 9)

MEDIA & JOURNALISM • MA Journalism (Level 9)

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N e ir qu En . ts an ic pl Ap e m m ra og Pr e re Scholarships available for ALL Deg

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Telephone: (01) 635 1184 Email: admissions@independentcolleges.ie

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What’s the secret to furthering your education?

Is it focused intimate classes? Maybe it’s award winning faculties? Or is it exceptional lecturers? Discover the secret to your post graduate education.

STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS gcd.ie/postgrad Business • Computing • Design • Drama Journalism • Law • Music • Short courses

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Welcome to The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study Embarking on a course at postgraduate level is an extremely worthwhile undertaking, especially in the current economic climate. In an employment environment where very few people enjoy absolute job security, the evidence suggests that there has never been a better time to enrol on a postgraduate programme.

Leaving aside one’s employability, postgraduate study can add to one’s intellectual development and provides the ideal opportunity to increase your knowledge and expertise in a subject that you are passionate about.

It therefore, gives me great pleasure to introduce the latest annual edition of The Guide to Postgraduate Study. A postgraduate course is a significant commitment. Inside this volume you will find all the relevant information you require for making a well-informed decision that best suits your unique needs and requirements.

Important topics covered include; Funding, Distance Learning and the distinctions between Taught and Research Options. Subject areas ranging from Arts and Humanities to Business, Law and Education are explored in our Study and Research Options section. Our aim is to assist you in making your postgraduate course choice as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Used in conjunction with www.postgrad.ie, the largest online database of courses in Ireland, The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study is sure to prove a highly useful tool in your quest for a fourth level course.

Wishing you every success with your studies.

KEVIN BRANIGAN Publisher: Kevin Branigan Sales Representatives: Andrew D’Arcy, Vicky Kelly Design & Layout: Vortex Creative Ltd. www.v-creative.co.uk Editorial: Vicky Kelly Production Co-ordinator: Lydia Nicholson Managing Director: Kevin Branigan Sales Manager: Beth Rees Credit Controller: Michelle Brown Published under licence by Digital Publishing Innovations Ltd. T/A Learning Ireland. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, without the written permission of Learning Ireland. All prices and information correct at time of going to press.

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4

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate Opportunities at AIT Athlone Institute of Technology offers a range of postgraduate programmes through the Schools of Business, Humanities, Engineering and Science.

• • • • •

Master of Business • MSc in Software Engineering MA in Accounting • MSc in Applied Polymer Executive MBA Technology MA in Child and Youth Care • MSc in Environmental, MA in Advanced Social Care Health and Safety Practice Management

For further information visit www.ait.ie or contact: Admissions Office • E: admissions@ait.ie • T: 090 646 8130 AIT also has a wide variety of postgraduate research opportunities.

For further information contact: Postgraduate Research Coordinator Email mduffy@ait.ie • Phone 090 647 1807

Guide to Postgraduate Study 2011/12.indd 1 31 Dec 2012

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Postgraduate Study at the IPA

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The Whitaker School of Government and Management at the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) offers a wide range of part-time postgraduate programmes through blended learning.

Accredited by UCD, these programmes can be taken from anywhere in Ireland and generally sit between levels 9 and 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Postgraduate Programmes Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management Professional Certificate in Governance MA

Healthcare Management

HRM

Leadership and Strategy

Local Government Management

Public Management

Criminal Justice

MSc in Business and Management

Financial Management

Doctorate in Governance Phone

(01) 240 3600

Email

postgrad@ipa.ie

Web

www.ipa.ie

contents

Contents Kevin’s Introduction

4

History

39

Social Work & Counselling

64

Contents

6

Languages

40

Psychotherapy

65

Sociology & Social Policy

41

Political Science

42

Creative Arts & Media

Theology & Religious Studies

43

Art & Design

67

Geography

44

Journalism

68

Film & Broadcasting

69

Performing Arts

70

Research Your Options The Value of a Postgraduate Qualification

8

Certification and Accreditation

10

Applying

12

Funding, Government Initiatives and Scholarships

14

Taught and Research Options

17

Student Accommodation

18

Part Time Programmes

18

Postgraduate Conversion Courses 19 Postgraduate Distance Learning

20

Postgraduate Study in the UK

21

Study Further Afield

24

Profiles University Profiles

28

Institute of Technology Profiles

29

Others College Profiles

31

Study & Research Options Arts & Humanities

6

English

37

Development Studies

38

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

Business & Law Accounting

45

Finance

46

Marketing

47

Law

48

The MBA

50

Computing & Information Technology

Education Education

71

Primary Teaching

72

Secondary Teaching

73

Special Educational Needs

74

Science & Engineering

Software Development & Engineering

53

Informatics

54

Computer Science

56

Games Development

57

Health & Medical Healthcare Management

59

Medical Science

60

Nursing

61

Medicine for Graduates

62

Psychology

63

Biostechnology

75

Engineering

76

Environmental Studies

77

Food Science

78

Pharmaceutical Studies

79

Physics

80

Resources/Contacts Education Resources

82

Contact Details

83

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Research Options The Value of a Postgraduate Qualification

8

Certification and Accreditation

10

Applying

12

Funding, Government Initiatives and Scholarships Taught and Research Options

Student Accommodation

18

Part Time Programmes

18

Postgraduate Conversion Courses 19 Postgraduate Distance Learning

20

14

Postgraduate Study in the UK

21

17

Study Further Afield

24

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

7

RESEARCH OPTIONS

The Value of a Postgraduate Qualification The value of a postgraduate qualification should not be underestimated, not only does it bestow a high level of academic achievement upon the student, it can also play a significant part in securing a much sought after job.

S

uccessful completion of a postgraduate qualification can play a key role in differentiating you from other candidates.

It also shows your interest and expertise in a certain area and demonstrates commitment and high academic achievement. Completion of a postgraduate qualification may also convey a sense of the many qualities that can be gained from such a course; from analytical to problem solving skills, deep knowledge of a particular subject, research skills and innovation.

Although postgraduate qualifications can be expensive there may be some financial comeback in the end as according to the Higher Education Authority people with postgraduate qualifications tend to have higher salaries. For example, secondary school teachers who hold MA qualifications have higher salaries compared to their counterparts. The employment market has yet to recover so staying in education for an

extra year or two can provide a practical solution to unemployment and a chance to increase your knowledge and skills.

According to the Higher Education Authority over 30,000 students take up places in postgraduate courses every year in HEA designated institutions. Postgraduate qualifications encompass level nine (National Qualifications Framework) diplomas and Masters Degrees and level ten doctoral degrees. A postgraduate diploma or Masters Degree usually takes between one and two years to complete full-time whist three or more years is usually the duration for a PhD. Some people may or may not decide to proceed directly onto postgraduate study from their undergraduate degree. Some may benefit by taking time out to work or travel in order to make their decision regarding what course of postgraduate study they would like to take. Others may decide it would be more beneficial to proceed directly onto postgraduate

study from primary degree. Some may even decide to go straight onto PhD level directly from their undergraduate course. Returning to postgraduate study mid-career is another option.

Worries about job security, desire to progress further in a chosen career field or a wish to change career direction completely are just some of the reasons why postgraduate study may seem an attractive prospect. Postgraduate study can be instrumental in facilitating career change. Many courses will require a related primary degree, however, in many instances this term may only be loosely applied. It may be possible to pursue a field of study in quite a different subject area, if interest and general academic ability can be proven. The decision is entirely a personal one and only the individual can decide if it’s the right one for them.

There are many important questions that need to be answered when considering embarking on postgraduate study; questions like the following

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Business Education & Health Sciences Science & Engineering

8

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

RESEARCH OPTIONS may arise. Why do you want to do further study?

What are you hoping to achieve? What would you like to do upon completion of your studies? Is the postgraduate course necessary, relevant or useful for the career area you would like to pursue?

Are you going to do the course full-time or parttime, taught or research? What are the entry requirements? Do you need work experience?

What are the application deadlines? How will you fund your course? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered and arming yourself with as much information as possible and researching the many options available will ensure you can answer such questions adequately.

A considerable number of professions require a postgraduate qualification including; teacher, solicitor, barrister, doctor, psychotherapist, university lecturer or architect to name but a few.

Many business management roles also require postgraduate qualifications and important contacts may be made through undertaking an MBA, for example. These contacts may prove to be helpful or beneficial when working in the business world. The important first step is to ascertain whether a postgraduate qualification is necessary for what you would like to do. Some people may wish to proceed to postgraduate level for personal reasons and may not have a career specific agenda in mind. They may feel it is personally enriching and rewarding and wish to enhance their knowledge in a particular area.

Whilst others may not feel quite ready for the job market and believe that they will yield further attributes by continuing in education and utilising the time to mature. Whilst others may find the experience of learning, studying or researching quite enjoyable and rewarding and believe they will benefit by deepening their knowledge of a particular subject area.

Many postgraduate courses and certainly doctorates usually involve completion of a substantial piece of your own work, usually known as a thesis or dissertation. The value of completing such a piece conveys that you have good research skills, problem solving ability, are free thinking and also disciplined. If you have decided on your thesis topic before applying then finding the right supervisor is extremely important. So before applying make sure to contact staff in the institution you wish to do your study so you can be sure that there will be a suitably qualified supervisor available to assist

and guide you in your research.

Regardless of your reasoning behind undertaking postgraduate study, making the most of your time, establishing clear goals and objectives, seeking advice and guidance from your supervisor or lecturers and also working on your own initiative will give the best possible

ALL HALLOWS COLLEGE

chance for outstanding results and will enable you to get the most from your postgraduate course. The esteem with which high accolades such as Postgraduate Study are held in is without question and the value of successful completion of such a course of study will no doubt endure a very long time.

MA in Applied Christian Spirituality

MA in Ecology & Religion MA in Leadership & Pastoral Care MA in Management for Community and Voluntary Services MA in Social Justice & Public Policy MA in Supervisory Practice Research Masters and Doctoral Degrees

Postgraduate Office, All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland.

T: +353 1 852 0756 E: info@allhallows.ie www.allhallows.ie

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

9

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Certification and Accreditation There is a wide array of postgraduate qualifications available from Irish universities and other thirdlevel institutions. Postgraduate qualifications can be divided into different categories and levels. This section contains information on general entry requirements, typical course durations, the delivery approach and assessment for different kinds of qualifications. Prospective students should bear in mind that different approaches are possible, for instance, it is possible to progress directly from undergraduate study on to a PhD programme. It is also important to bear in mind the importance of accreditation. If the course is necessary for a profession or to gain entry into a specific career area it is of utmost importance to do your research. Check if the course is recognised by the governing body of the profession or if the qualification level is enough to gain entry to the desired career area.

National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) The NFQ was proposed through the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act. It is a system of ten levels and incorporates all qualifications. The NFQ provides a way to compare qualifications and to make sure that they are quality assured and recognised at home and abroad. This assists the prospective student in making informed decisions regarding qualification choices. The NFQ has been established since 2003 and ensures that learners have a quality assured learning experience and that the institution where study is undertaken is reviewed on a regular basis. Postgraduate qualifications tend to number the upper end of

Research ad.indd 1

10 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

the scale usually level nine or ten. Postgraduate diplomas and Masters programmes are generally level nine whilst PhD qualifications are usually level ten. For further information log onto www.nfq.ie.

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas Postgraduate certificates and diplomas usually last for one academic year. They cover subjects as varied as education, business and software, and can often act as conversion courses for those who have no prior knowledge of a subject matter.

A postgraduate certificate or diploma may pave the way for a complete change of study or career

direction and may also lead into the opportunity for further study in a given area. They also serve as the typical qualification for relatively short professional development courses in careers such as finance, nursing and teaching. Students may move onto a diploma course after completing their certificate programme or proceed directly to the diploma.

Entry - Primary degree or other undergraduate qualification. Some courses accept related work experience.

Duration - One year full-time or two years part-time.

Delivery - Mixture of taught classes and practical

05/11/2010 09:29:30

RESEARCH OPTIONS

and project work.

Assessment - Mixture of exams and continuous assessment such as essays and presentations.

For certain professional diplomas assessment may also involve observation, for instance, the Postgraduate Diploma in Education usually incorporates a student teacher placement in a school and involves class inspections by a supervisor. This will contribute to the overall grade the student will receive.

Progression - Students can often transfer onto a Masters course upon completion of their graduate certificate/diploma.

Taught Masters Degrees Taking a Masters degree involves studying an academic subject in depth. Students generally choose to take a Masters in an area related to their primary degree, although this is not always the case. There are a number of different awards at Masters level. The most common are Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Sciences (MSc). Other qualifications available include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), the Master of Laws (LLM), the Master of Engineering (ME) or Master of Education (MEd.).

Entry - Undergraduate degree or transfer from postgraduate certificate or diploma programme.

Duration - One or two years full-time or up to four years part-time.

Delivery - Lectures, seminars and tutorials throughout the year Assessment - Projects/papers during term-time, written (and in some cases oral) exams at certain times throughout the year, with a dissertation generally submitted at the end of the course.

Progression - Normally the end of the road for taught classes, but students who attain good honours results can continue their studies through research to MPhil or PhD programmes.

purely research.

Research Masters Degrees For a research Masters programme, the student does not attend any classes or sit any exams; everything is geared toward the submission of a research project at the end of the course. A programme of study is devised in association with the students’ professor or supervisor, who provides guidance and advice during regular meetings. Students generally choose to take a Masters in an area related to their primary degree, although not always. There are a number of different types of postgraduate award. The most common are Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Sciences (MSc), but other qualifications available include the Master of Literature (MLitt), the Master of Laws (LLM) and the Master of Engineering (ME).

Entry - Undergraduate degree.

Duration - One to three years.

Delivery - Generally all research, but in some cases students may be required to attend classes.

Assessment - Thesis submitted at the end of the course.

Progression - On completion of a research Masters, students who receive a good honours result can apply to transfer onto an MPhil or PhD programme.

Master of Philosophy The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a special type of programme that can last longer than other Masters programmes – generally for two years.

The MPhil is usually research-based, although some do include taught elements; it is pitched to a higher standard than MA or MSc awards. Students carry out supervised research in their chosen topic (which doesn’t have to be Philosophy) and produce a substantial thesis at the end of the course. MPhil students would typically intend to progress on to a Ph.D. Entry - Good undergraduate or Masters Degree.

Duration - Typically two years.

Delivery - Mixture of taught and research or

Assessment - Generally a research project, sometimes with an oral exam.

Progression - MPhil students are typically planning to progress on to a PhD.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) The PhD is the highest academic degree awarded.

Traditionally, it means that the candidate has reached a sufficient standard to be accepted into academia. The PhD is the most common type of doctorate, although there are others available – including the Doctor of Laws (LLD) and Doctor of Letters (DLitt). Most doctorates are completed by research and candidates are generally required to produce a substantial dissertation, which must make a definite contribution (however modest) to human knowledge. Many colleges require students to defend their work in front of a panel of experts, a process known as ‘viva voce’. The ‘structured PhD’ is an increasingly popular format, whereby research is augmented by taught components and generic skills such as communication, personal effectiveness, career development and writing.

Entry - Most PhD students will possess a good Masters degree. Progression from MPhil and research Masters programmes is common. Less usual, but not unheard of, is the progression of students moving straight from a Bachelors degree onto a PhD. Duration - Depends on the topic chosen and the motivation of the student, but three to four years full-time or five to six years part-time is a typical duration.

Delivery - Research.

Assessment - Thesis and sometimes an oral exam.

Progression - Postdoctoral research.

Important to note: These guidelines are indicative only. Course characteristics can vary from discipline to discipline and from institution to institution.

The only way to be sure is to contact the individual school hosting the course.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 11

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Applying Entry into many postgraduate courses can be highly competitive so researching your options, applying in advance of the closing date for applications and submitting all relevant application material on time will assist you in securing a place on the course of your choice.

Paper Application Forms

University College Cork

Application for most postgraduate courses in Ireland is via the college’s standard official application form. A few specialised courses use their own individual forms. All forms are available from either the Postgraduate Admissions Office, or the particular school or faculty office. You might also be able to download a ‘PDF format’ application form from the college website.

Dublin City University

The forms are generally fairly standard, with space for your name, address, other personal information, and your academic achievements.

You may also be asked for information on any professional qualifications, employment experience and scholarships that you have received. It is standard procedure to send the completed form along with all other necessary material by post to the college’s postgraduate admissions office.

Online Applications Six institutions require applicants to use the PAC (Postgraduate Applications Centre) system, which can be accessed at www.pac.ie. They are:

NUI Maynooth NUI Galway Trinity College Dublin Waterford Institute of Technology Some courses in these institutions are not applied for through the PAC system; so make sure to check the application status of your course with the Postgraduate Admissions Office. Applicants can apply for a number of courses (three to five typically).

Beside standard postgraduate applications to the six listed institutions, applications for the two courses below are also carried out online through the PAC system: Postgraduate Diploma in Education (UCC, UCD, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth) Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nursing (NUI Galway, UCC, UCD, St Angela’s College, HSE)

The PAC’s online forms have fields for all the same information as their traditional printed equivalent.

Some courses and most research programmes will have extra forms that have to be printed out and filled in.

You receive your own PAC application number and can then follow your application online.

Candidates receive emails from the PAC as their application progresses, including, hopefully, one offering you a place on the course that you want.

You can apply to each institution separately, so you can get offers from all six, and then decide.

Postgraduate Applications Centre 1 Courthouse Square Galway Ireland Tel: 091 549260 Fax: 091 563056 http://www.pac.ie

Academic Entry Requirements All students on a postgraduate course have to

Reach your full potential Taught & Research-based Postgraduate Opportunities Every year a growing number of graduates choose Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) as their preferred destination for postgraduate education.

Art & Media

CIT boasts state of the art buildings and laboratories with world-class facilities that enable postgraduate students to reach their full potential.

Computing

Whether pursuing a research or taught Masters or PhD you can expect to work on solving complex problems in cutting edge research and innovation across any of the following disciplines: For more information on any of these disciplines or to discuss further postgraduate opportunities in CIT, please don’t hesitate in contacting us. We would be happy to hear from you.

Tel: 021 433 5099 Email: graduate.school@cit.ie Web: www.cit.ie/graduateschool

12 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

Business

Education Engineering Humanities Maritime Music Science

RESEARCH OPTIONS prove they have reached the necessary standard before being accepted. This proof generally means you have been awarded at least a 2.2 honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, while some courses may require a 2.1 or higher result.

For some courses relevant work experience is a useful attribute, while for other courses (e.g. the MBA) it is a strict requirement. PhD and other research programmes usually require a certain level of research experience for entry.

Statement of Interest Most colleges want to know more about candidates, including their motivation for wanting to do the course and their personal experience.

The Statement of Interest can be the most important part of an application, and should be taken seriously. You should aim to communicate your enthusiasm for the course, why you feel that you are particularly suited for the course and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Many people think of a statement of interest as similar to the cover letter submitted with a CV when applying for a job. If you have relevant professional and extra-curricular experience, mention it here to distinguish yourself from other applicants who might have similar academic achievements. Link your proposed studies with professional and/or personal goals. Include anything about yourself or your achievements that you feel is relevant and may help in securing an offer of a place on the course.

Other Application Material Candidates may also have to submit official transcripts showing the subjects they studied and the results they achieved. Most institutions do not accept photocopies; official duplicate transcripts can be obtained from the institution where you completed your primary degree, however, this may take time to arrange so do so well in advance of the application deadline.

All postgraduate course applications require that you submit academic references. Think carefully about who to approach and try to ask somebody with whom you have built up a good relationship and whom you think you can rely on to remember specific details about your achievements.

A number of programmes request a curriculum vitae and a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.

Applicants for places on research postgraduate courses generally have to submit a research proposal – discuss this in detail with your tutor or lecturer, as they will offer key advice. It may also be advisable to contact university staff before applying to ensure there will be a suitably qualified supervisor on the staff who will be able to supervise your research. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to submit evidence of their competency, e.g. TOEFL or IELTS results.

Application Fee All postgraduate courses charge an application fee, which ranges from about €30 to €50, and is non-refundable. A fee of €45 applies to PAC applications (except for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education which charges €80 for a standard application).

Closing Dates Closing dates for applications vary for different courses, even within the same institution. Some courses have a rolling system where they accept some applicants during the year and then hold a number of places over until final results are announced during the summer. Research postgraduate programmes tend to be more flexible, with students applying and starting some programmes throughout the year. Contact the college in question for details regarding your course.

Interviews Some postgraduate programmes (more specialised courses with a smaller intake in particular) hold interviews as part of the selection process; these tend to be similar in style to a job interview. You will usually have to answer questions about the specific field of study, your career plans and your academic and professional experience.

Similarly to a job interview, it is important to convey enthusiasm for the work at hand by exhibiting a keen interest in the topic, asking appropriate questions and doing your preparatory research beforehand (i.e. what are the research interests of the interviewers? What kind of questions might they ask you? Can you stand over the results of a research assignment you may have carried out as part of your degree?). Interviewees should also show their ability to work and communicate effectively with others, particularly if seeking to join an established research team.

Applying to a university in Ireland Applications for taught postgraduate courses at Irish universities typically require the following: Application Form Application Fee Curriculum Vitae Transcript of Academic Results Statement of Interest Copy of Birth Certificate Academic References Evidence of English Competency

TAUGHT TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES PROGRAMMES

M.B.S M.B.S in Software in Software Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship - M.B.A. - M.B.A. - M.B.S. - M.B.S. in Entrepreneurship in Entrepreneurship andand Marketing Marketing - M.A - M.A in Accounting in Accounting - Higher - Higher Diploma in Business in Small Enterprise Support - M.A in Cultural Innovation forfor thethe Arts - M.A in Learning andand Teaching - Diploma in Business in Small Enterprise Support - M.A in Cultural Innovation Arts - M.A in Learning Teaching M.A in T.E.S.O.L. (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) - M.Sc. in Computing - M.Sc./Doctorate in Software M.A in T.E.S.O.L. (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) - M.Sc. in Computing - M.Sc./Doctorate in Software For For fullfull details details Contact: Contact: Development - M.Sc. in Future Communications in Creative Technology - Higher Diploma in Science in Computing - Development - M.Sc. in Future Communications in Creative Technology - Higher Diploma in Science in Computing Admissions Office Admissions Office M.A/M.Sc. in Music Technology - M.A/Doctorate in Music - M.A/Postgraduate Diploma in Traditional Music Studies - M.Sc. M.A/M.Sc. in Music Technology - M.A/Doctorate in Music - M.A/Postgraduate Diploma in Traditional Music Studies - M.Sc. Dundalk Institute Technology Dundalk Institute of of Technology in Health Studies (Ageing) - M.Sc. in Renewable Energy Systems in Health Studies (Ageing) - M.Sc. in Renewable Energy Systems

RESEARCH RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES

Dublin Road Dublin Road Dundalk Dundalk Louth Co.Co. Louth

Smooth Smooth Muscle Muscle Research Research - Community - Community andand Social Social Innovation Innovation - Music - Music Technology Technology –Music –Music - Renewable - Renewable Energy Energy - Freshwater - Freshwater Studies - Software Technology – Entrepreneurship - Affective Solutions forfor Ambient Living Awareness – Electrochemistry - - t: t: Studies - Software Technology – Entrepreneurship - Affective Solutions Ambient Living Awareness – Electrochemistry +353 (0)42 937 0200 +353 (0)42 937 0200 Organic Resources - Creative Media Organic Resources - Creative Media +353 (0)42 933 0201 f: f: +353 (0)42 933 0201

e: e: admissions@dkit.ie admissions@dkit.ie

Living.

Living.Learning.

Learning.Growing.

Growing. BeBepart partofofit!it!

www.dkit.ie www.dkit.ie The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 13

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Funding, Government Initiatives and Scholarships Financing postgraduate study is perhaps one of the biggest obstacles prospective students face when considering undertaking a postgraduate course. There are many options available, such as, scholarships, government initiatives, grants, loans and part-time jobs. When one is considering postgraduate study, awareness and knowledge of the various scholarships and government initiatives available is a must. A combination of a few of these may be necessary for some students to undertake their chosen course. The point to remember is help is at hand and applying for as many of the above as early as possible greatly increases the likelihood that you will be successful in your quest for financial help. The offer of a scholarship or eligibility for one of the government initiatives can make life a lot easier in many ways. The financial burden is eased and also there is the prestige and recognition of high academic achievement involved if one is offered a place on a coveted scholarship.

Tuition Fees Consideration of how much a postgraduate course will cost is extremely important as tuition fees vary greatly across the board. Depending on what your discipline is, where you are doing the course and the duration will all affect the cost of a course. Generally speaking it would be worthwhile to enquire what the previous year’s tuition fees were, however, fees can change from year to year so this may only provide an approximate figure.

One can expect to pay in the region of between €4,000 up to €10,000 for a university Masters – usually business courses tend to be the upper end of the scale whilst an MBA may set you back anything up to approximately €29,000.

Income Throughout your course you are going to need income. Deciding on how you are going to obtain this is of utmost importance as there will be many expenses involved. There are several options available, from grants to scholarships, part-time jobs to student loans and tax relief to sponsorship by a current or future employer. With regard to part-time work it may be worthwhile enquiring whether your university or college are seeking tutors for undergraduate students. This can be an ideal way to receive wages and gain valuable experience especially if you would like to enter the field of academia or teaching. Similarly, if undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma in Education for teaching, many schools where the mandatory unpaid teaching practice is carried out may offer paid supervision classes to the student teacher. Others may be lucky enough to be sponsored by their current or future employer.

Usually this would occur if the course will enhance

If you have been working and paying income tax you may be eligible for tax relief on full or parttime tuition fees, log onto www.revenue.ie for further information.

Usually taking out a student loan is the last port of call for many, however, if no alternative can be found they can be quite helpful if utilised correctly. Research your options, many financial institutions offer reduced interest rates for students or interest free overdrafts. Income plays a key factor in easing stress and worry throughout your postgraduate study so think carefully about all the different avenues available and aim to achieve a good balance between work and study.

Living Costs In addition to tuition fees, the cost of living can be quite financially demanding. New books and materials are usually required for the course and can be quite expensive. There is also the cost of food, rent, transport, utility bills, clothes, socialising and medical expenses to consider. The most important first step is to consider where your income is going to come from? Then work out a budget and how much you can afford to spend. For instance, consider carefully where you do your food shopping; is there a more economic alternative? Are you getting the best rates for your bills? Are your course books available in the library or can you purchase them second-hand? If you have substantial medical expenses you may be eligible for a medical card for the duration of

123456

WHO FOR?

Full time students

Government Initiatives: Student Maintenance Grant The student maintenance grant is the main source of financial help for students in full-time postgraduate courses in Ireland. Students in part-time, access or foundation courses and short courses are not eligible to apply. The main financial support for part-time higher education is through tax relief on tuition fees. The grant provides assistance and is available to students in most colleges in Ireland and certain colleges in the UK and other EU states. The grant is means tested, so depending on your circumstances, your parents’ income may be assessed. The official decision lies with the grant awarding body but www.studentfinance.ie can help you assess whether you may be eligible or not. However, it is worth your while applying anyway as there may be circumstances or cases where a grant is awarded for a number of reasons. Applying early is crucial and you can apply for a grant before your place on the course is even offered or accepted.

Usually applications are made to the local authority in your home area such as the County Council.

Student Assistance Fund The Student Assistance Fund offers financial assistance to students in full-time higher education whom are experiencing temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. This can be applied for in addition to the student grant. Every publicly funded higher education provider in Ireland receives student assistance funding from the state. An application can only be made once

31 Dec 2012

6

WHAT FOR?

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RESEARCH OPTIONS

you have registered for your course and in the individual college or university.

Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) This scheme entitles those that are in receipt of social welfare payments to be paid the BTEA for the duration of study. BTEA is paid at the maximum personal rate of an individual’s social welfare payment. An annual cost of education allowance is also provided which is useful for purchasing books and other materials necessary for the course. The postgraduate option of the scheme is only for those wishing to enrol in a fulltime postgraduate course of study that leads to any Higher Diploma qualification in any discipline or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (primary or secondary teaching). Only postgraduate study in Ireland is eligible for the BTEA. Other postgraduate qualifications such as Masters are not recognised for this scheme and those who already hold a postgraduate qualification will not be eligible either. For more information see www.welfare.ie.

Springboard Education Initiative Springboard offers people the opportunity to study on a part-time basis for higher education qualifications in areas where most employment opportunities are expected to arise as the economy recovers. Programmes vary in duration from several months to a few years and are suitable for many, including, unemployed graduates or those who have found themselves out of work and are looking to acquire new skills

through postgraduate study. The courses are parttime to enable those who are offered work during their course to be able to accept the job offer and complete their studies. 5,900 college places will be provided through Springboard and tuition fees will not be charged for these courses. For more information or to apply log onto www.bluebrick.ie/springboard.

Scholarships A place on a scholarship programme is highly sought after and it can be quite competitive to achieve an offer on one. Usually only the highest academic achievers are lucky enough to be offered places. Scholarships can also be allocated if undertaking research in an area that is deemed useful, innovative or in a knowledge or skills shortage area. Here are some of the details regarding the various scholarships available:

CRC Ciaran Barry Graduate Scholarship The central remedial clinic offers an annual scholarship for a student with a disability. It is open to any academic discipline and is for a student undertaking a postgraduate degree. The scholarship covers one academic year of study.

See www.crc.ie for more information.

(There is also a government fund which the college can apply to on behalf of students with special needs for various areas of assistance including; assistive technology equipment, software, personal and academic support and transport. Contact the Disability or Access Officer in your college for further information).

Erasmus Erasmus is the European Union’s lifelong learning programme. Under this programme postgraduate students may be eligible to apply for financial support to enable them to spend periods of between three and twelve months studying or working in another participating country.

Participating countries include the twenty seven EU member states along with Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Turkey. Some of the objectives of the programme include; enabling students to benefit linguistically, culturally and educationally through the experience of learning in another country and to develop qualified, open-minded and internationally experienced people who will be the leading professionals of tomorrow. Under the programme students with special needs are eligible for additional assistance. The Higher Education Authority distributes the funding for the Erasmus programme to Ireland’s higher education institutions. The international office of your institution will be able to provide further information.

North-South Scholarship Scheme This scheme is open to students currently registered at an Irish or Northern Irish University.

Dublin Institute of Technology is also a partner. It is also open to people who have graduated from one of these institutions in the last two years. If the student is looking to pursue a Master’s course or the first year of a PhD programme in the other jurisdiction then you can apply. The scheme is also open to those wishing to follow a cross-border Master’s course involving some study in the other area. These scholarships are worth €15,000 and The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 15

RESEARCH OPTIONS for the academic year 2011-2012 the scholarships were awarded in the areas of energy, engineering, arts (including philosophy), business, science and social science. The aim of the scheme is to encourage outstanding students in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to cross the border and pursue postgraduate study in the other jurisdiction. This year the scheme is sponsored by the ESB. For further information visit www.univerisitesireland.ie.

Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) The IRCHSS scholarships are valued at €16,000 per annum and provide funding to support research in the field of the humanities, social sciences, business and law. Initially awarded for one year, they can be renewed for up to two further years. Successful applicants must hold a first or upper second class honours primary degree.

The scholarships are open to suitably qualified applicants from citizens of the Republic of Ireland and EU or a resident of the EU for three or more years. Scholarships may also be awarded to outstanding non-EU candidates to enable them to carry out research with the agreement of the host institution. For more see www.irchss.ie.

Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) These postgraduate research scholarships are designed for Masters or PhD level researchers in the sciences, engineering or technology and are open to candidates worldwide. Funding of €24,000 is provided with tuition fees covered for three years of a PhD or one year for a Masters. For further information see www.ircset.ie.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Research Programme The EPA offers funding to support science, technology, research and innovation projects.

The EPA offers researcher based awards including; Masters scholarships with typical funding being €24,000, Doctorate scholarship with funding provided of up to €95,000 and research fellowships with funding up to €350,000.

Proposals received in response to a call are evaluated by experts and awards are made based upon their recommendations regarding national environmental priorities and balancing the support of various research topics. See www.epa.ie for application details.

Teagasc Teagasc (the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority) is the leading organisation in the fields of agriculture and food research in Ireland. Teagasc conducts research in food, animal production and grassland; crops, environment and land-use and also in rural economy and innovation. It is a major supporter of postgraduates, assisting over 100 graduates conducting research at any one time. Through the Walsh Fellowships there are up to 30 new research places available each year with a grant of €21,000 per student. A total budget of €3.2 million is committed to the programme per annum. Go to www.teagasc.ie or email walshfellowships@ teagasc.ie for application forms or further

16 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

information.

Royal Irish Academy (RIA) The RIA awards 60 research grants each year in both the Humanities and the Natural Sciences.

These are made through a network of awards, including Archaeological Research grants and international exchanges, as well as smaller schemes for fieldwork in the natural history of Ireland, scientific and historical essays and travel bursaries. New grants for 2012 include the Royal Irish Academy-Royal Society International Exchange Cost Share Programme and Royal Irish Academy Mobility Grants Scheme. Visit www.ria.ie for further details.

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) The SFI selects recipients on merit in a range of scientific and engineering fields through schemes such as the President of Ireland Young Researcher Award (PIYRA) and the Strategic Research Clusters (SRC) Programme. The awards emphasise three government prioritized industrial sectors; biotechnology, information and communications technology and sustainable energy and energy efficient technologies. The Research Frontiers Programme also supports a broad range of disciplines in the fields of mathematics, science and engineering. SFI has a very flexible grant and award system and issues calls for proposals from scientists and engineers at various times throughout the year. Many factors are taken into consideration when funding is given, for example; value for money, strategic impact and efficient use of the peer review system to name but a few. Go to www.sfi.ie for further information.

O’Reilly Foundation Scholarships Sir Anthony O’Reilly established the O’Reilly Foundation as a charitable body in 1998.

Scholarships are awarded to exceptional students who have an excellent academic record; usually a high 2.1 or first class honours degree who wish to study at PhD level or equivalent. The foundation aims to promote excellence, global vision, community responsibility and leadership.

Although PhD students of all disciplines are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to the following fields of study: Business Studies, Law, Marketing, Media Studies, Science, Technology and Arts. The scholarship is usually awarded for two years. Visit www.oreillyfoundation.ie for more information.

Health Research Board (HRB) The HRB supports research that endeavours to create new knowledge that will in turn benefit people’s health. The HRB currently manages research programmes worth over €100 million.

Funding covers all areas of health research from biomedical, translational, clinical and practicebased research, through to population health and health services research. Details of all HRB research funding schemes, including scope, eligibility and how to apply, may be found in the Grants section of the www.hrb.ie web site.

Graduate Skills Conversion Programme (GSCP) The GSCP is funded under the National Development Plan. Shortages in certain ICT skilled areas were identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. In response to this,

funding was allocated to provide graduates with the opportunity to acquire qualifications for employment in the ICT area. For 2011/2012 the fee is €2,750. To find the latest list of courses that are eligible for funding under this scheme please visit the Skills Funding section of www.hea.ie.

Government Exchange Scholarships The Irish Government has an agreement with a number of foreign countries, where it sponsors a scholarship for an international student studying here in exchange for financial support for an Irish student researching or studying at postgraduate level in the international student’s country.

Countries involved in this initiative include EU members, Australia, China, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Malaysia, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA (www.fulbright.ie). Visit www.education.ie for more information on this scheme

Funding and Scholarships from the Course Provider Many colleges and universities offer their own funding and scholarships to students. Usually these will be awarded to students of outstanding academic ability. Conducting research and making enquiries at your own institution is a great place to begin. Prizes and scholarships can range from funding to free student accommodation and so on. Each institution offers different awards and monetary funds. There may be general academic scholarships or individual subject area scholarships, so check on the college’s website and also with your individual subject department.

Seeking advice from staff members is also a good place to enquire and may ultimately work in your favour if you are seen to be pro-active in securing funding for your studies. Research scholarships are also awarded by many individual institutions; some examples include UCD’s Ad Astra awards, Trinity’s Ussher Fellowships and NUI Maynooth’s Hume Scholarships. Research scholarships tend to be awarded if the research is innovative and in a shortage area where more skills and/or knowledge are required. Arming yourself with as much information as possible and applying early and on-time is paramount for success in securing scholarships and funding.

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Taught and Research Options Deciding between a taught or research based postgraduate programme depends upon factors such as your personality, course duration, financial concerns and the type of career you are aiming for.

Each option has pros and cons; however, taught programmes are usually more similar to the type of learning format carried out at undergraduate level, with lectures, essays and examinations. Research programmes rely more on your initiative and drive, it is up to you to have your idea and work on your own steam. A research based qualification is essential for a career in academia or in the research and development sector.

I

t is important, however, not to overestimate the differences between the two approaches. Taught postgraduate programmes in Ireland involve an increasing amount of research. In many cases a student’s final year research dissertation on a chosen topic contributes a large proportion to their final results.

Back in class – The Taught Option If you wish to apply for a taught research programme it is important to be aware of what is involved - the differences and similarities between this format and that of a research programme.

While research programmes call for an impressive degree of self-motivation and persistence due to the amount of individual work called for, taught programmes have a structured format that is quite similar to your experience at undergraduate level.

That is not to imply that taught programmes are any easier than their research counterpart, on the contrary they can be just as demanding if not more so as many elements need to be juggled – lectures, essays, tutorials and individual research.

They are, however, usually completed in a much shorter time frame than research programmes with a usual duration of one year full time or two years part time, and require a very intensive level of study, assignment work and research.

The most important factor to consider is, obviously enough, the subject. If you make the commitment to undertake a postgraduate course it is essential to bear in mind the specific nature it will take and a less than consuming interest in something may quickly be extinguished at such a concentrated level of study. Although much of the study will be in the form of lectures, exams, seminars and assignments, taught programmes in Ireland also recognise the value of research skills by incorporating a 10,000-20,000 word dissertation or thesis in the course of the study.

Usually the taught lecture based element to the course is covered from September until May and the thesis work carried out over the summer months. The thesis usually comprises a substantial percentage of the overall grade and is carried out based upon your own ideas and research, under the guidance of a supervisor, thus, showing the common characteristic of both the research and taught courses.

Going it alone - The Research Option Roughly 40% of postgraduate students at Irish

higher-level institutions are undertaking research degrees. But what does being a postgraduate researcher involve?

Research involves the in-depth study of a very specific topic. Students don’t attend classes – they spend their time independently researching their topic, overseen by a supervisor who is an expert in the particular field. This can mean long hours in the library or laboratory. Research students must investigate and critically evaluate their topic, utilising the latest research methods in the field. There are usually no exams or term papers; instead, assessment is by a thesis or dissertation submitted at the very end of the course. The student is graded according to the quality of the final published thesis and sometimes an oral exam (often referred to as a ‘viva voce’), which involves giving a presentation on the thesis findings and defending them in front of a panel of experts.

The most well-known research qualification is the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy. Traditionally, it means that the candidate has reached a sufficient standard to be accepted into academia. A PhD usually takes between three and five years to complete. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a shorter research course (two to four years full time), which is often taken as a stepping stone to a PhD. Also possible are shorter Masters courses such as research-based Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees. These typically take one year on a full-time basis.

The most important decision to make when choosing a postgraduate research degree is the subject or topic. Students can decide upon their research topics in two ways. The first is to develop an idea themselves and then approach a supervisor – this is more common in arts and humanities subjects. It is best to choose a supervisor who is already an expert in your area of research, and who has a genuine interest in guiding your research in the right direction.

The second method is to apply for a research programme that is ongoing at a university.

Students may hear that a position exists, see it advertised, or be approached by a supervisor.

This route is more likely in the case of science or IT subject areas. A big advantage here is that set research programmes are more likely to have funding attached, plus the student gets to work as a member of an established team.

Most research students take a good deal of care over their choice of supervisor and institution.

Visit the campus and meet with your supervisor to discuss exactly how the arrangement will work.

Are supervisor meetings frequent? What are the library, IT, laboratory and social facilities like? What other postgraduates are in the department? Do they have links with other universities or colleges in Ireland or abroad that might be useful? Ask for examples of previously completed research topics and find out what previous researchers are doing now.

Budding research students should be well prepared for what awaits them. Postgraduate research study requires a high level of selfmotivation, and it can often be a solitary and pressurised experience. It should be noted however, that the traditional problem of the ‘loneliness of the researcher’ is increasingly countered by the ‘structured’ approach to research education. Researchers today are encouraged to avail of taught, classroom-based modules in generic skills (e.g. communication, report-writing) and subject-specific topics.

For a student with a real interest in his or her subject, and who chooses a topic that matches realistic career options, a postgraduate research degree provides a tremendous opportunity.

The Research Proposal Application procedures vary from college to college, and from discipline to discipline. Most institutions have research proposal forms that standardise the application process. Candidates usually discuss their proposals with their prospective supervisors before submission.

A typical research proposal is three to four pages long and can consist of the following: · Title of your proposed research topic · What you hope to achieve, demonstrate or argue · The methodology you plan to employ · Your motivation for the project · Your prospective supervisor · At least two academic references · Professional references Candidates may be called for an interview before being accepted. In general, you can apply for, and start, a research postgraduate programme at any time during the year. However, most prospective students apply for September/October entry.

Students interested in securing a position in an established research team/centre should keep a regular eye on institution websites for any research positions that become available.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 17

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Student Accommodation Find us on fac Parchm ent Squ ebook Accomm are Student odation

Part Time Programmes More and more students are deciding to undertake postgraduate study on a part-time basis. This includes mature students, who decide to return to education at different stages of their careers, as well as students who have just graduated from their primary degree, and don’t want to commit to a further year of studying full-time.

P

art-time postgraduate study is so widespread because of the many other competing pressures on the time of people considering postgraduate study. Family commitments, work obligations and mortgage or rent payments can all mean that attending classes full time is not an option.

In a world where job security is not guaranteed, people may feel that by continuing in their job but simultaneously gaining increased knowledge and skills may prove beneficial in gaining future employment in the event of job loss. Others may wish to study on a part-time basis as the qualification gained may increase their chance of career advancement or promotion whilst others may do so as they want to change career but simply do not have the funds to study on a full time basis. The Springboard initiative is also offering a number of part-time based postgraduate programmes to unemployed people, the reasoning behind this is that if one receives a job offer during the course they can accept it whilst continuing to study. More often

Part-time student profile: Patrick Corry Why did you enrol on your part time course?

I’d been working in IT for a few years, but my undergrad degree was a business course, so I felt it was a good time to get a qualification that matched my career path more closely. The IT course I did was a hybrid of management and IT (MSc in Management of Information Systems in Trinity), so was a good choice for me, as it suited my business background and I could apply it in work day-to-day.

What support did you get from your employer?

They funded the course which was great. Also, there was some study leave available around exam time, but there was less tangible support as well. There was the understanding that I would be less flexible with regard to overtime when it came to exam time, or when I was writing my dissertation, so I was lucky that their expectations (usually!) reflected how busy I was

18 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

than not the decision to study on a part-time basis is a practical one and each person has their own reasoning for doing so.

Universities and colleges are well aware of this and offer a wide range of flexible and parttime options at postgraduate level. Taught postgraduate courses can take place in the evenings, or be spread over two years. Research courses can be even more flexible, with research supervisors giving students the responsibility to design their own schedules.

Many employers are willing to be flexible if a staff member wishes to improve their skills and qualifications by taking up a postgraduate course.

Some companies give extra time off, and others will even help pay course fees, if the subject is relevant and useful to their business. Block release – where you attend fulltime classes for a set number of weeks a couple of times a year – is another option. The advent of the Internet and broadband means that distance learning is an increasingly popular choice. in college at that time.

How did you manage fitting your course work around a full time job?

Although I did my best to avoid eating into holiday leave, I generally took holiday days off when I felt I needed additional time to study, or at least more than I could eke out from just evenings and weekends. I wrote a dissertation as part of my course, and that was the most difficult phase, as it involved studying almost all evenings and weekends for around six months.

I found that, occasionally taking a Friday and Monday off work gave me a chance to focus on my dissertation without falling too far behind in the office. It’s difficult to balance though, and everyone looks after it differently.

How has the course improved your work performance?

The course gave me confidence, particularly in softer skills like giving presentations and communicating in meetings. Also, when working day-to-day, it’s easy to get mired in

Whilst part-time study is a very powerful and useful option, it is still important to keep in mind that committing to a college or university course is a big step, very different to a nightcourse in Mediterranean cookery or photography. It can be difficult to study after a hard day at work, but that is precisely what is required on a regular basis if you are to succeed.

You will need to dedicate a substantial amount of time to your studies to be successful, and this will inevitably eat into your leisure and personal time.

Life doesn’t just stop while you are studying and you will need the support of those close to you to make it work. It is usually a good idea to discuss your plans with your family and friends before embarking on a course of study.

Achieving a postgraduate qualification certainly wouldn’t be worth doing if it were easy. Success on a part-time postgraduate course can require a good deal of determination and self-motivation. However, with the support of the college, and the people around you, a part-time postgraduate course can prove to be quite a rewarding experience. the daily grind. I found that the course gave me more perspective, and a clearer understanding of the larger context in which I work.

And your career prospects?

When I started the course my goal was to improve my own mobility, and give myself more career options. I think a Masters ticks those boxes, although my expectations changed once the recession took hold! Coming out the other side of the recession though, I’m extremely glad to have the qualification, and it will give me confidence should I decide to change positions in future.

Was studying with fellow professionals beneficial?

Yes, I made some good contacts, and as most of the course was built around group projects, we worked together quite closely all the way through the course. This in turn helped me understand my own strengths and weaknesses better, and I’ve definitely tried to take that understanding back to my job.

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Postgraduate Conversion Courses Postgraduate conversion courses offer an excellent opportunity for graduates to change direction and focus on a new academic or career goal. Normally one-year in length, these programmes enable graduates of unrelated disciplines to study a wholly new subject. For example, a graduate of engineering may undergo the Higher Diploma in Business & Financial Information Systems in University College Cork, or an arts graduate might decide to pursue a career in medicine by enrolling in a Graduate Medical Programme.

Why Change Direction?

Sarah-Jane Hutchinson was working in marketing before deciding that primary school teaching was something she wanted to pursue. “I had been out of college for a few years working in marketing for an insurance firm when I decided to change direction. Primary school teaching had always been in the back of my mind so I went about researching my options,” says Sarah-Jane, who studied the Higher Diploma in Primary Education in Froebel College of Education. This course is an eighteen month programme and combines lectures with teaching practice. Sarah-Jane does say that the transition took a bit of getting used to financially, “it was a bit daunting making the change from receiving a full-time salary to being back in college, but it was definitely worth it in the end”. She also believes that taking the time to pursue another career avenue first was a good option as she felt that taking the time to mature meant that “I took my studies more seriously and was more proactive with learning when I returned.

I am absolutely delighted with the outcome and doing the course was good socially too as I met lots of like-minded people”. Sarah-Jane is now employed as a primary school teacher and has not looked back.

Roisin Kelly was also working when she decided to enrol in a full time conversion course, but for her the Graduate Diploma in Computing in the University of Limerick represents a chance to develop her career prospects rather than a radical change of direction. Working as a member of the data support team for a major mobile phone provider, Roisin believed that she had no specialised skills and that her career was not ‘going anywhere’ as a result. ‘I had a Degree in Commerce and French but no particular profession, and I felt that’s what I needed to gear myself towards.’

Starting Over Mastering what is usually an entirely new subject in just one year is no easy task, but students will often be surprised at how skills they learned in a previous degree course or career can prove to be entirely relevant when undertaking a conversion programme. This can range from soft skills such as good writing and communication, to more specific talents.

In the case of most conversion programmes, however, it is not necessary for the student to

have acquired specific skills in a previous course or job. Roisin Kelly for instance, had only ‘a basic knowledge of computers – typing letters in Microsoft Word and things like that – no more than most people’, when she enrolled in UL’s Graduate Diploma in Computing.

Funding People enrolling in conversion courses face the same financial challenges as any other postgraduate programme. With fees and other costs such as travel and course materials to account for, Sarah-Jane found the course “tough on a financial level”. But she has no regrets whatsoever:

‘I’m thrilled I did the course. I would advise people to go for it and you’ll always find a way of funding it and overcoming the difficulties, look into grant options as you may be eligible for one.’

The funding process was not so hard for Roisin.

She managed to hold down her job with the mobile provider on a part time basis. She was also pleasantly surprised to discover UL’s Graduate Diploma in Computing is part of the Higher Education Authority’s Graduate Skills Conversion Programme (see Funding, Scholarships and Government Initiatives section). For 2011-2012 the fee is €2,750, a more manageable sum compared with the usual fee for a postgraduate course.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 19

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Postgraduate Distance Learning Distance, or online, learning is playing an increasingly relevant role in postgraduate education. While some working professionals can attend a postgraduate course in the evenings, many others can only afford to study at irregular times and weekends. Another common scenario is the person who is seeking a course that is highly specialised and not available in the nearest IT, university or private college. It is for learners with these specific problems that distance learning represents a valid option.

D

istance learning conveys many inherent advantages such as courses tend to be cheaper than traditional classroom programmes, learning can be carried out at a pace and rhythm that suits the student’s lifestyle, and they are assigned a personal tutor who is always available to provide feedback and advice online, or on the phone.

There are many subjects available to study through the distance learning format, but one sector that seems to be increasingly well represented at postgraduate level is education.

Fiona Thomas is an example of the former category. She decided that teaching was for her when she did some substitute teaching in 2000 while pursuing a business degree. She enjoyed the experience immensely, but was not willing to commit to another full time course, which was then the only way to become a fully qualified primary teacher. But after eight years working in human resources, Fiona discovered Hibernia College.

‘It was perfect because it meant I could work, pay the mortgage and all of that, and study for my qualification at the same time,’ she says.

Hibernia College provide postgraduate courses in a number of areas, including education, pharmaceutical medicine, and financial management. The Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education has received criticism regarding its non-traditional approach to teacher training, but Fiona feels that this criticism drove the college ‘to work us [the students] very hard, in order to prove that the graduates were just as good as the other teachers.’ And it seems that schools are happy with the results too: Fiona managed to secure work during the course, and she currently has a temporary position teaching sixth class.

Postgraduate distance learning opportunities also exist for adult educators. The Master of Arts in Adult Learning and Development, provided

by NUI Galway’s Open Learning Centre, advances the theoretical knowledge and critical skills of professionals such as vocational trainers, educational consultants, and human resource specialists in a range of sectors. Like numerous other distance learning courses, attendance is required at occasional workshops and seminars, which take place off campus in locations that are designed to be geographically accessible to the most number of students.

E-learning has become an increasingly popular activity thanks to the ongoing rollout of broadband across Ireland, and the growing importance attached to learning and development in the workplace. Two distance learning postgraduate programmes provided by the University of Limerick - the Graduate 20 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

Certificate in Content Development and the Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication offers students the chance to work in this exciting industry, designing and writing innovative and effective e-learning programmes.

MSc in Environmental Management. He chose the course because it ‘offered the best qualification’ and is ‘totally relevant’ to his job. Both Fiona Thomas and Karl acknowledge that distance learning brings its own specific challenges.

Management is another sector that is well served by distance learning programmes. In these times of economic difficulty, managers will often struggle to attend regular evening classes, and so distance learning programmes are often viewed as the most viable solution to a working manager’s learning needs.

’You have to be disciplined, to work at a consistent rate as opposed to cramming. When you’re not attending a class like you would in a conventional educational environment, it’s very much up to you to do the work,’ says Karl. His career prospects and the responsibility of a family with three children fuelling his motivation during those long work nights and weekends spent studying.

UL’s Centre for Project Management runs the distance learning Masters in Project Management.

Students with at least 4 years’ experience in a supervisory role tackle modules such as Project Management Procedures & Techniques, Project Planning & Control and Quality Management over the course of a two-year programme. Students are assigned a tutor in their area, who organises a local venue for tutorials and examinations.

The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business Schools is well known for its MBA provision, but it also runs a distance learning management programme for non-business graduates with no managerial experience. The Master in Management is a two-year programme that equips graduates for careers in areas such as financial services, operations, human resources, sales and marketing.

Another benefit of distance learning is that application is not confined to Irish course providers. UK institutions such as Open University and the University of Ulster’s (UU) well-established distance learning centre, Campus One, provide a range of internationally recognised postgraduate qualifications.

Karl Dalton is environmental manager of Connolly Hospital in Dublin, and is currently studying UU’s

He emphasises the need for the learner to take responsibility for themselves and face up to the challenge. ‘There’s no such thing as a perfect method. Classroom or distance learning – there are advantages and disadvantages. I imagine most people who are studying are relatively young, so I would hope they are malleable and adaptable to change.’ Karl is particularly happy that his ability to learn independently is greatly enhanced by the research skills that his tutors impart.

‘The biggest thing is to stay organised,’ says Fiona, who concurs with Karl regarding the importance of learner motivation and responsibility. ‘I think that because all the people who did this course all have primary degrees, so we’re all well used to studying. Many of us have changed career and we know this is absolutely what we want to do and are therefore highly motivated.’ ’I would highly recommend it,’ says Karl of the distance learning option, while Fiona is even more succinct in describing her experience as ‘perfect’. Certainly fuel for thought for anyone who would like to enrol in a postgraduate programme, but feels that they have don’t have the time, or that the right course is simply not geographically accessible.

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Postgraduate Study in the UK It is easy to see why UK universities, which feature internationally recognised programmes, cuttingedge research and a great choice of learning opportunities, are so popular with Irish students. Oxford and Cambridge are among the world’s top-ranked universities, while newer, prestigious institutions such as the London School of Economics (LSA) and Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) stand out as internationally recognised leaders in their respective fields.

A

huge variety of higher-level institutions provide postgraduate programmes in almost every discipline imaginable.

There are more than 18,000 postgraduate taught courses and research opportunities offered by UK institutions, which enjoy strong links with industry and professional organisations. International students are well catered for, as indicated by the fact that about a third of postgraduate students come from outside the UK. Readers are not even required to leave the island to avail of UK fourth level opportunities, as of course two institutions with excellent international reputations, Queen’s University and the University of Ulster, are to be found just over the border in Northern Ireland.

cities in the UK boast a university. Educational institutions in the UK are public and autonomous, under the authority and guidance of the Department of Education and Employment. The academic term is typically from October to July.

UK higher-level educational institutions rely on a combination of student fees, government funding and corporate and private donations for survival.

Postgraduate qualifications within the UK higherlevel education system are very similar to the Irish model.

Postgraduate Diplomas & Certificates – 1 to 2 years Masters Degrees (MA, MSc, ME, MBA) – 1 year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) – 2 years Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – 3 to 5 years

Higher Level Education System

Doctoral Degree – 3 to 5 years

As well as the traditional university towns of Cambridge and Oxford, most reasonably sized

Postgraduate qualifications offered in the UK are subject to strict quality standards. It is illegal in

Enhance your career prospects with a postgraduate qualification Hartpury College, located within the beautiful countryside of Gloucestershire, is an Associate Faculty of the University of the West of England and through this partnership has developed innovative postgraduate programmes that are both industry relevant and academically robust.

the UK to offer degrees or related qualifications without proper authorisation, which is granted by the Queen or by Parliament. Higher-level educational institutions are overseen by government appointed agencies, which are responsible for ensuring the consistency and quality of courses on offer. British courses and qualifications have an excellent reputation worldwide.

Application Process There is no single centralised application process for postgraduate study and research in the UK. UKPASS is an online postgraduate programme application service that is administered by UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Candidates can apply for taught and research programmes in universities across the UK, although the range of institutions involved is far shorter than what is available in the UCAS third level application system.

For 2011/12 UWE alumni are eligible for a 15% reduction in fees if studying full-time or a 10% reduction if studying part-time.

Opportunities for 2011/2012 include: • Equine Science – MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate • Equine Business Management – Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate • Sports Management – MA, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate • Coaching Science – MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate • Equine Behaviour and Welfare – Postgraduate Certificate • Equestrian Performance and Rehabilitation – Postgraduate Certificate But is postgraduate study worth the investment?

In a fiercely competitive employment market, surveys show that postgraduate employment rates are considerably higher.

Finance an issue? There is a range of funding options available to help make study more affordable, including our Graduate Assistantship Scheme.

Find our more at our Postgraduate Open Evening on Wednesday 16th November or our Open Day on Saturday 9th June 2012. For more information about these events and the study opportunities available contact us:  www.hartpury.ac.uk/postgraduate  enquire@hartpury.ac.uk  01452 702345

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 21

RESEARCH OPTIONS For most universities, applications must be made directly to the institution in question.

The process can be time-consuming, especially for international students, so it is best to start researching your options 24 to 18 months in advance of the course start date. Contact each university directly (a shortlist of six to eight is generally recommended) and request a prospectus, which will include all relevant information, requirements and deadlines for applications. It can also be a good idea to contact the international student service (most UK universities have one), which should provide general information on the institution and it’s environment.

Generally, a good honours undergraduate degree is necessary for admission to taught and research Masters courses. Most institutions seek academic references. Candidates may also need to provide evidence that they can afford to pay the required fees and support themselves adequately during their studies. Research students will have to submit a detailed research proposal.

Competition can be fierce for specialised and prestigious postgraduate programmes.

International students should be sending in completed applications at least six to twelve months before the proposed start date (usually October for taught courses, although this is less structured for research). This is especially the case if you are applying for a scholarship. Courses can fill up rapidly so it is wise to apply immediately once you have made your decision.

There is no official equivalence between UK and other degrees. However, qualifications administered within the EU should be recognised under the EU ECTS system. Irish qualifications are generally equivalent to their UK counterparts, but acceptance is at the discretion of the individual institution. The UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) provides information

22 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

to both prospective students and educational institutions on evaluation of international qualifications. A NARIC Statement of Comparability is recognised by all UK universities as a reliable assessment of non-UK qualifications, and can be purchased for £55.20 (by post) or £48 (online).

Irish and other EU students do not need a visa to study in the UK. Non-EU students who have been accepted onto a postgraduate programme will generally have no trouble being granted a visa.

Fees and Costs There are two main costs to consider for postgraduate students in the UK. These are tuition fees and the cost of living. Both of these amounts will depend on the circumstances of the individual student; however, they are both considerable costs that all students should keep in mind when deciding to apply.

Students from within the EU do not count as international students, and pay the same standard fees as UK students. Fees can be anywhere between £1,000 and £9,000, with the majority of courses occupying the lower half of this range.

Courses involving laboratory work are usually more expensive, while MBA programmes can cost between £18,000 and £30,000 per year depending on the institution and course concerned.

These figures don’t take living costs into account, such as accommodation, food, heating, transport and other day-to-day expenses. The cost of living in the UK varies throughout the country. For example, Newcastle University estimates students will spend £8,500 to £9,000 in a year, while the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London recommends a budget of £11,800.

Northern Ireland is recognised by the British Council as having the lowest cost of living in the UK. Queen’s University estimate that students should allow between £5500 and £7000 to cover personal expenses for one year. Obviously

individual tastes and interests of the student will also impact upon living costs.

Applicants should investigate funding opportunities on the website of the university, and equally importantly – the department, where you intend to study. UK universities and individual departments are no different to Irish institutions in providing their own scholarships and funding to (usually research) postgraduate students with a lot of academic potential. Funding applications should be sent out at least six months before the course is due to begin.

Students from EU countries are free to work in the UK while they study. Non-EU students must apply for a work permit. Other sources of funding include student loans.

Besides the lower cost of living, another financial benefit of studying in Northern Ireland is that postgraduate students from the South can apply for the maintenance grant from their local authority or VEC.

Scholarships There are many scholarship options available to students who wish to study at postgraduate level in the UK. The following is not an exhaustive list so it would be advisable to contact the institution where study will be carried out regarding all scholarship options. Similarly to Ireland applying as early as possible is recommended.

UK Government Scholarships The UK government recognises the need for international students to study in the UK and has implemented scholarships for international students. More than 20,000 international students are funded each year through these schemes.

The most significant ones are: Orsas Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships and DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme.

RESEARCH OPTIONS

School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences

BU SportsMSc65x185 2011_Layout 1 2011-09-22 3:01 PM Page 1

AT BANGOR, WE DON’T DO RUN OF THE MILL. Study for a Masters at one of the leading Sport Science Schools in the UK. • 80% of our research activity judged either world leading or at an international level with all staff submitted (RAE 2008); • Awarded an exemplary rating for the quality of teaching and student support; • The first UK Sport Science School to gain British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation for our MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology; • Opportunity to work with BASES accredited staff; • BASES accredited labs;

• Situated between the mountains of Snowdonia and the sea, one of the prime university locations for pursuing sport and outdoor activities; • Bursaries of up to £3,500 for students on any of the following:

For more information: www.bangor.ac.uk/sport

- MSc Applied Sport Science - MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology - MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology - MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology *BPS accredited - MSc Exercise Rehabilitation - MSc Applied Sport Science and Outdoor Activities - MRes Sport and Exercise Physiology - MRes Sport and Exercise Sciences - MRes Sport and Exercise Psychology

or contact Admissions School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, North Wales, LL57 2PZ • Tel: 01248 388256 • E-mail: mscsport@bangor.ac.uk

UK Research Council Scholarships and Studentships There are seven research councils in the UK and each one has scholarship schemes for university research. These schemes are only open to UK and EU students. Full-time scholarships are highly competitive and cover fees and living costs up to £12,600 per year. Applications for these scholarships have to be made through a university and directly to the research council.

University Scholarships Each university offers their own scholarships to international students. They may be paid by the university or individual department and may be financed by the actual university or through endowments or donations made to the university to support international student scholarships.

A notable scholarship is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the UK who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject at the University of Cambridge. The programme aims to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge including university fees, a maintenance allowance of £13,000 and one return airfare. Places are highly competitive and application deadline is usually October, almost a year before the intended start date.

www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/ is the official website for UK universities and contains news and information on all aspects of higher education in the UK. Eduserve is a not-for-profit organisation that supplies IT services to British education providers.

It runs an online database of research and academic vacancies in the UK: www.vacancies.ac.uk/ Hobsons is a UK-based graduate employment and training advice provider. www.postgrad.hobsons. com/ is a dedicated postgraduate website.

The UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) provides information to both prospective students and educational institutions on the evaluation of international qualifications: www. naric.org.uk UKCISA is the British Council for International Education. It provides information on immigration

and finance for international students looking to study in the UK. More information is available at www.ukcisa.org.uk UKPASS is an online postgraduate programme application service run by UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admission Service) – www.ukpass.ac.uk www.postgraduatestudentships.co.uk gives information on funding opportunities provided to taught and research students by specific organisations, colleges and college departments across the UK Besides providing information about most fourth level courses available in Ireland, www.postgrad. ie also features course providers from Great Britain and Northern Ireland who are specifically seeking applications from Irish students

Other types of scholarships include UK Business Scholarships, Charity Organisation Scholarships and Professional Association Scholarships. The key is to research all your options and apply as early as possible.

Online Resources The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. Its website contains information on studying in the UK and on scholarship and funding opportunities: www.britishcouncil.org The British Council also hosts a dedicated website for international students: www.educationuk.org Graduate Prospects is the UK’s official graduate careers support service. Its website has plenty of material on the UK university system, including course and funding databases and useful information for international students: www. prospects.ac.uk The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 23

RESEARCH OPTIONS

Study Further Afield Why Study Abroad?

What kind of programme would suit me best?

Travelling to another country to pursue a postgraduate course is an increasingly viable option for many Irish students. There are many practical reasons why a student might decide to take advantage of postgraduate opportunities abroad –reasons pertaining both to the subject you wish to study, and to the wider potential social, cultural or post-study employment opportunities.

How will I finance this?

The most obvious reason to choose an international university is when the particular course you wish to study is not available in Ireland.

There are over 250,000 postgraduate programmes available in Europe so there is huge scope and choice in the EU alone. Countries like Germany and the US are home to a huge array of highly specialised postgraduate programmes, which are often not available in Ireland. Some students may wish to pursue some unusual postgraduate courses that may not be offered in Ireland or even Europe for that matter. For example, Kyung Hee University in South Korea is amongst the very first in the world to offer postgraduate programmes in Tae Kwon Do and Golf Management. Closer to Ireland the University of Liverpool offers the MA in Popular Music There can also be further related reasons such as the availability of particular funding or scholarship opportunities abroad, or a university or country having a particular expertise in a certain area.

The opportunity to live and study in another culture and/or language can also be very persuasive. Future employers may be impressed with the experiences and perspectives gained during time spent studying abroad, and the ability to speak a foreign language is increasingly valued and sought after in the labour market. The student may harbour an ambition to begin a career in a new country and taking a postgraduate course is an excellent way of establishing yourself in a foreign land. The prospect of new adventures and challenges that inevitably arise during international study can also be very attractive to potential postgraduates.

Embarking on a course of postgraduate study abroad is a big undertaking, and therefore not a decision to be made lightly.

Research, Research, Research There are many, many different opportunities available worldwide for students who decide to undertake postgraduate study. The possibilities range from accounting in Australia to zoology in Zambia. For obvious reasons, it is important to work out what your options are and then find out as much as possible to ensure that you make an informed choice.

You can narrow down the choice of country, subject and institution by conducting some research. Questions to ask yourself include:

These are not easy questions to answer. Finding the right course, at the right institution, in the right country, takes a large investment in time and resources. It is advisable to start looking at options and gathering information at least eighteen months in advance of the programme’s start date.

Consult as many people as possible, and read everything you can get your hands on. Your lecturers are the first people that you should speak to as they may have studied or taught abroad and are often fully clued in with the latest academic research around the world. The international office, careers service and foreign students in your own university are another good source of information. Contact the embassies of the countries in which you are interested and ask them for any information that they consider relevant. Looking at research journals relating to your area of interest can also give you a clue as to the location of the best opportunities for postgraduate study and research.

The Internet is a most valuable resource.

Many countries have dedicated websites for international students, as do most individual universities and institutions. There are also many independent websites that offer valuable advice and tips. Merely entering the words ‘postgraduate’, ‘study’ and ‘US’ into Google returns over 15 million results – so there is plenty of information out there.

Choosing a Country Universities around the world increasingly seek international postgraduate students, as they tend to pay higher fees than home-based students.

Institutions from different countries compete to attract top-quality students and researchers from abroad. One in three PhDs issued in France for example, is to an international student.

Many governments have established official agencies to provide information to foreign students (links for which are provided below), and have also put in place funding and scholarship schemes to attract postgraduates from abroad.

International students often enrol in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands because universities there feature a wide selection of English-speaking courses.

There are considerations when making a decision other than the course and institution. To use the previous example, the Zoology Department at Zambia University could be tremendous, with a global reputation for cutting-edge research, but there may also be other factors to consider, such as: Language and cultural factors Acceptability of academic qualifications Standard of research and study facilities Visa and work permit requirements

In which specific subject areas am I most interested?

Career prospects

Which countries are viable options?

It is always advisable to visit the country and

24 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

Costs and standard of living in the country

the university or institution in question before committing – although this may not be possible in every case and the student may have to rely upon email or phone communication with the course provider.

The most popular region for international postgraduate study for Irish students is Western Europe. There are many reasons for this. Historical and linguistic factors attract Irish students to the institutions of the UK, France and Germany in particular. Irish universities have built strong links with their European counterparts under EU educational development schemes such as Erasmus. The ECTS programme means that Irish qualifications are accepted at most EU universities and vice versa. Cheaper air travel means that it can be almost as easy to get home to Dublin from Frankfurt University as from, for example, NUI Galway. Many European countries, including Germany and France, highly subsidise their educational systems, meaning that Irish students can often pay negligible fees at postgraduate level.

After our EU partners, the English-speaking countries of North America and Australasia are the next most popular. In particular, many Irish students choose to study in the US, taking advantage of strong historical, cultural and business links between the two countries.

Postgraduate study in the US can be a first step toward a working career there, and there are a number of attractive scholarship and funding opportunities available. Australia is also an attractive destination for Irish postgraduate students, with the Australian government making a concerted effort to attract talented postgraduate students from abroad. Postgraduate study in Australia, for example, may also pave the way to obtaining a work or graduate visa upon completion of the course so the student can remain in the country and seek employment.

Applications and Costs Choosing the right postgraduate programme is only the beginning. The admissions processes for postgraduate programmes across the world tend to be complex and thorough. Requirements vary from country to country, discipline to discipline and institution to institution. You will have to convince the admissions officers that you have the ability, and just as importantly, the motivation to succeed at their institution.

Applicants need to be keenly aware of the different funding and course deadlines in different universities and countries. Some deadlines will fall very early in your final undergraduate year. The Fulbright Awards for example, the most accessible scholarship for students travelling to the US has a closing date of November for Irish candidates.

Closing dates for US courses are generally in December, compared with spring and summer deadlines for most European courses.

Many higher-level institutions require personal statements and research proposals along with academic and professional references, evidence of language capability and proof of your financial

RESEARCH OPTIONS means as well as the application form and your academic results. All this can take some time to prepare, and it is highly advisable for international students to submit applications within the deadline.

There is a whole world of postgraduate study and research out there for you. The following links are some of the most fruitful sources of information in researching the international option.

The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science also provides a wealth of information about the education system in the Netherlands as well as useful tips for foreign students at www.minocw.nl/english/

There are significant differences in the cost of postgraduate education in each country.

Postgraduate fees at British universities are generally higher than those charged at mainland European universities, but course lengths of varying durations can balance this out. Fees at non-EU universities tend to be even higher, with some courses at certain prestigious North American universities costing as much as €24,000.

Canada boasts some of the lowest course fees of popular non-EU destinations for Irish students.

It is up to the individual to decide whether an investment in education now will pay off later, and international universities are no different to their Irish counterparts in formulating regular surveys of graduate destinations.

www.education.ie - The Irish government website provides information on a number of international scholarship opportunities

The Netherlands student Grantfinder is an online search engine for those who want to study in the Netherlands and would like to benefit from financial aid. Go to www.grantfinder.nl to see if you are eligible to apply for financial support.

There are substantial funding opportunities available for postgraduate students at international universities. These differ from country to country, and competition for scholarships can often be fierce. National governments, EU initiatives, university-specific and private scholarships are all sources of financial support. As much research should go into securing funding as in choosing a programme of study. Applying early and often is a good idea.

Postgraduate students usually fund themselves through teaching or research, off-campus work, loans or generous parents. However you plan to finance your study, it pays to work out in advance approximately what you will need, and how you are going to obtain it.

Fondation Kastler is a service for foreign scientists and researchers interested in research in France: http://www.fnak.fr

Even the process of applying for postgraduate study abroad can be expensive. For example, application fees to US universities can be up to €80 each, and admissions tests can cost considerably more. Students considering European institutions as an option may find it worthwhile to visit and talk to lecturers and other staff before they make their decision. While even the most confident students apply to more than one programme, it makes sense to prioritise and conduct sufficient research in advance so that you only seriously consider options that you are sure are right for you.

www.postgrad.ie - In depth advice on applying for postgraduate courses and funding in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the US, Canada and Australia.

France The Campus France website has a wealth of material for the international student considering postgraduate study in France, including a programme database, funding information and general tips on living and studying in France: www.campusfrance.org/en/

Contact the French Embassy in Dublin for information on funding opportunities: http://www.ambafrance.ie The official French student organisation is CNOUS. Their website has a dedicated section (in French) for international students: http://www.cnous.fr/

Germany www.higher-education-compass.de is an online database containing information about all of the higher-level institutions, degree programmes and doctorate options available in Germany.

The German Embassy in Dublin provides information about studying in Germany, and also about useful scholarship opportunities: www.dublin.diplo.de Campus-Germany’s website provides information about studying and living in Germany: www.campus-germany.de

Netherlands For everything you need to know about studying a postgraduate programme in the Netherlands, visit the excellent NUFFIC website at www.nuffic.nl

US EducationUSA is a global network of advice and information centres supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the US Department of State. The website has useful information on visa and funding opportunities: www.educationusa.state.gov The American Embassy in Dublin has a wealth of information for Irish students looking to study in the US, including useful visa requirements and scholarship information: http://dublin.usembassy.gov The Fulbright Commission builds links between Ireland and the US through educational exchange programmes and scholarships: www.fulbright.ie The Princeton Review is a guide to American graduate schools, including graduate school rankings, advice on admissions tests and funding opportunities: www.princetonreview.com www.studyusa.com is a commercial site holding a database of available graduate programmes.

Another online guide for international students considering further study in the US is available at www.edupass.org

Canada www.studycanada.ca – provides plenty of information for international students intending to study in Canada including the application process, links to different universities, information about the education system in Canada and Canadian life www.cic.gc.ca – offers information about living in Canada as well as educational information and resources

Australasia The Australian government have set up an excellent website to attract international students, which has a wealth of information on courses, costs and funding options. This is the number one resource for anyone considering postgraduate study in Australia: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.

IDP is a not-for-profit Australian organisation representing Australian universities, informing and advising international students on Australian education and assisting in enrolment in Australian institutions across all sectors. Their website is www.idp.com.

The Endeavour Programme is a scholarship awarded to international students on a competitive basis: www.deewr.gov.au/ EndeavourAwards/ www.newzealandeducated.com is a site dedicated to international students seeking information about living and learning in New Zealand The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 25

I predIct a rIot

PROFILES

Profiles

University Profiles

Dublin Institute of Technology

29

Other College Profiles

Dublin City University

28

Dundalk Institute of Technology 29

All Hallows College

31

National University of Ireland, Galway

28

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Independent College

31

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

GriďŹƒth College

32

28

IADT: Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology 30

Hibernia College

32

Trinity College Dublin

28

IBAT

32

University College Cork

28

IPA

32

University College Dublin

28

University of Limerick

29

CSIS

29

Institutes of Technologies Profiles Athlone Institute of Technology 29 Cork Institute of Technology

29

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

30

30

Institute of Technology, Carlow 30 Institute of Technology, Sligo

30

Institute of Technology, Tralee 30 ITT Dublin

31

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

31

Limerick Institute of Technology 31 Waterford Institute of Technology

Kimmage Development Studies Centre 33 King’s Inn

33

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

33

Tyndall Institute

33

UL Ulearn

33

31

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 27

PROFILES University Profiles DCU Dublin 9, Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 1 700 5566 Fax: +353 (0) 1 700 5504 Email: registry@dcu.ie Web: www.dcu.ie/postgraduate

National University of Ireland, Galway Postgraduate Admissions Office, NUI Galway, University Rd, Galway Tel: +353 (0)91 492844 Email: postgrad@nuigalway.ie Web: www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/

NUI Maynooth Graduate Studies Office, 3rd Floor John Hume Building, North Campus, NUI Maynooth, Co Kildare Tel: +353 (0) 1 708 6018 Email: postgrad.dean@nuim.ie Web: http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie

Trinity College Dublin Graduate Studies Office, Arts Building, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 01 896 1166 Fax: +353 01 671 2821 Email: gradinfo@tcd.ie Web: www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies

University College Cork Graduate Studies Office, UCC, Cork Tel: +353 (0)21 490 2876 E-mail: graduatestudies@ucc.ie Fax: +353 (0)21 490 1897 Web: www.ucc.ie/postgraduate

University College Dublin Office of Graduate Studies, Belfield, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)1 716 4022 Fax: +353 (0)1 716 4001 Email: graduatestudies@ucd.ie Web: www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies

2011 Guide to Postgraduate Study 28 The 2012

Dublin City University is situated just north of the city centre on an 85-acre campus, which includes a bar, restaurants, sports complex and Ireland’s largest performing arts centre, the Helix. The university has an excellent academic reputation, and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate inter-disciplinary taught programmes, along with a variety of research programmes, both pure and applied.

DCU is committed to the continued enhancement of graduate research and as part of that commitment, the university established a Graduate School to improve the learning experience of its postgradate research students.

DCU’s award-winning library provides specific and targeted resources and services to support the research needs of postgraduate students. Research students in DCU have access (including home access) to key electronic research databases in all disciplines and over 7,000 full text journals. Students can also avail of specialist research support from a team of subject librarians.

DCU offers two scholarship schemes for postgraduates: the accommodation award scheme and the postgraduate travel awards. Research travel awards are also available and may be applied for by each student in the period of his or her studentship.

Originally founded in 1845, NUIG has enjoyed tremendous growth in the past few decades. A student population of approximately 15,000 benefits from regular investment and development, such as the ongoing €400 million ‘Campus of the Future’ project, a recently established Energy Research Centre and a new 6,500m² sports complex.

Approximately 25 per cent of all registered students at NUIG are postgraduates and the university is committed to continuing to improve the range and quality of its postgraduate offerings. It has developed an extensive range of world-class postgraduate degrees and diplomas, including taught and research programmes throughout its five colleges: Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies; Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences; Business, Public Policy & Law; Engineering & Informatics and Science. These offer students many opportunities for further personal and academic development, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to find employment in the modern marketplace.

Research at NUIG has undergone a period of rapid development in recent years and important initiatives have attracted substantial funding. The NUIG campus is home to a number of internationally renowned schools, institutes and research centres including the J.E. Cairnes Graduate School of Business & Public Policy, the Martin Ryan Institute for Marine Science (MRI) and the Irish Centre for Human Rights.

NUI Maynooth Graduate School is committed to excellence in postgraduate education, offering a diverse range of innovative Masters, Postgraduate Diploma and Research programmes in Music, Nua-Ghaeilge, Modern Languages, History, Digital Humanities, English, Theatre and Media Studies, Geography, Climate Change, Biology, Immunology, Renewable Energy, Electronic Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Experimental Physics, Psychology, Philosophy, Ancient Classics, Anthropology and Development, Sociology and Politics, Law, Business, Applied Social Studies, Economics, Accounting and Finance, Mathematical Physics, Adult and Community Education and Primary and Secondary School Professional Education qualifications. Founded in 1795, the historic and beautiful campus provides a unique learning environment for postgraduates. Campus accommodation is available for almost 1,000 students, with over 70 clubs and societies and excellent sports facilities.

With 22% of the student population at postgraduate level, supporting postgraduate students and early career researchers to achieve their potential is central to the mission of NUI Maynooth. The University offers a number of scholarship opportunities annually, including 30 John and Pat Hume research scholarships, Doctoral Teaching Scholarships and Tuition Bursaries across Departments.

For research students, NUI Maynooth offers 4 year structured PhD programmes in Arts, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences subjects. The structured PhD programme consists of a dedicated research project supported by professional and specialist skills modules to prepare PhD and MLitt students for a career in research. For further information about becoming a postgraduate student at Maynooth visit: http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie Trinity College is situated right in the middle of Dublin’s city centre, but it nevertheless retains a strong campus atmosphere.

The college’s main library is one of the largest in Europe and contains over 4.5 million volumes of books and journals, over 20,000 periodicals and extensive collections of manuscripts, maps and music. Founded in 1592, it is the oldest university in Ireland and among the oldest in Western Europe.

About a third (over 5,000) of Trinity’s students are postgraduates – with almost half of these conducting postgraduate research. Taught courses are available at three levels: Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Practitioner Doctorate, across the college’s three faculties: Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Science and Health Sciences.

TCD is committed to world-class excellence in key research areas across science, engineering, medicine, arts and social science. Around 1,600 students (11 per cent of the total student body) are studying for a research degree. Specialised research centres include the Addiction Research Centre, Centre for Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies, and the Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN).

There are over 90 college societies and 50 active sports clubs in Trinity, as well as facilities such as bars, restaurants and a dedicated Graduate Students’ Union. A state-of-the-art sports centre includes a 25-metre swimming pool.

Over one hundred and sixty years after its foundation, the main campus of UCC today consists of 44 acres of mature, wellwooded grounds encompassing state-of-the-art facilities.

Approximately 2,500 students are currently pursuing graduate programmes from a range of over 200 courses in the Colleges of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Science; Business and Law; Science, Engineering and Food Science; and Medicine and Health.

Many of UCC’s programmes are offered on a part-time basis and the university is committed to increasing flexibility in its postgraduate programmes.

UCC is one of Ireland’s most successful and active research centres. It consistently receives one of the country’s highest research incomes, and is the location of major international research centres of excellence such as the Tyndall National Institute, the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, the BioInnovation Centre and the Bioscience Institute.

UCC’s ongoing investment in facilities for teaching, learning and research has led to a number of strategic developments such as the recently completed new School of Pharmacy, new purpose-built Environmental Research Institute building and extension to the Boole Library, all providing significant additional facilities for postgraduate students.

There are 114 student clubs and societies at UCC, and a state-of-the-art sports complex, the Mardyke Arena.

UCD is a research-intensive university with approximately one quarter of the student body engaged in postgraduate study and research. UCD has numerous educational and research partnerships and collaborations with other academic, industrial and non-profit organisations both in Ireland and abroad.

UCD’s academic structure comprises of 5 colleges: Arts & Celtic Studies, Business and Law, Human Sciences, Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences and Life Sciences. The university can also boast many research institutes and centres, including the Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, the National Institute of Sport and Health, and the Clinton Institute for American Studies.

The re-development and complete refurbishment of UCD’s science centre is well underway. The latest facilities and equipment are now in place for up to 60 researchers working in areas such as cancer research and carbon dioxide recycling.

Ongoing developments include a new Student Centre, a fifty metre swimming pool and state-of-the-art NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training) facility.

UCD is home to over 50 societies and 54 official sports clubs. It also offers numerous café and bar areas, a 600-seater auditorium, an exhibition space, a second-hand bookshop as well as Crunch Fitness gym.

PROFILES University of Limerick Postgraduate Admissions Office, Graduate School, Foundation Building, University of Limerick, Limerick Tel: + 353 61 234377 Fax: +353 61 233287 Email: postgradadmissions@ul.ie Web: www.graduateschool.ul.ie

Department of Computer Science and Information Systems University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland Tel: 061 202724 Web: www.csis.ul.ie Email: annette.mcelligott@ul.ie

The University of Limerick (UL) is a young, vibrant and enterprising university committed to excellence and relevance in its research and teaching. Situated on a unique and modern campus, UL offers outstanding educational, cultural, sporting and residential facilities.

UL has over 11,500 students, including 2,000 postgraduate students, and excellent facilities and support services – including dedicated research space, specialised laboratories, postgraduate careers service and a wide range of generic & transferable skills courses, and specialist help centres in maths, science writing, and statistics.

Over 110 taught postgraduate programmes are offered across four Faculties - Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Business, Education & Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering. Taught programmes range from graduate diplomas to professional doctorates. UL has established strong links with industry and graduates have an excellent employment record in all sectors.

UL has many research connections with industry. Key research projects include: materials and surface science; biomaterials; structural biology; biophotonics; software engineering; study of knowledge in society; energy and sustainable environment; and food and health. In addition to 39 research centres, UL has four multidisciplinary research centres of excellence: Materials & Surface Science Institute- MSSI (www.ul.ie/mssi); The Irish Software Engineering Research Centre- Lero (www.lero.ie); Institute for the Study of Knowledge in Society- ISKS (www.ul.ie/isks); and Stokes Research Institute (www.stokes.ie).

The CSIS Department offers six taught postgraduate courses in the following areas: Computing, Software Engineering, Music Technology, Interactive Media, Global Computing and Localisation, and Health Informatics. Also available is a Structured PhD in Software Engineering from the renowned LERO Research Centre (www.lero.ie). The vast majority of these programmes have attracted substantial funding under the Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, which results in reduced fees for EU-students.

Facilities include two dedicated laboratories for fourth year students, one of which is an iMac laboratory. Taught postgraduate students have three specialist laboratories - a planned Games laboratory will be equipped with PCs and X-boxes.

Recording studio requirements are met by state-of-the-art digital music and media facilities at the Centre for Computational Musicology and Computer Music (www.ccmcm.ie).

The Dept of Computer Science and Information Systems is committed to cutting edge research. Apart from LERO and CCMCM, other centres of research excellence are the Interaction Design Centre (www.idc.ul.ie), the Localisation Research Centre (www.localisation.ie), and the Biocomputing and Developmental Systems Group (http://bds.ul.ie/).

CSIS is always striving to foster strong links with industry. These links include employment of current students (Cooperative Education) and graduates (Careers Service), research and consultancy, provision of guest speakers, sponsorship of prizes, industry participation on course advisory boards, and more.

institUtes of technology Profiles Athlone Institute of Technology Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Tel: + 353 (0)90 646 8000 Fax: + 353 (0)90 646 8148 Email: admissions@ait.ie Web: www.ait.ie

Cork Institute of Technology Engineering Department , Admissions Office, Bishopstown, Cork Tel: +353 (0)21 432 6142 / 6769 Fax: +353 (0)21 454 5343 E-mail: admissions@cit.ie Web: www.cit.ie

Dublin Institute of Technology Postgraduate Admissions Office, Dublin Institute of Technology, 143 – 149 Rathmines Road, Dublin 6, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)1 402 3434 Fax: +353 (0)1 402 3431 E-mail: postgraduate@dit.ie Web: www.dit.ie/postgraduate

Dundalk Institute of Technology The Admissions Office, Dundalk IT, Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co Louth Tel: +353 (0)42 937 0208 E-mail: admissions@dkit.ie Web: ww2.dkit.ie/student_life/admissions/ postgraduates

Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) is a leading higher education institution located in the midlands of Ireland. AIT is home to 6,000 students representing over 50 different nationalities.

Achievements on the global stage and partnerships with 240 international universities and colleges are balanced with strong education, research and industry networks at home.

AIT offers taught and research-based postgraduate programmes up to PhD level in engineering, science, humanities and business. Taught programmes include Master’s degrees in business, accounting, an MBA, child and youth care, advanced social care practice, software engineering, and environmental health and safety management. Similarly a number of HDip opportunities exist in business, computing and nursing.

Research opportunities are available through AIT’s three strategic research institutes in materials (MRI), bioscience (BRI) and software (SRI) research. Further research clusters exist within the four Schools. The research institutes have developed international collaborations with leading multinational companies and universities in Europe, Asia and the US, and have attracted significant, multimillion euro funding. A new postgraduate research hub includes purpose-built research workspace, seminar and social space.

In 2010 AIT launched a President’s Seed Research Fund valued at €750,000, creating 30 MSc and PhD positions across all faculties.

Every year a growing number of graduates choose Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) as their preferred destination for postgraduate education. Whether pursuing a research or taught Masters or PhD, you can expect to work on solving complex problems in cutting edge research and innovation across a range of disciplines, with the support of expert staff that will guide and mentor you along your chosen career path. Programmes are available in Engineering, Science, Computing, Business, Humanities, Maritime, Art and Music.

CIT boasts state-of-the-art buildings and laboratories with world-class facilities that enable postgraduate students to reach their full potential. CIT research staff and leaders have attracted funding for activities from industry and a wide range of National, European and international programmes. This means that in areas of CIT research interest and expertise, financial support in the form of payment of fees and student grants may be available to successful Masters and PhD programme applicants.

For information about postgraduate opportunities at CIT, contact the School of Graduate Studies. Postgraduate opportunities are advertised regularly in the local and national press and they are also posted on the Institute’s website.

Dublin Institute of Technology combines the academic excellence of a traditional university with career-focused learning and preparation for productive leadership roles. It is one of Ireland’s largest and most diverse third level institutions.

DIT offers a broad spectrum of postgraduate programmes in research at masters and doctoral level and taught courses at masters, postgraduate diploma and postgraduate certificate level across its six faculties: Applied Arts, Built Environment, Business, Engineering, Science, Tourism and Food. Taught postgraduate courses are available on both a full-time and parttime basis.

DIT has a strong commitment to the development and support of the knowledge economy and a proactive approach to building successful links with industry.

Research is a vital component of the Institute’s activities and is carried out in each of its six faculties and also at the various Research and Development Centres associated with DIT. In a massive development project, all the different DIT departments and locations are to be brought together in the new Grangegorman campus. This will amalgamate all existing DIT academic activities and offer a range of new facilities, including sporting and recreational amenities, performance and exhibition space, industry incubation and innovation space, and significant student residential accommodation.

Established in 1970 and expanding all the time, the Dundalk Institute of Technology offers a wide range of programmes across a variety of disciplines.

The Institute offers a number of postgraduate options, full-time and part-time, on both a taught and research basis.

Taught postgraduate courses are offered in the areas of Computing, Music and Music Technology, Business Studies in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Business Administration, Nursing (Orthopaedic, Mental Health, General, Intellectual Disability), Quality Management, and Renewable Energies Technology.

Research is also very important at Dundalk IT and the campus is home to a number of designated research centres – including the Centre for Research in Music, Netwell Centre, Centre for Community and Social Innovation, Centre for Renewable Energy at Dundalk IT (CREDIT), Software Technology Research Centre, Centre for Freshwater Studies, and Smooth Muscle Research Centre.

Dundalk IT is a top research and development income performer in the Institutes of Technology sector, which is a measure of the R&D activity being undertaken as well as the success of the Institute’s Research Strategy over the past few years.

Postgraduate students at the Institute benefit from high levels of peer support and intensive staff engagement from within a growing postgraduate community.

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PROFILES Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin Tel: 00353 (0)1 239 4000 Fax: 00353 (0)1 239 4700 Email: postgraduate@iadt.ie Web: www.iadt.ie

Galway - Mayo Institute of Technology Admissions Office, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway Tel: +353 (0)91 742 305 Fax: +353 (0)91 751 107 E-mail: info@gmit.ie Web: www.gmit.ie

Institute of Technology, Carlow Admissions, Kilkenny Road, Co. Carlow, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)59 917 5000 E-mail: info@itcarlow.ie Fax: +353 (0)59 917 5005 Web: www.itcarlow.ie

IT Sligo Ash Lane, Sligo Tel: +353 (0)71 915 5222 Fax: +353 (0)71 916 0475 E-mail: info@itsligo.ie Web: www.itsligo.ie Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsligo

Institute of Technology Tralee Tralee, Co Kerry P: 066 714 5638 F: 066 712 5711 E: info@staff.ittralee.ie W: www.ittralee.ie

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown Blanchardstown Road North, Dublin 15, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)1 885 1000 E-mail: info@itb.ie Fax: +353 (0)1 885 1001 Web: www.itb.ie

30 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

IADT’s vision is to be at the forefront of teaching, research and innovation at the convergence of the arts, technology and enterprise and to contribute to Ireland’s development and creative knowledge economy.

Organised in three schools – Business and Humanities, Creative Arts and Creative Technologies – IADT is also home to the internationally recognised National Film School.

IADT invites applications to its taught postgraduate programmes: Business in Cultural Event Management, Public Culture Studies, Screenwriting for Film & Television, Visual Arts Practices, Broadcast Production for Radio and Television, Digital Media and Cyberpsychology.

IADT’s three research priorities are Creative Arts and Media (areas of specialisation include Visual Cultures, Art and the Moving Image and Material Cultures); Public Cultures/Entrepreneurship (specialisations include Work Identities, Female Entrepreneurship and Ethnicity, Critiques of Public Policy and Practices and Public Cultures and Critiques) and Psychology/Human Technology Interaction (specialisations include mLearning and eLearning, Assistive Technologies, Accessibility and Cyberpsychology).

As an award-winning Digital Media organisation – derived from a strong track record in merging creativity, technology and enterprise – IADT is uniquely placed to provide enterprise development training and incubation to fledgling digital media enterprises.

GMIT traces its origins back to September 1972, when the first students entered the new Regional Technical College building on Dublin Road, Galway. Since then GMIT has grown to become a modern Institute of Technology with over 9,000 students and was named as the Institute of Technology of the Year 2007 by The Sunday Times.

The largest campus is situated in Galway and it offers a variety of courses across its faculties of Business, Humanities, Hotel and Catering, Engineering and Science. The Castlebar campus specialises in outdoor education and health science; Letterfrack in furniture design and manufacture; Mountbellew in agriculture; and Cluain Mhuire in Galway City in film, television, and art & design.

GMIT is involved in a host of research activities and has a growing research community of over 550 academic staff and researchers. There are over 80 full-time researchers currently pursuing masters and PhD awards within GMIT – supported by externally awarded funding from national and EU programmes.

The latest strategic plan for GMIT foresees an exciting future including the provision of a new School of Engineering, and the improvement of research infrastructure and student services throughout the Institute.

IT Carlow’s campus is situated on the banks of the river Barrow just five minutes walk from the centre of town. The Institute has a student body of almost 5,000 and an academic staff of 400. The Institute provides a wide range of Doctoral, Masters, Degree and Certificate programmes in Science and Health, Engineering, Computing, Business and Humanities. Modern internet communications means that there is no disadvantage to studying outside the major cities, but instead carries obvious advantages of lower accommodation costs, shorter travel times and cleaner air.

Following the recent completion of a major campus development programme, the next phase in the Institute’s planned development involves expansion of student social and recreational facilities, including enhanced medical and counselling facilities, clubs and society rooms, and a new health and fitness centre. A wide range of student services are provided including: Accommodation, Counselling, Access, Health Centre, Tutor system, Health & Fitness Centre, Careers Service, Sports and Clubs and Societies which encourage and facilitate personal development.

IT Carlow’s Wexford Campus is located in the thriving county town of Wexford, overlooking Wexford Town and the sea.

IT Carlow have been providing full time courses in Wexford since 1995 and now offers courses to degree level in Business, Humanities, Art and Architectural Technology.

Located in the North West of Ireland, IT Sligo provides a comprehensive range of courses across a broad range of subjects at all levels.

With over 6,000 full-time, apprentice and part-time students, IT Sligo has a modern, vibrant campus and achieved second place in the highly influential 2011 Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year League Table.

IT Sligo offers a selection of taught postgraduate programmes, including a Postgraduate Diploma and an MSc in Environmental Protection, an MSc in Environmental Health and Safety Management, and an MBA. The Institute also offers Masters by research and PhD opportunities across a number of areas in Engineering, Science, and Business and Humanities. It has developed many links with local and national business and industry, providing students with many opportunities for work experience during study.

Students have access to a top class-learning environment, including lecture theatres, laboratories, studios and workshops, fitted with modern scientific, engineering and business equipment. The Institute also boasts a new three storey library.

IT Sligo provides many services and supports to assist students with their lives outside of the classroom. The dedicated student centre offers many useful health, counseling, careers and graduate services. A new multi-purpose centre provides a comprehensive range of sporting and social areas, including a flood lit astro turf facility.

The Institute of Technology, Tralee has been to the forefront of learning since its establishment, gaining a reputation as a centre of distinction for teaching, learning and research. The Institute offers a range of full-time and part-time courses ranging from foundation level, through to certificate, degree, postgraduate and doctoral level.

The Institute offers opportunities for suitably qualified honours graduates to pursue postgraduate study to masters and/or PhD level. Taught postgraduate courses are offered in the areas of Business (MBA), Computing and Sciences. The Research Institute has established several research centres and has won significant research funding.

The Institute of Technology, Tralee in conjunction with its partners on campus, Kerry Technology Park and the Tom Crean Business Incubation Centre, is focused on establishing the region as a leader in education, innovation and enterprise.

Research plays a critical part in all three. The Institute, in conjunction with its partners and private companies from the region, have developed several research centres on campus, which will contribute substantially to the economic growth of the region over the next several years.

The Institute is committed to maintaining a high level of research activity and to further developing its collaborative links with industry and with educational and research institutions internationally.

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown is one of Ireland’s newest third level institutions and has developed quickly with new facilities and over 3,000 students. ITB is consistently achieving high standards of relevance and quality in teaching, research, development and consultancy.

ITB offers a number of postgraduate course options, including an MBS, MSc in Computing in Information Security and Digital Forensics and in Business Intelligence and Data Mining, MSc in Technology Entrepreneurship and a Higher Diploma in Science in Computing.

The Institute has also established itself as a significant member of the research community within the higher education sector in Ireland. The campus is home to the LINC (Learning and Innovation Centre) where knowledge-transfer activities such as training, R&D and enterprise support takes place. Many of ITB’s research projects have been run in conjunction with industry partners, whereby ITB carries out specific research for an industrial partner or it can take the form of individual postgraduate research projects. The Graphics and Gaming Research Group, for example, has been successful in winning funding for several externally funded projects.

ITB has also received funding as part of the Technological Sector Postgraduate R&D Skills Training Programme and also from Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership and Innovation Voucher scheme.

PROFILES ITT Dublin (formerly known as IT Tallaght) Tallaght, Dublin 24 Tel: +353 (0)1 404 2000 E-mail: info@ittdublin.ie Fax: +353 (0)1 404 2700 Web: www.ittdublin.ie

Letterkenny Institute of Technology Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)74 918 6000 E-mail: info@lyit.ie Fax: +353 (0)74 918 6005 Web: www.lyit.ie

Limerick Institute of Technology Institute Admissions Office, Moylish Park, Limerick, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)61 208262 E-mail: admissions@lit.ie Fax: +353 (0)61 208209 Web: www.lit.ie

Waterford Institute of Technology The Postgraduate Studies Office, WIT, Waterford, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)51 302000 E-mail: info@wit.ie Web: www.wit.ie

The Institute of Technology Tallaght first opened its doors in 1992 and today has approximately 4,000 students.

The Institute offers flexible higher education programmes across three schools – Business & Humanities, Science & Computing and Engineering.

ITT Dublin has an active postgraduate programme with both doctoral and masters level programmes. Strong links have been developed with industry, government and semi-state bodies and other higher education institutions both in Ireland and internationally.

As part of the €9 million PRTLI funded Centre for Applied Science for Health the Institute is creating a dedicated science research building. Under the CASH umbrella, centres at ITT Dublin include the Centre for Pharmaceutical Research & Development, Centre for Electroanalytical Technology, Centre of microbial host interactions and the Bio-Pharmaceutical and Neutraceuticals Research Centre.

Also at the Institute is the National Centre for Franco-Irish Studies and the Integrated Product and Process Design Centre.

Research areas in computing include Social Media Analysis, Biological System Simulation & Visualisation, Supercomputing Systems Modelling, Load Systems Analysis and Mobile Systems Analysis.

The Institute also has an extensive range of clubs and societies, which include swimming, lifesaving, aerobics, adventure sports, debating, paintball, photography, and contemporary dance. Other facilities available at the Institute include a careers and appointments service, the chaplaincy, a health centre and a student counsellor.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology has been providing higher education in Co. Donegal since 1971 and currently has over 2,000 full-time students.

Postgraduate researchers at LYIT currently undertake significant research work in areas such as Business, Multimedia, Engineering, IT, and Environmental Protection. In addition to its research activities, LYIT also offers taught postgraduate programmes in fields such as Accounting, Marketing, Business, Motion Graphics, Computer Games Development, and Nursing.

Research and development activity has been financially assisted through the Enterprise Ireland Applied Research Grants (ARP) Scheme. LYIT is committed to facilitating and encouraging involvement in research, consultancy and development work.

LYIT has been expanded significantly in recent times – it now boasts sports and recreation facilities in a new, multi-purpose centre, which also houses the student union and a whole host of clubs and societies, including diving, hill walking, canoeing, basketball and law.

The Institute also offers a health service free to all students, which consists of a college medical centre staffed by a doctor, nurse and professional counsellor. Other facilities include a two-floor library with seating for 300 and 55 networked PCs and a floodlit football ground.

imerick IT was established in 1992 and was named the institute of technology of the year for 2008 by the Sunday Times.

There are now more than 6,500 students enrolled on full-time and part-time courses.

Research and development play an integral role in LIT’s activities and particular importance is given to the interaction of the institute with local and international industry and business. The Institute has a number of research centres, including the Irish National Software Ergonomics Research Centre, the Midwest Bioanalysis Research Centre and the Envirosense Research Centre.

LIT postgraduate researchers work in a diverse range of subjects, including ceramics, multimedia, e-business, marketing, software development, analytical chemistry, power electronics and industrial automation. The Institute also offers a range of taught postgraduate programmes.

Students at the Institute have access to excellent facilities including the Aula Maxima and Millennium Theatres, the e-Learning Resource Centre and impressive sports facilities.

Work was recently completed on a €9 million refurbishment of Limerick School of Art and Design, while the Moylish campus is also set to benefit from a €12.9 million investment in a new Learning and Information Resource Centre.

Waterford Institute of Technology was established in 1970 and awarded IT status in 1998. WIT is now the major provider of higher education in Ireland’s South East region, with over 10,000 full-time and part-time students.

The Institute offers a broad range of taught and research Masters and PhD programmes across a variety of disciplines: Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities and Science. It is home to over 20 dedicated research centres in areas as diverse as Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Newfoundland and Labrador Studies.

New developments at WIT’s four campuses around Waterford city include the state-of-the-art library and information technology centre and the Carriganore estate which houses research and innovation facilities, a student village and extensive sports and recreation grounds.

As well as providing for students academically, WIT also looks after their social and recreational needs. It has been at the forefront of many inter college sporting events in recent years, with success in athletics, camogie, football, hurling, rugby and soccer, as well as in the Higher Education Sports Federation and Intervarsity games.

other college Profiles All Hallows College Postgraduate Office, All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland Tel: 00 353 1 852 0756 E-mail: postgrad@allhallows.ie Web: www.allhallows.ie

Independent Colleges 60-63 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 6725058 Fax: +353 (0)1 6351120 Web: www.independentcolleges.ie Email: info@independentcolleges.ie

All Hallows College is a third level college, with degrees validated and accredited by DCU. The wide range of staff research interests, and recently upgraded library facilities, have contributed to making All Hallows College a thriving centre of postgraduate studies in philosophy, theology, pastoral care, spirituality, behavioural sciences, social justice, leadership and management in community and voluntary services. The community of scholarship in All Hallows is characterised by a rich diversity of experience, culture and expert knowledge. Staff and postgraduate students share a strong working partnership in exploring frontier questions with the distinctive academic resources that are at the heart of the mission of the College.

Current Postgraduate opportunities focus on leadership and management in the pastoral arena, the community and voluntary sector and on a critical dialogue between public policy and social justice. Three new programmes introduced in 2010 are Applied Christian Spirituality, which applies the resources of spirituality to just and sustainable living, Supervisory Practice, which provides practical training in core supervisory skills and Ecology & Religion, which explores how religious philosophies can make connections between the health of the planet and the well-being of all creatures. Research opportunities at Masters and PhD level in these and related areas are also offered.

Independent College Dublin is a dynamic, goal focused, career orientated third level institution offering an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate diploma and degree programmes alongside professional courses. The college is located in the heart of Dublin city centre, and is surrounded by cultural, and leisure attractions. The campus has 22 purpose-built lecture rooms across 28,000 square feet of teaching space, an –on-site library, computer laboratories and cafe. The college is part of Independent News and Media PLC. The College focuses on programmes that are relevant to today’s challenging workplace, allowing our students to develop personally, professionally and academically in a supportive environment. Our Faculties include Accountancy, Law, Arts & Psychotherapy, Business and Media & Journalism. Programmes range from short evening courses to postgraduate degrees that train people to the highest standards. Our programmes are internationally recognised and are validated by a range of institutions including HETAC, ACCA, the King’s Inns, the University of the West of England and the Institute of Commercial Management.

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PROFILES Griffith College Postgraduate Admissions Office, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 Tel: 01 415 0400 Fax: 01 454 9595 Web: www.gcd.ie or www.gcc.ie (Cork) E-mail: admissions@gcd.ie or admissions@gcc.ie (Cork)

Hibernia College 2 Clare Street, Dublin 2.

Web: www.hiberniacollege.net Email: academicaffairs@hiberniacollege.net Phone: 01 6610168 Fax: 01 6610162

IBAT College 16-19 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland Forster Way, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland Contact Grainne Hurley, MBA Manager Tel: +353 1 807 5055 E-mail: enquiry@ibat.ie Web:www.ibat.ie

Postgraduate Study at the Whitaker School of Government and Management at the IPA 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4.

Tel: +353 (0)1 2403600 Email: educ@ipa.ie Fax: +353 (0)1 668 9135 Web: www.ipa.ie

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If you want to set yourself apart from other graduates, come to Griffith College (Dublin/Cork/Limerick) for your postgraduate study and avail of expert advice from experienced lecturers, gain the practical skills to implement your learning in the workplace and improve your knowledge and confidence in learning by doing in the classroom.

Griffith College Dublin (GCD) is Ireland’s largest independent third-level institution, located conveniently on Dublin’s Southside and serviced by all major transport links. Griffith currently has over 8,000 students on a full-time and part-time basis and is a designated educational institute of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC).

Griffith College offers taught, career-focused MA, MSc and MBA programmes in a range of disciplines including Computing Science, Applied Digital Media, International Law, Journalism & Media Communications, Music Education, International Business and Accounting & Finance. September 2011 saw Griffith College launch Ireland’s only MA in Interior Architecture Design. All programmes are externally validated and internationally recognised.

The GCD award-winning School of Professional Accountancy runs programmes designed to prepare students for the ACCA exams, while Griffith’s exemplary Professional Law School runs a highly sought after part-time intensive preparatory course for part one of the Law Society’s Final Examinations (FE1). An LLM in International Law was added to the Law School’s portfolio of programmes in 2009.

Griffith College’s facilities include free on-site car parking, library & support services, computer labs, photographic darkrooms, radio broadcasting studios, a bar and restaurant and fitness room. Griffith Recruitment is also located on campus, matching graduates to prospective employers and assisting in CV preparation etc. The full time students’ union provides advice on accommodation, health, welfare, financial and academic matters free of charge.

Hibernia College is a HETAC accredited, third-level college offering online education programmes designed to address the growing demand for flexible, cost-effective education unrestricted by location or time. The college offers a blended learning format combining the advantages of interactive, online content with the proven qualities of face-to-face tuition.

Current courses include: Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education (HETAC) Academically accredited by HETAC and professionally accredited by the Teaching Council, this course is for primary degree holders who wish to become qualified primary school teachers. It is delivered using a blend of online and onsite tuition.

Higher Diploma in Arts in Post Primary Education (HETAC) Academically accredited by HETAC and professionally accredited by the Teaching Council, this course is for primary degree holders who wish to become qualified post primary (second level) school teachers. It is delivered using a blend of online and onsite tuition.

MA in Teaching & Learning (HETAC) This programme provides practicing primary and post-primary teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deal with current issues in the modern classroom. It is delivered 100% online.

LLM in International Business Law (in partnership with Birmingham City University) Delivered 100% online in partnership with Birmingham City University this Masters is designed for professionals from legal and other backgrounds who wish to advance their careers through a greater understanding of corporate and business law and practice from an international perspective.

MSc in Pharmaceutical Medicine (HETAC, IFAPP) This programme provides an understanding of the entire drug development process. Students will also gain valuable management expertise required for senior positions in the pharmaceutical industry. It is delivered online with the option to take some modules onsite.

IBAT College is a specialist 3rd level institute run by professionals for professionals. They know the skills you need to position yourself for success in the business world.

Their lecturers have strong industry backgrounds and contacts and the college endeavours to build industry relationships with Irelands leading employers via guest lectures, career events, mentorship programmes, company sponsors and more.

You will be given continuous opportunities to network with business leaders and global employers ensuring you maximise your return on investment. With students traveling from USA, South Africa, UK, Spain and China you will gain a global network which will provide real benefit in today’s competitive marketplace.

Established in 2004, IBAT has been successfully delivering a full suite of business programmes from its Swords campus and has recently opened a second campus in the heart of Dublin.

The Whitaker School of Government and Management at the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) offers a wide range of part-time postgraduate programmes. Delivered through a blend of distance education and weekend seminars, these programmes are designed to allow adult students remain in full-time employment or attend to other aspects of their lives while working toward a high-level qualification. Postgraduate study at the Whitaker School furnishes graduates with significant expertise in the broad fields of management and governance.

Whitaker School programmes are accredited by University College Dublin (UCD), as the IPA is a recognised college of UCD. Both the IPA and UCD are part of the wider National University of Ireland network. Postgraduate programmes at the Whitaker School sit at levels nine and ten on Ireland’s ten-point National Framework of Qualifications.

With over 50 years’ experience in providing third-level qualifications, the IPA knows what busy adult learners need when returning to education: programmes that meet their professional needs, flexible study methods, and a truly supportive learning environment.

The Whitaker School offers the following postgraduate programmes: Professional Certificate in Governance Postgraduate Certificates Postgraduate Diploma in Policy Analysis Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management Master of Arts Criminal Justice Financial Management Healthcare Management Human Resource Management Leadership and Strategy Local Government Management Public Management MSc in Business and Management MEconSc in Policy Analysis Doctorate in Governance

PROFILES Kimmage Development Studies Centre Holy Ghost College, Kimmage Manor, Whitehall Road, Dublin 12, Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 1 406 4386 / 4064380 Fax: +353 (0) 1 406 4388 Web: www.kimmagedsc.ie E-mail: info@kimmagesc.ie

The Honorable Society of King’s Inns Henrietta Street, Dublin 1 Web: www.kingsinns.ie Tel: +353 1 874 4840 Fax: +353 1 872 6048

Royal College of Surgeons RCSI Institute of Leadership, Reservoir Hiouse, Ballymoss road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Tel: 01 4028655.

E-mail: leadership@rcsi.ie Web: www.rcsileadership.org

Tyndall National Institute, UCC Graduate Studies Coordinator, Tyndall National Institute, UCC, Dyke Parade, Cork Email: orla.slattery@tyndall.ie Web: www.tyndall.ie Tel: 021 4904174

ULearning Enterprise Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick Phone: 061 213 3360 Web: www.ul.ie/ulearning Email: ulearning@ul.ie

Kimmage DSC has provided courses in development studies since 1974 and has a strong reputation in Ireland and abroad. It offers multidisciplinary programmes at undergraduate (BA) and post graduate (MA) levels. Options for study exist on both a full time and part time basis. Students gain from a unique combination of studies, which aim to combine the practical and the theoretical, the academic and the skill based. Traditional development studies courses, such as Development Economics, Sociology of Development, and Anthropology, are complemented by subjects which have a large training, active learning and skills based component, such as Adult Education, Leadership Skills, and Project Planning and Management.

Kimmage DSC offers an intercultural and experience-based learning environment where participants can learn from and build long lasting relationships and friendships with a diverse group of active and committed people. The ethos and identity of Kimmage DSC is embodied in an approach based on participatory learning and critical thinking that seeks to empower participants.

Graduates of Kimmage DSC have gone on to work in areas such as community and rural development, human rights and advocacy, and development eduction. These include staff in Irish and international development agencies (NGOs), as well as in the voluntary and community development sector in Ireland.

All programmes run in Kimmage DSC are accredited by the HETAC (www.hetac.ie).

The Honorable Society of King’s Inns is the oldest institution of legal education in Ireland having been established in 1541. The School of Law is the only provider of professional training to prospective barristers in Ireland. A few minutes walk from the centre of Dublin the King’s Inns School of Law provides two courses; the Diploma in Legal Studies and the Barrister-at-Law degree course.

The Diploma of Legal Studies course is the first stage of training for those who wish to take the entrance examination for the Barrister-at-Law Degree course, but who do not hold an approved law degree. The Barrister-at-Law degree is the Vocational stage of training for the Bar of Ireland. The training is practical and challenging with the focus being on producing accomplished future barristers. Tutors are barristers who retain strong links to practice. As well as the formal side to education at King’s Inns, there are social and sporting events and mooting and debating competitions (internal, domestic and international) arranged by the Law Students Debating Society of Ireland. King’s Inns has many eminent alumni including former presidents of Ireland and other countries, Taoisigh, members of the judiciary and barristers in practice throughout the world.

King’s Inns has recently added to its portfolio of courses with the Advanced Diploma in Legislative Drafting. Diplomas in Legal Translation and Lawyer Linguist, through Irish (supported by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs) are also offered at King’s Inns.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is a dynamic international institution dedicated to improving human health through endeavour, innovation and collaboration in education, research and service. The College was founded in 1784, originally to train surgeons and its activities have expanded to include Ireland’s largest medical school with over 2,500 students from 60 countries.

As part of the National University of Ireland, the College also provides undergraduate education in pharmacy and physiotherapy. Through its Postgraduate Faculties, School of Postgraduate Studies and the Institute of Leadership, the College provides postgraduate education and training in dentistry, leadership, management, nursing, radiology, science, sports medicine and surgery. RCSI is a major centre for research in translational medicine which focuses exclusively on bringing research findings from the laboratory to patients and the community. The College is an international organisation with its headquarters in Dublin, a University in Bahrain, campuses in Dubai and Penang and additional activities in the United States, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Tradition and innovation are the hallmarks of the RCSI’s mission and the College is proud of its continuing growth and its contribution, both nationally and internationally, to the improvement of the human condition.

Tyndall National Institute, UCC is one of Europe’s leading research centres, specialising in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hardware. Tyndall has a critical mass of over 450 researchers, engineers, students and support staff placing a particular emphasis on quality, accomplishment and the delivery to Ireland of value from research. Tyndall provides postgraduate research in Photonics, Micro-nanoelectronics, Microsystems, and Theory, Modelling & Design. Research programmes range from theoretical modelling and design to novel material, nanotechnology, device processing and fabrication, packaging and integration; and novel systems incorporating these new devices.

Tyndall hosts more than 130 postgraduate students from multi-disciplinary backgrounds including Microelectronics, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering and other relevant science and engineering disciplines. Tyndall offers a wide range of research and structured PhD programmes.

Tyndall provides world-class facilities and the opportunity to work alongside internationally renowned senior researchers. Cutting edge research projects with national and international collaborations involve interaction with industry, including mentoring and scholarship programmes and placement schemes. Multidisciplinary research teams work in an environment that enables exciting converging technology solutions.

Students enjoy excellent sports and recreational facilities, with an active sports and social club. All in all, the Tyndall National Institute represents a multi-cultural and vibrant student experience!

Established in 2008, ULearning is a blended learning development unit within the University of Limerick that specialises in continuous professional development. It is an innovative connector of industry and academia, addressing individual and corporate skills gaps through flexible professional learning. ULearning courses allow progression from Specialist Diplomas (SD) to Masters (MSc), and on to Professional PhD at your own pace.

Benefits of ULearning programmes include the ability to earn professional industry certifications and academic qualifications while at work, and to design your own course with content based on your needs.

Delivery includes on campus, distance education, physical labs, tutorials & workshops, and technology enabled peer learning: all supported by learning facilitators and course coordinators.

Courses for 2012 are: Postgraduate: MSc in Lean Sigma Systems and MSc in Technology Management, and SDs in the following areas: Technology Commercialisation, Innovation Management, Lean Systems, Six Sigma, Lean Healthcare Systems, Supply Chain Management.

Undergraduate: Diploma and BSc in Science & Technology Studies, Supply Chain Management, Process Technology, Environmental Sustainability, Medical Device Science, Mechanical Design, and Quality Systems.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 33

NUI MayNooth GRaDUatE SChooL 2012–2013 pRoGRaMMES

aRtS, CELtIC StUDIES & phILoSophy

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

SoCIaL SCIENCES

Ancient Classics Celtic Studies English, Media & Theatre Studies History Modern Languages, Literatures & Cultures Music Philosophy The Language Centre An Foras Feasa

Biology Chemistry Computer Science Electronic Engineering Experimental Physics Mathematics & Statistics Mathematical Physics Psychology Hamilton Institute Institute of Immunology Callan Institute National Centre for Geocomputation (NCG)

Adult & Community Education Anthropology Applied Social Studies Business Economics, Finance & Accounting Education Geography Law Sociology Innovation Value Institute (IVI) National Institute for Regional & Spatial Analysis (NIRSA)

poStGRaDUatE MaStERS, DIpLoMaS & CERtICatES CoURSES, RESEaRCh MaStERS & phD RESEaRCh pRoGRaMMES

Contact us or call into our office Graduate Studies Office John Hume Building, North Campus NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare Email graduatestudies@nuim.ie Tel 01 708 6018 Web http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie

STUDY & RESEARCH

Study & Research Arts & Humanities

Health & Medical

English

37

Healthcare Management

59

Development Studies

38

Medical Science

60

History

39

Nursing

61

Languages

40

Medicine for Graduates

62

Sociology & Social Policy

41

Psychology

63

Political Science

42

Theology & Religious Studies

43

Social Work & Counselling

64

Geography

44

Psychotherapy

65

Creative Arts & Media

Business & Law Accounting

45

Finance

46

Marketing

47

Law

48

The MBA

50

Computing & Information Technology

Art & Design

67

Journalism

68

Film & Broadcasting

69

Performing Arts

70

Education Education

71

Primary Teaching

72

Secondary Teaching

73

Special Educational Needs

74

Software Development & Engineering

53

Informatics

54

Computer Science

56

Science & Engineering

Games Development

57

Biostechnology

75

Engineering

76

Environmental Studies

77

Food Science

78

Pharmaceutical Studies

79

Physics

80

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 35

?

Which web resource lists every single postgraduate option in Ireland?

www.postgrad.ie Media Agriculture Business Humanities Health Law Science Environment Guidance Forum And More...

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Arts & Humanities English English at a postgraduate level is on a very different scale to that of degree courses. For example, a student with experience of English at third level will know that one semester may concentrate on American Short Fiction where writers such as Jack London and Tobias Wolff might be looked at briefly. In a postgraduate course an entire year could be dedicated to the genre of short stories and the level of discussion and investigation would be far greater and more indepth. Therefore, the most essential characteristic for any potential entrant into a course in this area is an insatiable love of reading and the English language. A true interest in the subject will make the degree of intensity and attention to detail seem less intimidating and tiresome. The most important element is to choose an area that you are most likely to retain an affection for, even when poring over miniscule typing in the small hours of a Tuesday morning.

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he choice of subject matter is as diverse as you would expect from an area where personal taste plays such a key role. Some examples of popular topics would be Creative Writing, Historical Literature, Children’s Literature and Modern Literature.

Taught programmes follow a similar design to degrees and are not a million miles away from learning through lectures. In most of these courses the year is divided into seminars and workshops as well as independent research. Work is usually marked on the merit of long essays and a dissertation rather than on an exam basis.

Most are year long courses taught through full time learning. While you do have to stay within the spectrum of your course title, e.g. Gender and Literature, the opportunity and freedom to choose a more specific subject matter from the broad spectrum of texts is yours. A big advantage of this format is the presence of the seminars, which greatly help postgrad students by instilling discipline and guidance.

than what the student will have experienced at undergraduate level. This allows a lot more room for discussion, experimentation and interaction with peers, as well as maintaining the student’s mental and social wellbeing as they wade into the deeper waters of postgraduate research. In addition, adds Dr McCarthy, the MA dissertation is often a ‘breeding ground’ for ideas for potential theses topics.

Employment opportunities for taught and research English postgraduates are diverse. The research skills honed and developed throughout the programme’s duration are valued in any

industry. It will be apparent to a prospective employer that the student is capable, organised, motivated, and of course, a master of the English language. Interestingly, a survey has revealed that over half of the country’s top employers are dissatisfied with the writing and communication skills of Irish graduates: an area where English postgraduates should be particularly competent.

In addition to this they will be demonstrating that they are accomplished in acting independently and have the instinct to make a jungle of information concise and accessible.

Those who are confident in their ability to self-motivate might be interested in considering a research programme. Considering the length of PhD thesis (which can demand a word count in the region 80,000 words), enough emphasis cannot be placed on the need for rigorously efficient methods of research.

Most research students according to Dr Conor McCarthy, Director of English Research in NUI Maynooth, have their eye on an academic career. Only those who have a particular kind of ‘vocational drive’ achieve this goal he says, but many others progress to excellent careers in government, journalism, etc. Students form a ‘crucial relationship’ with their assigned supervisor according to Dr McCarthy. Despite this support however, he says young scholars can find it ‘tough’ toiling for the most part alone at unearthing the original research worthy of a thesis. For this reason, Dr McCarthy believes the developmental atmosphere of a taught MA is good preparation for the academic rigour of a PhD. Taught MA classes are typically much smaller The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 37

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Development Studies The well-reported difficulties in managing the many aid and development projects in third world countries highlights the need for qualified professionals in development.

Students of development studies are taught the causes of underdevelopment, which can be social, economic, cultural, political, or environmental in nature; and the various forms that these problems assume in different contexts around the world – from food security and conflict resolution, to human rights and environmental sustainability. By examining these different situations, students are introduced to the developmental policies that are in place and the possible alternatives.

of Limerick, but there are lots of related postgraduate programmes available elsewhere.

UCC’s MA in European Development Studies for instance, examines development issues in a purely European context.

Readers who are particularly interested in development careers that are a little closer to home can avail of postgraduate programmes in DIT (Community & Local Development) and NUI Galway (Community Development). The courses provide a practical and theoretical understanding of the issues faced by underdeveloped communities in particular. Students learn how to collect and analyse socio-economic data, to understand communal development in terms of regional policy, and the practical management skills needed to bring about positive change in the community.

’There is no single approach to, or theory of, development,’ states Tom Campbell, Registrar and Lecturer in the Kimmage Development Studies Centre, ‘but many agencies working in the field would aim to ensure that whatever interventions they bring are designed to reduce the vulnerability and strengthen the livelihoods of the poor. This can only be done by working in partnership with governments and local communities in a sustainable and participatory way.’

Aside from a theoretical understanding, postgraduate programmes will also provide students with the practical skills required to work in the development sector. These might include project management, problem solving, leadership and motivational skills. The development of research ability is another key element, with students learning both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in preparation for compiling their dissertation. Given the nature of the subject, it is not surprising that possible dissertation topics range widely, from ownership of natural resources in Mongolia to the role of NGOs in peace building in Columbia.

Career prospects are good according to Tom Campbell: ‘despite the economic downturn, the development sector remains a vibrant and essential part of Ireland’s relations with the wider world. Our graduates have gone on to work with Irish and international development aid agencies, usually working as programme officer or at management level. Others have opted to work

Name: Mairead Heffron Course: MA in Development Studies College: Kimmage Development Studies Centre What I especially enjoyed about being a student in Kimmage DSC was the informal approach to learning and the time given to share experiences with classmates. This was especially useful as many of the classmates, especially those from abroad were already engaged in development work.

The frequent use of participatory approaches instead of a traditional lecture style was

38 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

in community development, or development education (creating awareness of global development) here in Ireland, working with a variety of governmental and nongovernmental organisations.’

Another attraction of Development Studies is its international perspective, which means that graduates can find themselves working in farflung locations on any continent. Students who engage in PhD level studies routinely travel to the area that is the object of their research. Fourth level qualifications are also extremely useful for developing the professional development of people already working in the development sector.

Dedicated Development Studies courses are available to study in DCU, UCD, Kimmage Development Studies Centre and the University

something different, which I feel does not happen elsewhere. Being a small institution, there was a friendly atmosphere between classmates and students and staff.

The Masters Degree enabled me to get my first professional experience in a development context with the Irish Aid UN Volunteer Internship programme. At present I am working as a Disaster Risk Reduction Project Officer with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Mozambique The most relevant subjects for my current work in a project management and coordination role, were the modules on project planning, as the emphasis was on building practical skills and knowledge in how development projects

Other useful courses include NUI Maynooth’s unique Postgraduate Certificate and MA in Anthropology & Development, which examines developmental work in terms of its human cultural context; incorporating the various political, religions, familial and economic dimensions of human life. Understanding of cultural difference is a key requirement of developmental work so graduates of this programme are highly valued in aid and development circles.

Mary Immaculate College’s Graduate Diploma/ MEd in Development Education is a unique distance-learning programme informed by the work of organisations such as Trócaire and Concern, which is dedicated to producing teachers who can facilitate effective societal change and development through education.

Development is closely tied to the environment and issues such as climate change and ecology.

Two such courses are Environment, Society & Development in NUI Galway and Environment & Development in Trinity College, which includes a field course in Rwanda.

are planned and monitored. The Political Economy of Development and the Sociology of Development modules were also helpful in that they gave a good background to current development debates and helped me broaden my understanding and indeed prepare me for my present work.

I also thought the Leadership & Adult Education and Human Development modules were extremely valuable in terms of building skills for use in any work environment and for focusing on the personal development of the individual. All in all, I felt that Kimmage DSC was a nurturing and at the same time challenging environment, which provided me with the skills necessary for a career in development and for life in general.

ARTS & HUMANITIES

History While studying history as written by others is undeniably a fascinating pursuit, at postgraduate level students begin the exciting process of discovering what was previously unknown. Readers who are interested in getting involved have a marvellous array of taught and research based postgraduate programmes to choose from.

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he typical route for students who wish to eventually work as professional historians or researchers in academia is to first undergo a taught or research based Masters (MA, MLitt, or MPhil) before progressing to doctoral level. The need to complete a PhD is not so strong for students interested in other careers, whether history related such as archival, museum or heritage industry work, or traditional areas of graduate employment such as business, teaching and law.

Conversion course Higher Diplomas in UCC and NUI Maynooth enable those who have not studied history to honours level to enjoy the perfect introduction to this captivating subject.

Whether considering the taught or research option, it is well worth investigating fully all Masters options before applying. Course and research topics and formats vary greatly from institution to institution, depending on the academic staff’s area of historical expertise.

Two common themes that appear in nearly all programmes are the development of research abilities and histiographic knowledge.

Research skills include accessing primary sources, dealing with large amounts of historical data, and interpreting and presenting that information. Histiography is essentially the history of history, how the discipline has developed over the centuries and the various ways in which historical information can be interpreted, e.g. economic history, revisionism, etc.

Branches of study can be roughly divided into three groups, focusing on a place (e.g. America, Ireland, Local), time (e.g. Early, Medieval, Modern) or theme (e.g. Family, Military History, Medicine).

Local History (UL, NUI Maynooth and UCC)

is a growing discipline at fourth level. These programmes are particularly fruitful in terms of research as the majority of primary and secondary resources are on the student’s doorstep.

Dedicated Medieval courses are provided by NUI Galway, UCD, Mary Immaculate College, NUI Maynooth and Trinity College. Usually included are Latin and palaeography (the ability to read and interpret ancient texts; two key skills for study of the medieval and renaissance age). Knowledge of Latin is needed as throughout the medieval and renaissance times it was a lingua franca for Europe’s educated and was the main language used for writing. Taught modules and research topics vary hugely in a subject that spans from Iceland to the crusader kingdoms of the Middle East, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginnings of Reformation.

Plenty of postgraduate history courses are not as confined to a particular age or place like the above examples – the MAs in History in NUI Galway and University of Limerick for example offer a wide choice of modules on different eras and themes.

A number of fascinating and unique courses are dedicated to particular themes. UL’s History of the Family (MA) examines topics such as migration, the relationship between families and community, and research techniques in family history. NUI Maynooth’s MA in Military History and Strategic appeals to anyone with an interest in history, international relations, security studies and war studies. The programme covers the development of warfare since the 18th century and the current security policies of Ireland and Europe.

The History of Art is an established discipline in its own right, with postgraduate courses available in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Dr Yvonne

Scott, Director of the Trinity Irish Art Research Centre (TRIARC) says the subject has very strong tradition in this country, and that Trinity’s MPhil in Irish Art History is very popular with increasing student numbers each year. A mixed student body consists of people pursuing a hobby and those hoping to build a career united in their love of art.

Potential careers for students include working in galleries, museums, academia, arts administration, as well as art journalism and managing art collections. Research methods according to Dr Scott, involves the usual library work but firstly, and most importantly, the image itself – understanding the context (why/when/ how) in which it was created. This process is called ‘learning to read to visual text’, and according to Dr Scott there is a huge range of methodologies that are progressing all the time.

Archaeology is another branch of history that is well catered for at postgraduate level. Courses are available from UCD, NUI Galway, and UCC – with all three universities providing Higher Diploma entry for applicants without a degree in archaeology.

It may also be permitted to proceed straight to MA level without a degree in archaeology but admission would be at the faculty’s discretion and a degree in a related discipline would usually be required. Courses include fieldwork and theoretical study, as well as the option to choose from specialised modules such as Celtic, Medieval and Urban Archaeology. For those with more advanced knowledge, there are taught and research masters available. Research courses allow students to investigate a highly specialised area (e.g. Bronze Age settlements in a particular geographic area), while taught masters provide the necessary professional skills (e.g. project management, GIS) for a career in archaeology.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 39

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Languages Despite the fact that employers have long been calling out for multilingual candidates, Ireland remains a largely monolingual island. According to a newsletter from the European Commission “just forty one percent of Irish people say they can have a conversation in a language other than their mother tongue; nearly ten percent lower than the EU average”. One way of taking advantage of this state of affairs is to enrol in a postgraduate course that will lend versatility to your qualifications, and demonstrate to employers a much sought after ability to speak a foreign language.

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here is a huge variety of choice for those looking to improve their linguistic abilities.

Most of the main higher education institutions offer postgraduate qualifications in the most commonly spoken languages. UCC for instance, offer one-year Higher Diplomas in French, German, Italian and Spanish for those with no language qualifications; in other words conversion courses for the monolingual.

For the more experienced, besides a taught masters in your preferred language, there is a huge range of alternative postgraduate options on offer, ranging from research programmes (e.g. 20th century women’s writing in French in NUI Maynooth, LatinAmerican Culture in UCD) to specialised taught programmes such as Hispanic Studies in UCC and German Literature in NUI Galway.

Learning a language is an undertaking that can be approached in various ways. At postgraduate level most of the techniques used are a combination of the practical and the theoretical in order to satisfy the technical need for satisfactory grammar, as well as develop a love and respect for the evolution of the language itself. The postgraduate programme in Second Language Studies at UCD adopts this style. It integrates work and thesis and employs input from linguistics, psychology, education and sociology. Examples of topics covered are cross-linguistic influence, social contexts, dialects and linguistic relativism, giving students a foundation for a life long love affair with the language.

One of the most obvious career prospects

40 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

for a language graduate is that of translator; competition is often high for posts in this area and so it is vital for hopeful applicants to maximise their chances of success with the inclusion of requisite qualifications. TCD has accommodated for this by providing the MA in Literary Translation, which seeks to teach translation as an art. The target language for this programme is English but it is possible to source languages such as French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Polish also.

Translation Studies is provided by DCU and UCC (French only). Translation qualifications are highly valued in a number of sectors, including commerce, publishing, broadcasting, and IT where they are often required for technical writing, software localisation, etc.

The most important element to bear in mind when choosing a postgraduate course is the sector that you wish to ultimately work in. Since the introduction into law of the Official Language Act 2003 and the consequent recognition of Irish as a working language of the EU, the employment possibilities for Irish speakers have risen hugely.

There are twenty one official and working languages in the EU, this means that everything that goes on in the EU institutions must be translated into and from every language in the EU. DIT caters for Irish with the MA in Applied Irish which began in February 2009. It is a course aimed towards public sector employees who wish to increase their employability. Typical career prospects would include translation, teaching and cultural tourism. The course attempts to school students in topics such as written and oral Irish,

research methodology and Irish communicative media. Prospective applicants must have an honours Irish degree, or the equivalent, and pass an Irish assessment test prior to admittance. Irish translation programmes are also available from NUI Galway, GMIT, St Patrick’s College Drumcondra and DCU (as part of its MA in Translation Studies).

The challenge presented by interpreting, i.e. translating orally and instantaneously, requires a unique skillset, not least the ethical questions that arise in situations such as the medical or legal environment. DCU’s Community Interpreting is a 12-week Special Purpose Certificate that equips students with the techniques to interpret French, Spanish, Russian, Romanian or Chinese effectively in places such as hospitals, Garda stations, district courts, asylum seeker interviews, social welfare offices, etc.

For those passionate about the idiosyncrasies of language and the effect it has on the world and vice versa the MA in Language, Culture and Globalisation at University of Limerick (UL) is sure to be an interesting and rewarding course. The content addresses the ways in which globalisation, migration and media drastically change language practices and cultural images associated with it; especially with regards to English and Spanish. The fact that the second semester takes place in Spain isn’t a bad bonus either. So if it’s studying Old English, literal critical methodology, or increasing your chances of that new career in Tokyo - go to Postgrad.ie to find your first steps.

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Courses in International Development Full time and part time options in the following programmes: • MA/Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies

• BA Degree in Development Studies Study areas include: Political Economy of Development; Sociology of Development; Planning for Development; Gender; Environment and Development; Cultural Anthropology; Adult Education; Sustainable Livelihoods; Human Rights; Emergency Relief; Research Methods MA/PG/BA are accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (www.hetac.ie) and lead to an internationally recognised qualification.

Kimmage Manor, Whitehall Road, Dublin 12

Tel: 01 406 4386/406 4380

Fax: 01 4064388

Email: info@kimmagedsc.ie

Web: www.kimmagedsc.ie

Sociology & Social Policy The study and research of the social sciences has never been more important than it is now, both nationally and globally. Recession, rising unemployment and the reorganisation of the health services are just some of the pervasive issues affecting Ireland today and require continual assessment and analysis if we are to provide a better future. Equally, the issue of globalisation needs to be addressed, both socially and economically, as it draws diverse societies and cultures ever closer. The comprehensive array of postgraduate courses to be found in colleges all over the country seeks to address these issues.

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central discipline within the social sciences is Social Policy, which explores how real life public policy affects issues such as citizenship, poverty, education and sustainable development. One such programme provided at University College Cork is the taught Masters in Social Policy.

It provides students with an opportunity to engage in social political analysis of major issues in Ireland and the wider world.

The Director of the course, Ms Eluska Fernandez, describes the programme as ‘very engaging’ with a lecture on a specific topic held once a week followed by discussion the following week.

‘It’s a very full course with a module theorising social policy and a more applied module looking at contemporary policy issues,’ Fernandez explains. ‘It has a seminar style approach with some lectures and a strong research module connected to the final thesis.’

The course attracts a broad demographic of students from both the professional arena and graduates of politics, social science and sociology.

Doing the course at present are professionals in the areas of social work, youth community work, civil service and state agencies such as the HSE. ‘There aren’t many colleges in Ireland running a masters in Social Policy so it’s a great opportunity for people with a background in social science to learn different skills, including research skills, and to get a better understanding of Social Policy,’ says Ms Fernandez.

Former student, Anne-Marie Cody, who graduated in 2008, agrees, ‘I really enjoyed the chance to strengthen my knowledge in social policy. The course combines taught theory and research, which allows you to gain knowledge of society, but also to pursue an area that is of great interest to you.’

Applicants normally hold second-class honours degrees in the Social Sciences. UCD also provide a Masters in Social Policy (Analysis), which features modules such as Social Statistics and Policy

Analysis; Poverty, Inequality and Social Policy; and Housing and Social Cohesion. Both UCD and UCC run a one-year conversion course (HDip) in Social Policy for graduates of non-social science degrees.

In comparison with social policy, sociology represents the more theoretical branch of social science. It looks at the origin, development, organisation, function and interplay of social groups, utilising the work of classical theorists such as Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, as well as modern thinkers like Michel Foucault and Jurgen Habermas.

Masters programmes in Sociology are available from NUI Maynooth, UCC and UCD. An important facet of each programme is the understanding of social change, and how it might be identified, evaluated and better managed: a valuable task in these difficult times. Graduates with a high degree of social research skill are also a key objective.

An innovative MA course in UCC worth mentioning is Sociology of Development and Globalisation. It covers elements of globalisation such as the ‘McDonaldisation’ of culture and consumerism and the WTO (World Trade Organisation); and how global poverty and inequality might be alleviated by alternative strategies of development.

The University of Limerick provides an MA in

Sociology (Applied Social Research): the ‘number cruncher’ of postgraduate sociology courses.

Central to the programme is the computer-aided analysis of qualitative data and statistical analysis of large-scale survey data sets. This statistical work is carried out in a number of social contexts: social exclusion, employment, marriage and divorce, education, community development, etc.

As with social policy, both UCD and UCC run a one-year conversion course (HDip) in Sociology for graduates of non-social science degrees Elsewhere, the Global Women’s Studies Programme in NUI Galway introduced an MA in Gender, Globalisation and Rights this year. The programme builds on a long-established tradition of Women’s Studies at NUIG and complements the existing strengths of the School of Political Science and Sociology.

Course Director, Dr Nata Duwury, says, ‘It’s important because it offers students the opportunity to take two key lenses, globalisation and human rights which are key issues in today’s world. In this course we take the phenomenon of globalisation and look at it within the human rights framework but add the gender lens,’ Duwury explained.

‘It allows students to really look at the globalisation process from the perspective of women from different regions of the world.

Getting an understanding and an ability to analyse and transform the gender inequality and exclusion that women experience globally,’ says Duwury.

‘Certain corporations are starting to understand the importance of looking at gender issues as part of their corporate social responsibility,’ continued Duwury. ‘So careers within these corporations as well as the NGOs are the areas students can hope to enter, or continue further in academia,’ Duwury concluded.

Trinity, NUIM, NUIG and UCD all offer various postgraduate Women’s Studies programmes - drawing on the insights and politics of feminism to develop new and more profound understandings of gender relations.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 41

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Political Science Many feel the urge to bury their head in sand at the prospect of another EU treaty referendum or general election, but for a select few, the political battle that ensues is riveting stuff. So if your imagination and critical faculties are energised by political theory, public policy and international relations, then a postgraduate programme in political science is well worth considering.

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ut what career prospects await students of these courses? The prospects are increasingly diverse according to Dr Theresa Reidy, Secretary of the Political Studies Association of Ireland (PSAI) and a lecturer in UCC. Up to two years ago, most graduates would have ended up in the public service, but now there is ‘quite an even split’ between private and public employers. The range of private employers includes political parties, lobby groups, print media and PR groups. In addition, ‘a surprising number’ are going into the regulatory departments of banks and large companies.

International organisations such as the EU and OECD are also a significant source of employment for politics postgraduates: a trend that is expected to become increasingly popular. Dr Reidy refers to the importance of language skills in this sector.

Should you wish to work in the international arena, it may be worth investigating the possibility of a concurrent course in French or German if you are not fluent in a second language and your preferred course is not offering language modules.

The wide range of potential careers is no doubt a result of the highly transferable skills provided by politics courses. These core components include critical thinking, writing, presentation, teamwork, a high level of statistical training, and research skills (both quantitative and qualitative).

All of which ‘make you very employable’ according to Dr Reidy.

The view that Ireland’s political establishment has failed the country is widely held nowadays.

When asked what effect this has on teaching practice, Dr Reidy refers to generic skills such as critical engagement and problem-solving, which are ‘more resonant’ than ever. ‘Problem-solving

42 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

drives the whole curriculum,’ she explains. In addition, the biggest change in the teaching approach has been the growing popularity of work placements in political programmes. All these facets of the modern postgraduate political course help produce individuals who are more capable, practical and experienced than ever before.

involve the study of European political systems at the international (i.e. comparatively) and supranational (e.g. EU) levels. Typical modules include European public opinion and EU policies, such as enlargement; while there is a strong emphasis on the quantitative and empirical in the development of research skills.

So much for the shared traits of courses in political studies – what are the specialised options available to readers? Deciding whether you wish to specialise in national or international politics, or enrol in a course that studies both areas, is a useful starting point. UCD’s MA in Irish Politics, for example, is perfect for those who wish to study the political development of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Although there is nothing parochial about this programme: a geographically and historically comparative approach is taken.

International relations are a hugely diverse area of study, in which students are free to specialise in areas such as international trade, development, foreign policy, security, and institutions. Courses in UCD (MSc) and DCU (MA) also allow students to study and research particular regional (e.g. the Middle East) and organisational (e.g. the UN) issues.

Politics MAs in UL and UCC meanwhile, encompass both the national and international.

Typical areas of study include political theories and systems (e.g. democracy), political issues such as international security, and the honing of research skills in preparation for a dissertation.

The UL programme provides the opportunity to embark on a study trip to a European city during the Christmas break. Readers who like to view their politics in terms of morality and philosophical concepts such as democracy, human rights, equality and citizenship will be excited by UCD’s MA in Political Theory. The course incorporates the history of political thought, as well as rigorous analysis of social justice problems and the potential solutions.

There are plenty of options with regard to postgraduate courses that specialise in the international aspect of politics. Both Trinity College (PDip/MSc) and UCD (MA) provide postgraduate programmes in European politics, a hugely topical issue given the current economic crisis and the much debated role of the EU in member states’ fiscal budgets. Both courses

Conflict studies is a highly specialised branch of international relations, of which Ireland has a strong tradition thanks to the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Various programmes are on offer, all analysing conflict within a particular context, e.g. international security in DCU, media or nationalism in UCD, mediation in NUI Maynooth, and race/ethnicity in Trinity College.

Political communication is yet another subset of postgraduate political studies. MAs in DCU and DIT enable students to critically evaluate the relationship between the media and the Irish political system. Areas of study include writing/ journalism skills, communication ethics, and the marketing/communication of political ideas.

As for pure research programmes, Dr Reidy of the PSAI finds that there is an ‘awful lot of interest’ in international security – terrorism, failed states, etc. The participation of women in politics has also emerged as a very popular research theme in the last few years. While national issues that are attracting the interest of researchers include ‘very current’ issues such as the electoral system.

Trinity College, NUI Galway and UCD are among the institutes that invite research candidates. The PSAI awards the annual Basil Chubb Prize to the best PhD thesis in Ireland – details of which, including past winners, are available on the website www.psai.ie.

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Theology & Religious Studies The range of theological and religious postgraduate courses that span the country is receiving applicants in healthy numbers, and contrary to popular assumption, these applicants do not tend to be heading for the seminary but can originate from such backgrounds as teaching, journalism and even banking.

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ne course currently experiencing ‘extreme popularity’ is the Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality run at Mary Immaculate College Limerick. As Dr Rik Van Nieuwenhove, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, explains: ‘Many people nowadays are in search of spiritual fulfilment and are interested in the Christian tradition and Christian mystics. Walk into any bookshop and you will see shelves lined with self help books and books promoting spiritual growth. There is plainly a need out there and we want to meet that need.’

This course is provided in full time and part time - in the evening time, twice a week, to meet the needs of students who work during the day.

Dr Van Nieuwenhove explains that students frequently apply who do not have a degree in Theology, but if they can display an interest and knowledge of the subject they may gain admission to the course.

Also running full and part time formats at Mary Immaculate College is a Masters Degree in Theology; consisting of a dissertation and six taught modules, with intriguing options such as The Crisis of Human Experience, Morality in the Marketplace and Theologians of the Twentieth Century. Students gain entry through the Graduate Diploma programme.

At the Milltown Institute in Dublin, the most popular taught postgraduate course is the Graduate Cert/Diploma and MA in Applied Christian Spirituality. Dr Michael O’Sullivan, programme director, says the course attracts around twenty students each year. Dr O’Sullivan categorises the students as ‘mostly mature laypersons from a professional background, usually caring professions such as teaching, counselling or social work’

always been interested in spirituality and saw her previous work with young people as the perfect background. Having experienced the suicide of a close family member, she was keen to carry out research in the area.

‘I studied literature on suicide, looked at statistics, attended conferences given by the Irish Association of Suicidology and looked at the causes, such as mental illness, alcohol, sexual orientation and bullying. I wanted to examine low self esteem and how it can come from a lack of connectedness to society, a lack of purpose in the world’. The results of Ms Milton’s research were soon to be published by Veritas.

Research activity in the area of theology continues elsewhere at a healthy pace. The School of Religions and Theology at Trinity College Dublin is a centre of such activity, encompassing research strengths in biblical studies, Jewish studies, Islamic studies, Theology, and Ethics. Students conduct supervised postgraduate research in each of these fields, leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

All Hallows College runs postgraduate programmes in Theology and Religion with a particular focus on the pastoral area. The MA in Leadership and Pastoral Care provides holistic training in areas such as psychology, faith & culture, and human development. Students can also undertake research-based Masters degrees. All programmes run at All Hallows are DCU accredited.

Mater Dei Institute, a division of Dublin City University, runs several MAs in the religious area, including Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work and Ethics – a joint programme with DCU designed for professionals in education, healthcare, business, law, social work, etc. Mater Dei also provides a Graduate Diploma in Theology, which offers progression to an MA programme.

The Institute specialises in training religion teachers for secondary school teaching in Ireland.

At the Pontifical University in Maynooth, perhaps the historical hub of theological education in Ireland, postgraduate options include a Masters Degree in Theology, Doctoral Degree in Divinity and a Higher Diploma in Pastoral Studies. The Masters Degree in Theology involves two years of fulltime study, during which students choose from two modes.

The first involves the study of moral, biblical or pastoral theology, followed by a minor thesis, which must be submitted within two years of completing the course. As part of the second mode, students complete a major thesis of approximately 40,000 words.

Graduates of such courses tend to find employment in areas such as healthcare chaplaincy, community development work, counselling, religious education and youth work.

However, these courses are often sought as a means of personal and professional development, rather than as an explicit part of a career trajectory.

Dr O’Sullivan observes that students gravitate towards this course because ‘they arrive at a stage in their lives where they have personal or professional issues that they want to work through. We do lots of self-development and lots of ‘inner work’ on this course, and we are very happy with the results’ In the first year of the course, students are taught how to be reflective practitioners, better communicators and to ‘grow as people’. Students are encouraged to engage in peer learning, whereby they spend one day per week supporting and discussing elements of the course with each other, thus forming a strong support network.

In the second year, students undertake research in a relevant area. One such student, Carol Milton chose the subject of male suicide as her research topic. Ms Milton came to the Masters having The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 43

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Geography The word “geography” comes from the Greek language and means “to describe or write about the earth”. The study of geography encompasses many topics, including; the earth’s lands, characteristics, inhabitants and natural phenomena like earthquakes, for instance.

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side from being an interesting subject there are many career opportunities available for students who have taken postgraduate qualifications in this discipline.

Students may go on to pursue careers as teachers, researchers with government agencies or departments, consultants with private firms, aid workers in developing countries, planners, local government officials or enter the field of academia.

There are many postgraduate courses in geography in Ireland and usually it is not a prerequisite to have studied geography for primary degree, although a good result in your primary degree will usually be required.

If you did not study geography at primary degree level you may have to demonstrate your aptitude for a postgraduate geography course, perhaps by acquiring professional experience in a field related to geography or perhaps if you can show how topics covered for your undergraduate degree may have a link to the discipline.

NUI Maynooth offers MLitt and PhD programmes in geography. A research thesis conducted over two to three years full time or three to four years part time constitutes the basis of the award. The MA in Society of Space is run jointly by the departments of Geography, Sociology and the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis. The course offers an advanced introduction to social science, human geography and sociology research. A Bachelor’s degree of honours 2.1 or higher in any discipline is required for entry, although, in exceptional circumstances a Bachelor’s degree of 2.2 will be considered. Applicants whose primary degree does not include human geography or sociology may be asked to attend for an interview. As the

Name: Shaun Harrigan BA in Mathematical Studies and Geography (NUI Maynooth 2006-2009) MSc in Climate Change (NUI Maynooth 2009-2010) Currently: Research Assistant with the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units (ICARUS) Shaun Harrigan from Donegal has just completed the MSc in Climate Change at

44 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

geography or the MLitt. in Human Geography. For anyone wishing to study at doctorate level, PhD study is another option at UCD and expressions of interest from students with ambitions to pursue research in the fields of civil society and governance, climatology, cultural geography, environmental economics, natural resource management, housing, political geography, quality of life, rural planning and development, transportation, urban geography, urban regeneration or urban and regional development are welcomed. PhD study typically takes three to four years full time.

course provides a comprehensive introduction to social scientific and human geographical research on contemporary social, economic, political and economic policy, it will be of particular interest to policy funders, analysts, policymakers, practitioners and commentators currently in employment or those who would like to work as such. Other courses offered by NUI Maynooth in the field of geography include; MSc in Climate Change, MSc in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing and MSc in Geocomputation.

UCD offers a taught MA in Geography. The course is made up of taught modules along with independent research. Topics covered include the history of geographic thought, physical geography, practical cartography and project management, to name but a few. A thesis of approximately 12,000 to 15,000 words is also required. The course is one year full-time. There are also research programmes available from the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy at UCD, namely, the MSc in physical

NUI Maynooth and is working as a research assistant with the ICARUS climate change research institute at NUI Maynooth.

‘I chose to further my education in Maynooth because of its reputation in climate change research both in Ireland and internationally. For me, learning from lecturers that are very research active and at the top of their field was exciting. Geography gives you a unique perspective on the modern world and is the lynch pin between science and human life. The climate change Master’s course allowed me to apply my science and mathematical background to the ‘real world’ problems presented by climate change. The course provided me with the skills to analyse

Trinity College Dublin’s Geography Department has several taught and research fourth level programmes. Taught programmes include; Masters in Environment and Development, Masters in Development Practice and MSc /PgDip. in Biodiversity and Conservation. Successful PhD applicants will usually be provisionally entered onto the programme for the first year and subject to satisfactory progress, are confirmed on the register at the end of first year.

University College Cork offers Higher Diploma’s in Geography and also Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Various other taught and research Masters and PhD programmes are also offered by the university. NUI Galway also run several taught and research MA and PhD programmes. Log onto the individual institute’s websites for further information.

In a world where geographical knowledge and experience are becoming increasingly important completion of a fourth level geography programme is no doubt a valuable commodity.

Geography is an interdisciplinary field that offers diverse career opportunities. Research your options well and decide on a programme that is most suited to your individual needs.

climate data, and to contribute to solutions on problems such as water resource management and sustainable food production.

From being an undergraduate student at Maynooth I had the advantage of knowing that it is a vibrant, stimulating and friendly place to study, which played a huge part in my decision.

Looking forward, the specialised skills I acquired during the Masters course in the department of Geography have been pivotal for opening doors in my career path. I am currently working as a research assistant on a significant national research project with the ICARUS climate change research institute in the university. My aim is to begin a PhD programme at NUI Maynooth when the project is finished.’

BUSINESS & LAW

Business & Law Accounting While there is no industry that has not been adversely affected by the collapse of the Celtic Tiger, accounting is one of the few careers that is regularly bestowed with the title ‘recessionproof’. Only logical really, given firm control of the books is even more important in lean times.

And prospects for accountants are always healthy: according to leading recruitment company Robert Walters, a financial accountant with 3-5 years’ experience can expect to earn €50-60k in Ireland (£65-80k in the UK, where Irish accountants are highly valued and recruited); and in 9 of the top 10 ISEQ index companies, chartered accountants hold the position of Chief Executive or Finance Director.

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n important consideration for would-be accountants is what type of accountancy you wish to pursue in the future, as this will have direct relevance on which professional body you will join.

Professional body

Website

Chartered Accountants Ireland

www.charteredaccountants.ie

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

http://ireland.accaglobal.com/

Visit the various websites above to learn more about the careers in question, and the professional qualifications required.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

www.cimaglobal.com/Our-locations/Ireland/

Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA)

www.cpaireland.ie

The greatest advantage of choosing to do a postgrad rather than going headfirst into the professional exams is the length of time you will save yourself by earning the relevant exemptions.

A one-year full time postgraduate course will equip a student with the qualifications that would be equivalent to three years study on a part time basis. A further element to be considered is the immersion that will be the norm in a full time course, arguably preparing postgraduate students more for the intensity of the workplace than a once a week evening lecture possibly could.

Conversion courses, which are offered in NUI Maynooth, UCC, DIT and DCU, are available to those with no accounting experience at third level.

The only prerequisite is usually a second class honours degree, which can be in a completely unrelated topic. The accessible nature of these programmes has led to the versatility of many accountants’ backgrounds today; with many professionals having previous experience in law, teaching or IT for example. These transferable skills are looked at favourably by employers and

reflect that in addition to a talent for numbers, you have other impressive qualities such as an insight into business practice, analytical abilities and communication skills.

sponsor people to do the MA and then they provide employment. It means the firm doesn’t have to give them the same study leave as if they had two or three professional exams left to do.’

But what about those with a degree in accounting; they might reasonably ask ‘why should I delay plunging into such an enticing jobs market by pursuing a masters?’ It is possible after all to work full-time and earn your professional qualifications during the evening.

It’s not all about exemptions from the professional exams, however; the thesis programme carried out during the MA in Accounting teaches students how to perform and report effective research. As Ronan O’Brien of Chartered Accountants Ireland points out: ‘Typically chartered accountants will need to research and understand their client’s business, the various possible accounting and tax treatments allowed and the research and writing skills will be key elements in “adding value”.’

’Well, if you do an undergraduate programme in accountancy or commerce,’ says Peter Melinn, Head of the Dept of Accountancy in Athlone Institute of Technology, ‘you get certain exemptions from the accountancy bodies, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) or Chartered Accountants Ireland. But if you do the MA in Accounting, you get additional exemptions. So the benefit is getting the MA and additional exemptions. I know from talking to people in accountancy firms, they actually

So the research work helps with the development of different skills? ‘Absolutely correct,’ affirms Peter Melinn: ‘one of the things accountants are criticised for at times is poor communication and writing skills and this would certainly help them with that.’ Encouraging skills and knowledge that are not purely accountancy based is another feature of the MA. Of AIT’s programme, Peter Melinn says, ‘we took a decision at the very start that we wouldn’t confine the research to a pure accountancy topic – we would broaden it out to general business.’ Thus, last year’s MA students researched topics as widely variant as Internet banking and sports accounting.

Various Accounting Masters programmes are also available from Independent Colleges, DCU, DIT, Dundalk IT, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, UCD, Letterkenny IT, WIT, UCC (Management Information & Managerial Accounting Systems), Dublin Business School (Accounting & Finance – International), and Griffith College Dublin (Accounting & Finance Management). Investigate your options fully, as these courses vary in terms of professional exam exemptions, work placements, and subject matter.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 45

BUSINESS & LAW

Finance Ireland’s financial sector, a source of considerable growth and prosperity for a number of years, has long been an attractive area for young graduates and those looking to upskill through a postgraduate qualification, as reflected by the wide range of courses on offer in the area.

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he effects of the global financial downturn have made themselves felt. Plunging financial markets led to business falling off in the financial services, resulting in recruitment freezes by some employers and a number of redundancies. However, considering the role that financial experts played in the recession, it is slightly ironic that recruitment remains stronger than in most other industries, and that a recovery of sorts is even in motion.

According to the Irish Funds Industry Association, 2010 witnessed an increase in recruitment after a fall-off in 2009. Indeed, total assets under administration in Ireland now stand at €1.8 trillion, which represents an all-time high.

Recruitment firm Robert Walters has also recorded heightened activity in commercial/corporate banking, both domestic and international. Popular roles include risk management, credit and lending professionals.

Postgraduate studies can unlock the door to these jobs and many more. From fund management to investment and corporate banking, financial trading to consultancy roles, graduates have an abundant choice in career path. Further academic research in finance is also an option.

Finance Masters are available from the NCI, UCD, Trinity College, NUI Maynooth, DIT, and more. Typical modules include Corporate Finance, Financial Research, Econometrics, International Finance, Asset Valuation and Derivatives. As with all postgraduate studies, however, there is great variation of subjects and opportunities between the programmes, so a degree of investigative work is required.

For instance, before the MA in NUI Maynooth course formally begins, students are given review courses in maths and econometrics to ensure that all begin with the same basic knowledge and skills. A highlight of UCD’s MSc programme meanwhile, is the opportunity to win some cash - the PWC Maithiu Breathnach Award is worth €1,200 and awarded annually, while the Musgrave Group sponsors a Smurfit Gold Medal Award (worth €1,000) for the best student.

There are also plenty of postgraduate finance courses with a specific focus. The only course of its kind in Ireland, the Financial & Industrial

46 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

Mathematics MSc in DCU for example is a postgraduate course for graduates of maths degrees. The programme focuses on high-level mathematics applied to practical problems in finance and industry, and equips students with the computational and stochastic techniques that are currently in high demand in the finance sector.

The MSc in Financial Services provided by the University of Limerick is a one-year full time programme that has pioneered the use of trading simulations within the university sector. Students are able to actively manage a portfolio of stocks, bonds and futures, thus providing them with excellent training in preparation for a career in the frenetic marketplace. UL’s MSc in Computational Finance also makes use of simulated ‘live’ financial markets. Both programmes produce postgraduates who are ready for the ‘highervalue-added’ roles in financial services.

In the current economic climate, it is vital that all business managers have a grasp of financial affairs. The bottom line is simply too important to delegate to one in-house specialist. IT Tralee’s postgraduate Minor Certificate in Finance for NonFinance Managers is designed to help managers overcome this problem. Students learn how to evaluate complex financial data, and use it for more effective decision-making.

Finance is of course a highly globalised activity. Readers who wish to capitalise on this by establishing a career with one of the many multinational financial companies at home or abroad will be interested in an international finance programme – on offer with NUI Galway

and Dublin Business School. Students are introduced to topics such as international capital flows, banking and monetary systems, and learn both the theories and practical applications at work in the international money markets.

For anyone interested in researching the world of finance, NUI Maynooth invites candidates to apply for the two-year MLitt programme. In the first year, students must complete the taught MA in Economics or Finance. Work on the thesis begins in the second year when the student develops a course of study which combines taught courses, reading courses and research under the guidance of his/her supervisory committee.

For those with no undergraduate or career experience, conversion courses are available that allow a change of direction and a potentially lucrative career in the financial sector. The Higher Diploma in Accounting and Finance in UCC and the Higher Diploma in Finance in NUI Maynooth are two such courses.

According to Margaret Hurley, course coordinator in Maynooth, the course was originally created for the university’s economics graduates who were seeking to enter the finance sector. Such was the popularity of the course, however, that entrants now include graduates from fields as diverse as anthropology and engineering. Besides the roughly estimated one third of graduates who go on to further study at Masters level, graduates progress to good careers in places such as the IFSC, the ESRI, European Central Bank and the Department of Finance.

BUSINESS & LAW

Marketing With spending cutbacks across the board, marketing is becoming an increasingly competitive industry that is seeking higher returns from a fast evaporating pool of business and consumer spend. The key to success is the development of ever more ingenious marketing techniques that strengthen customer relationships. And the surest way to acquire these skills is to enrol in a postgraduate course.

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popular and proven method for graduates (marketing and non-marketing) to secure good positions is to enrol in a Marketing Practice postgraduate programme – available from Letterkenny IT, UCD and NUI Galway. With a strong focus on practical marketing skills, students are required to effectively apply what they learn in the classroom in a work placement (Letterkenny, NUI Galway), or as a ‘marketing advisor’ to an external business client (UCD).

According to Billy Bennett, Head of the School of Business in Letterkenny IT, the work placement is ‘a significant learning curve for graduates, but hugely important’, as it bridges the gap between marketing theory and academic studies and the real life practicalities of the workplace.’ Students also experience the pressures and responsibilities of paid employment, because as Bennett points out, it is a paid placement and the companies would not pay if they were not getting value for money.

Of course the academic aspect is of equal importance, with students undergoing various marketing modules (research methods, managing sales, etc) and carrying out assignments on the strategic marketing plan they are applying in the workplace.

Happily, most students thrive in this atmosphere and many go on to secure permanent marketing positions with their work placement employer.

About a half of last year’s Letterkenny IT Marketing Practice graduates secured employment this way, while the NUI Galway programme claims a remarkable 90% recruitment rate.

DCU have one of the strongest traditions of marketing education in the higher education

sector, and the university’s MBS in Marketing has been running for over ten years. Dr Michael Gannon, senior lecturer in marketing, describes the course as ‘a specialist program designed to produce graduates with an in-depth marketing know-how and with the technical and personal skills to operate in a dynamic and increasingly competitive market’.

Among the course’s unique features is an exchange agreement with the University of Illinois in the US, which has an Advertising Department described by Forbes magazine as the best in the world. The agreement allows for three DCU MBS Marketing students to spend a spring semester in the US. Another mainstay of the course is the Spring Marketing Seminar Series whereby ‘visiting academics and business practitioners impart their experience and knowledge of marketing’, explains Dr Gannon. Speakers from universities such as Harvard and companies such as Google and Microsoft attend the event, which is in its 10th year and ‘fairly well established, people in industry readily accept invitations to come and speak’.

Graduates of the course are ‘getting picked up fairly readily’ according to Dr Gannon, with large players in the marketing sector ‘always looking for people’. Graduates are employed with agencies such as Lansdowne Market Research, and in-house with companies such as Bank of Ireland and Google. A number also pursue a PhD in DCU or other institutions, e.g. the prestigious York University of Toronto. Besides DCU, a taught MBS in Marketing is available in the UCD Michael Smurfit School of Business, UCC, and Dundalk IT (where there is a dual focus on marketing and entrepreneurship).

Whereas the MBS is well suited to graduates seeking an opportunity for further study, numerous qualifications that are awarded by professional bodies are also on offer that would greatly benefit experienced marketing professionals. Such programmes include the MSc Masters in Marketing (Executive) in DIT, which is delivered in partnership with the Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII). A two-year part time programme; the first year involves ‘the upskilling and deepening of functional marketing knowledge and expertise’, and students develop ‘greater strategic perspective and organisational insights’ in year two.

Knowledge of marketing is vital in a huge variety of careers, so thankfully there are postgraduate crash courses for the uninitiated who lack marketing qualifications. These include Management & Marketing for Non-Business Graduates in DIT and IT Tallaght’s Higher Diploma in Marketing Management.

Graduates of every postgraduate marketing course have to work in a challenging environment, where marketing budgets have been reduced greatly along with all other costs in recent years. ‘All companies are much more focused on the bottom line and budgets nowadays,’ says Billy Bennett of Letterkenny IT. ‘Graduates need to be more creative and able to practice guerrilla marketing [lower cost, unconventional campaigns] – making use of the internet and social media for example.’

Unsurprisingly given the huge drop in consumer spending brought on by the recession, Bennett says there is also a re-emphasis on building strong customer relations.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 47

BUSINESS & LAW

Law A postgraduate course in law will appeal to anyone who wants to become a solicitor or barrister, especially to those whose primary degree is in another discipline. A postgraduate law qualification will also be of great benefit in preparation for Law Society examinations otherwise known as FE1s. Those who hold a postgraduate qualification in law, however, have many more opportunities available to them as law plays a key part in many businesses.

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here are of course two different types of people who may want to study law at post graduate level: those with degrees in law and those without. With so many courses throughout the country in both universities and colleges there really is something for everyone.

NUI Galway alone, offer eight different postgraduate programmes in law ranging from the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which is for people who have not previously studied law, to a Master of Law in (LLM) in International Human rights for which at least a 2.1 is required or significant experience in the field of peacekeeping and/or international human rights. All of NUI Galway’s Masters programmes offer specialised study in specialised areas like public law, technology, international criminal law, and economic, social and cultural rights.

UCC offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Law

for those wishing to go onto study an LLM. Students complete six modules which are taken from a range of taught courses offered for the LLM programme. UCC also offer four masters programmes in Law including the LLM (e-law) Degree, which specialises in teaching in the field of e-law. Students study a range of exciting subjects like Electric Commerce Law, Internet Regulation and Cybercrime, which will surely give them an edge in the jobs market.

The LLM at Trinity College Dublin comprises of three modules (one for each semester), and will require 22 hours of classroom time each week.

Students must complete a research dissertation over the course of the year Graduates of UCD’s Diploma in Employment Law will also be well set for employment, with all the current talk of strike action as they study the Labour Court, the Labour Relations Commission, the Equality Tribunal and the Employment

Appeals Tribunal. UCD also has a LLM which can be undertaken on a full time or part time basis.

The Masters of Law (General) requires applicants to have a second class honours in law or in another primary degree in which the legal component accounts for at least 50% of the whole programme. Students can also study on a oneyear full time or two-year part time course. Other courses include a LLM in International Commercial Law, Human Rights in Criminal Justice, and an LLM in European and Comparative Law. The latter is of particular importance after the passing of the Lisbon Treaty and the increased influence of the European courts.

DCU’s LLM is a full time two-year research degree where students must submit a 40,000 word thesis on their chosen topic within the sociolegal sphere, which includes law and society, international relations and comparative politics.

Griffith College offers preparation courses

THINKING OF A CAREER in lAw? Obtain a legal qualification without having to give up work.

Study at one of the oldest law schools in Ireland, conveniently located in the centre of Dublin. wHy NOT uNderTAKe THe dIplOmA IN leGAl STudIeS AT THe HONOrAble SOcIeTy OF KING’S INNS? AlreAdy HAve AN ApprOved lAw deGree?

THeN cONSIder THe deGree OF bArrISTer-AT-lAw.

wAnT TO KnOw MORE: look at the FAQs under “prospective Students” at www.kinginns.ie COnTACT King’s inns AT: info@kingsinns.ie or (01) 874 4840 members of staff will be pleased to help with queries

48 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

BUSINESS & LAW

as well as three new masters which started in September 2009: LLM’s in International Law, International Human Rights Law and International Commerce Law. The programme is said to meet the demands of ‘lawyering and doing business in the 21st century.’

Students will have the chance to study International Trade Law, International Commercial Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, International Intellectual Property Law, International Tax Law, International Financial Services Law, EU Competition and Internal Market, Corporate Governance, Public International Law, International Human Rights Law, Comparative Freedom of Expression, International Criminal Law, and International Asylum and Refugee Law. Some people will only want to study for the Law Society exams and Griffith College also offers preparation courses for these as well as courses for their equivalent in California and New York.

DIT’s Diploma in Law will also prepare students who do not have a background in law for these exams, as well as giving them a standalone qualification.

There are so many options available for graduates who want to study law, and with such a large diversity of courses available there are endless career opportunities in areas such as politics, economics, business and government; both nationally and internationally.

Despite the economic crisis, people will still need solicitors and barristers for reclaiming debt, divorce and of course, both sides of criminal cases. Although it takes a long time to qualify in these disciplines it is a service that will always be in demand. Diversity is the key to success in law, a few years ago we were inundated with property lawyers, but now there is a far wider range of legal matters to be attended to.

Name: John Keating Course: LLM in International Law (part time) College: Griffith College Dublin I completed my LLB in Griffith College in 2009 and just really liked the place and its staff. It really is like a second home or my space away from work and home. I have thought about asking the Law Faculty how I might remain involved once the LLM in completed.

I’m one of those unusual students that are studying Law purely because it is very interesting and enjoyable. I am hoping that the LLM will now take me into working in the area of Corporate Governance which, along with Company Law, is really interesting. The Griffith LLM also has a module in this area and is very relevant considering the need for greater Corporate

Governance these days.

I think it is important to add that without the environment that Griffith College and its staff create I would not be able to do it. I have three young children and a full time job. Getting to Griffith each evening is an opportunity to mix with other adults and engage in a common interest. The lecturers are keenly aware of outside pressures and do give that extra little bit of attention to those that need it. It makes all the difference.

The LLM is hard and fast in comparison to the LLB. Critically analysing information from a number of different areas is very important from the beginning and being able to form your own opinions in vital. This can be difficult when reading complex passages but it is a valuable skill that each student will develop in their own time.

I think the LLM develops both interpersonal skills, and knowledge and understanding of the world of International Law.

Assignments can be daunting at first until you collect your materials. It takes a couple of days or evenings of reading before you become comfortable with a topic. Some areas can be very intangible; given the nature of international law it is sometimes like a social science. Griffith provides you with a multitude of legal resources both online and in the library to get through it. Finishing an essay is always immensely rewarding, even if you’re not entirely happy with it!

I don’t actually work in the area of Law but I am hoping to get a role as a junior company secretary once the LLM is completed. There are a multitude of opportunities in this very interesting field both at home and abroad. The LLM for me bridges 10 years of work experience with many areas that would generally be inaccessible to me.

My class group has always been really great over the 3-4 years, although I do think Griffith attracts a certain type of student. I know from having studied for 4 years now that evening students at Griffith are just great to share a couple of years of your evenings with.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 49

BUSINESS & LAW

The MBA The MBA (Masters of Business Administration) is one of the most widely-recognised postgraduate qualifications in the world. Individuals wishing to participate in such a programme will typically need to have a few years of workplace experience under their belts, but it is a qualification that will greatly boost their desirability to employers. MBA courses tend to expose their students to a wide range of subjects, including finance, economics, marketing and management information systems – amongst numerous others.

T

he most common types of MBA are the Executive MBA and standard version. UCC (University College Cork), for instance, offers an Executive MBA course, which is pursued in a part-time capacity over two years.

The course’s academic director, Dr Jim Walsh, says that the word ‘executive’ in the title of the UCC programme is ‘really code for experienced’.

He further explains the differences between Executive and standard MBAs, saying: ‘the bank of experience that people have built up and can draw on is a significant element of what’s called an Executive MBA programme. Standard MBA programmes take a younger cohort of people – they’d be in their twenties. We take no, if you like, “young” people.’

But what do experienced professionals have to gain from the acquisition of an MBA? Dr Clare Rigg, who is in charge of the part-time, two-year MBA programme at the Institute of Technology, Tralee, says there are, broadly speaking, three distinct types of participant with three different motivations for taking the course.

She explains: ‘One (type) would be the people who are in large organisations and are trying to build their future within that company or organisation, through developing themselves. Another would be people that are running their own organisation. The third would be people that are currently employed and are exploring other options that might bring them to another organisation.’

In terms of course content, MBAs typically cover a whole range of subjects that would be of great benefit to anyone looking to advance their career in the business sphere. However, those who run some of the top Irish MBA courses tend to emphasise the broader impact their programmes have on the outlook of those who take them.

Rather than solely teaching participants specific skills and disciplines, contemporary MBAs strive

to provide attendees with a new way of thinking.

For instance, John Cusack – head of the Business School at the Athlone Institute of Technology, which offers an Executive MBA programme on a part-time basis over two years – says there is more to the MBA learning process than the mere attainment of knowledge.

to the wide variety of fields participants are seeking to develop their careers in. For instance, Dr Walsh says that the UCC MBA’s participants include ‘somebody in animal genetics, somebody who’s the owner of a small computer firm, people from Bord Gais, from EMC and from Cork County Council’.

He says, of his own programme: ‘apart from the knowledge acquired and the expertise developed across the various modules, participants enhance their critical understanding of concepts. The Institute aims to ensure that successful completion of our MBA prepares participants to assess situations in an innovative and creative way.’

Those who wish to pursue an MBA qualification can also do so in a full-time capacity. Full-time study and full-time employment rarely go handin-hand, so the pursuit of such a qualification would not suit someone who wishes to remain in the workplace. However, for those who wish to take a one-year hiatus from employment, providers of full-time MBAs include the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and Trinity College Dublin.

Dr Clare Rigg, meanwhile, is keen to emphasise the importance of putting the techniques encountered during an MBA course to practical use – and then reflecting upon their effectiveness – as part of the learning process.

She says: ‘the core focus of (the course) is about improving management leadership practice, and not about just knowing the theories of business and management. So, a lot of the course assessments are built around live assignments.

It’s not just an analysis and a handing-over of a report – (participants) have to be engaging in implementation issues.’

Similarly, Dr Jim Walsh is keen to emphasise the UCC course’s focus on personal development.

He explains: ‘the key word is development. We have made what we call a “developmental turn” over the last two years. We wanted to make (the course) more individually-focussed, more career development-based and we now have a constructive programme to reflect that. Instead of turning towards a sector, or towards a function, we’ve turned towards development.’

This more adaptable approach to MBA courses can, at least partially, be put down

Of course, MBA programmes are not just good for participants – they are also beneficial for employers. As MBA qualifications can be pursued concurrently with full-time work, participants have the opportunity to put the skills they are gleaning from the programme into practice straight away. As such, a company that chooses to partially finance an employee’s MBA can receive an immediate return on its investment.

And not only is the extra training likely to boost the employee’s performance, the course also provides participants with a large pool of knowledge and experience to tap into – via their interaction with fellow students and course lecturers. As a result, they can bring fresh, welcome new perspectives and solutions to persistent workplace problems back to their employers.

Dr Rigg explains: ‘[an MBA] clearly is for the individual participant, but it’s also for their organisations. If participants are taking individual organisation issues that were problematic and bringing ideas from outside – that’s often beneficial.’

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Valeo Vision Systems, a global division of the Valeo Group, has it’s Headquarters based in Tuam, Co. Galway, Ireland.

Our mission is to be the world leader for Vision Systems and Driving Assistance within the automotive industry by developing innovative camera systems and providing situational awareness solutions using cutting edge technology.

We are currently embarking on a major Research & Development (R&D) Programme and expansion to target the growing market for Vision Systems and are continuously recruiting to add to our 130 strong R&D base.

For an up-to-date list of current vacancies or further information on Valeo Vision Systems, please go to www.valeovision.com Valeo, who rank among the world's top automotive suppliers, is fully focused on the design, production and sale of integrated systems and modules for the automotive industry.

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COMPUTING & I.T.

Computing & I.T.

Software Development & Engineering

The area of software development and engineering calls for a high quality of specific skills and knowledge. A postgraduate qualification will convey to employers your ability to work independently and with the latest technology. It will also highlight the dedication you have to this profession for which there is high demand at both a national and international level.

A

ny postgraduate course will seek to equip participants with knowledge of the theories, processes, methods and techniques of building high quality software cost effectively. Although course content obviously differs depending on the educational institution, typical electives might include Human Computer Interaction, Software Architecture and Quantitative Research. A postgraduate course will not solely concentrate on the programming of computers - it will also assist graduates in adopting the qualities that are necessary for success and progression in employment.

Software developers and engineers are involved at all stages of the invocation of software programmes. You could work specifically on analysing the existing system, installing and operating a new system or researching new software technologies. For this reason it is important for entrants to the industry to be innovative as well as highly skilled. Attention to detail is another vital component as is problem solving and logical and analytical skills. Since most of the work is done in teams in preparation for a client presentation, good interpersonal skills are also valued.

The only certainty in this industry is change and so potential entrants must be willing to adapt and evolve in a consistent fashion. In these times of economic hardship the Irish government recognises that supporting research and development is essential to improve the prospects of our future economy. Ireland’s international reputation as a centre for research and development must be fostered and boosted in order to guarantee a return to a successful employment environment.

Name: Enda Ward Course: P2 Systems Architect I completed my degree in Electronics Engineering from National University of Ireland, Galway in 1999 then went on to study for my Masters Degree in Electronic Engineering (in the field of Biomedical Electronics), also at NUIG. Upon completion of my Masters, I lectured for a number of years before making the jump from academia to industry where I worked as a hardware engineer in a medical devices company. Subsequent to this I obtained a job with Valeo Vision Systems as a Hardware Design Engineer in 2006.

My primary goal as a System Architect is the creation and development of the next generation camera systems. This involves liaising with customers to assess their needs, travelling to various customers’ sites and presenting on proposed architectures. With customer

International leading software companies have been attracted to Ireland in the past due to our skilled workforce, so it is an area that the government wish to protect and replenish.

This is evident from the development of the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre (LERO) - a collaborative organisation embracing the research activities of DCU, TCD, UCD and UL, which organises events and provides services for postgraduate students and researchers. The research agenda of this impressive multi-million centre encompasses every possible aspect of software engineering, and was recently awarded the US patent for commercialising NASA technology.

In September of 2008 the Lero Graduate School in Software Engineering (LGSSE) opened its doors to postgraduate students who were the first to embark upon the four-year structured PhD research. The course combines the best features of worldwide postgraduate programmes by involving taught modules in research and practical work, as well as technical software engineering modules in addition to the completion of an individual research project.

Great emphasis is placed on the need for innovation in software development and engineering. The Software Technology Research Centre (SToRC) in Dundalk IT for example, pursues research in the three following themes: software quality engineering; knowledge engineering & human computer interaction; and spreadsheet engineering. Cutting edge research is also practiced at many other institutes, such as the TeaPOT (http://teapot.dit.ie/) research group in DIT, which

requirements in mind, I investigate how new technologies can benefit and add more to our products. I also keep a close eye on all the latest technologies used in the consumer electronics sector to ensure we have all the data before developing new systems. The role involves interaction with multiple disciplines including hardware, software, mechanical and manufacturing engineers to ensure the best balance between cost and performance can be achieved. The role also involves the integration of concept algorithms from other groups within Valeo for prototype development and assessing how best to match them to next generation hardware platforms.

I work in a very challenging company where tasks and deadlines change on a regular basis. The automotive electronics sector is rapidly evolving as consumers demand features in their vehicles they use elsewhere in their daily lives. This presents many exciting challenges as where the typical smart phone for example has a life of around 2-3

explores technology that interacts with humans or with the human body; and Waterford IT’s Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (www.tssg.org), which has over 35 ongoing projects on research topics ranging from eProcurement to portable technology. Whatever your particular interest in software, there is a research programme out there for you to aspire toward.

For those who prefer the more traditional method of learning, a wide variety of taught programmes in software development and engineering are available from UCD (Advanced Engineering for professionals with two years’ experience), NUI Maynooth, NUI Galway, UL, DCU, Waterford IT, Cork IT, Dundalk IT, and Athlone IT. Typical modules include Artificial Intelligence, Software Design, Testing and Quality, HumanComputer Interaction and Graphics. Interesting variants include Dundalk IT’s part time MBS in Software Entrepreneurship, which develops the management skills of software entrepreneurs; and Waterford IT’s MSc in Communications Software, which produces graduates fit to take leading roles in the highly profitable telecommunications software sector. Students with little or no background in IT can get involved by applying for NUI Galway’s Higher Diploma in Software Design and Development.

As the way we access information and entertainment becomes more complex, advanced and interactive, so does the demand for software developers and engineers. Doing a postgraduate course will teach you how to analyse the needs of your audience and design, test and develop software to meet and satisfy those needs.

years, automotive products are often required to last the lifetime of the vehicle which can be 10-15 years. An additional challenge is designing to meet the harsh automotive environment with extremes of temperature as our product may be used anywhere from Death Valley to Siberia. There are also many progression opportunities to avail of in Valeo Vision Systems. When I joined in 2006 it was as a Design Hardware Engineer and I progressed firstly to Hardware Project Lead and then to my current role as P2 System Architect. In January 2011, I was made a Valeo Expert. The expert role provides a technical career path for those of us whose preference is technical rather than managerial.

Valeo Vision Systems are constantly evolving and coming up with new, exciting and ground breaking products. This means that we are always looking to hire the right candidate in order to stay ahead of our competitors. We continuously need to be several steps ahead of our competitors so that we have the opportunity of working with the best and biggest clients.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 53

COMPUTING & I.T.

Informatics Informatics is a broad field concerned with the use of computer software in gathering, retrieval and storage of information. It can be applied to information from a whole host of fields, but the term has become closely associated with the healthcare sphere. As such, there are a number of Health Informatics courses available in Ireland.

F

or instance, Trinity College Dublin’s School of Computer Science and Statistics, and its School of Medicine, offer a two-year part-time MSc in Health Informatics. The course is open to people who hold a good honours degree in a professional health sciences or computer engineering discipline. As Course Co-ordinator Lucy Hederman explains, the programme aims to give people with backgrounds in these two very different areas an insight into and awareness of the nature of each others’ work.

She explains: ‘For the first nine weeks, people from an information technology background do a Basic Medical Sciences module, and the people from a clinical background do an Introduction to Programming module, which is not designed to turn them into programmers, but is designed to give them a sense of what it is that’s required from programmers. The vision of this course is to provide people who can talk to each other – people from a healthcare background who can

54 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

talk to the IT people, and people from IT who can talk to the healthcare people – so they need to understand the language and the mindset of programming.’

The University Of Limerick also offers an MSc in Health Informatics, pursued on a fulltime basis over one year. The course is open to administrators, managers and professionals in healthcare who have a primary undergraduate degree (2.2 honours or higher); people who have a primary undergraduate degree (2.2 honours or higher) in a health sciences discipline; and people with at least five years’ relevant work experience – with applicants meeting only the latter criteria required to undertake an interview.

NUI Galway also offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Science (Health Informatics). The course is pursued on a parttime basis over two semesters (September to December and January to April). Participants usually have a primary degree in healthcare, medicine or an equivalent qualification at 2.1

level or above in a relevant area.

But what career options does a course in health informatics open up for participants?

Lucy Hederman explains, with regard to those undertaking the Trinity programme: ‘The people who come from a clinical background into the course tend to be working in hospital environments or similar healthcare environments and some of them move into more explicitly “informatics” roles within those – so there’s a position of “nurse informatician”, for example, in many hospitals.

‘Some of them stay in the jobs they were in but have an increased responsibility or a different perspective on things. Some of them are people who are further advanced – doctors, anaesthetists, psychiatrists and people like that – who are not looking for a “career” option. It may help them in their careers as another box ticked, but it also gives them extra perspective on what they can do with IT to improve their work and improve their environments.’

COMPUTING & I.T.

With regard to the people who come to the course from IT backgrounds, she continues: ‘some of them end up being employed in organisations that provide clinical systems to healthcare services. Some already work in those kinds of environments and they want a bit of structure to put on that material, and some end up in the IT departments in hospitals or healthcare environments or the HSE.’ But of course, healthcare is not the only area in which informatics can be applied, and there are courses out there which reflect the variety of spheres in which it is employed. For instance, the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) offers a two-year part-time Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Informatics. Applicants must have an honours (2.2 and up) Level 8 undergraduate degree as well as relevant work experience in construction. The course is highly useful for the practice architecture, engineering, construction management, facility management and quantity surveying; and explores topics such as the use of mobile computing in construction and project planning/scheduling.

Then there is bioinformatics, a merging of information technology and the life sciences.

Dublin City University offers a one-year full-time Bioinformatics MSc, which has two streams. There is the Computing Stream; in which participants must have a good second-class honours degree in computer science, computing, computer applications or a related area, or significant computing experience in addition to a primary degree in another area. Then there is the Life Sciences Stream; in which participants must have a good second-class honours degree in biotechnology, biology or a related discipline, or biological experience either from their primary degree or subsequent to it. The course aims to give people from both these streams multidisciplinary skills to help them thrive in the bioinformatics and biotechnology industries.

So there is a wide range of informatics postgraduate options available in Ireland, which is helping to more smoothly integrate information technology into a number of spheres.

Name: James Brennan Course: MSc Health Informatics College: College of Informatics and Electronics (UL) Back in the days before the Celtic Tiger, when UL was NIHE Limerick, Ireland was poor, and many graduates emigrated. I duly ended up in London as a management accountant, having spent four enjoyable years from 1981 to 1985 in Limerick studying for a BBS (Accounting and Finance). At that time the internet, e-mail, broadband and the mobile phone had yet to see the light of day, and health informatics was quaintly known as ‘computers in medicine’.

My career brought me back to Ireland as a partner in a firm of accountants and management consultants, and most of my work in the last twenty years has been in ICT projects in the healthcare sector. I have kept abreast of professional developments in the area of health informatics over that period, but I felt that there was no specific course in Ireland which addressed my particular niche until 2009, when I joined the new MSc course in Health Informatics in UL. The course was organised into 10 blocks (Friday and Saturday) over two terms and a dissertation over the summer, which suited the class, who came from all over Ireland and all of whom work full time. We learned a great deal from each other by working together in groups,

both on campus and by distance, as distance learning was a key feature of the course. The course content was a good balance of ICT and healthcare, and is very relevant and topical for anybody involved in ICT projects in healthcare, especially from the clinical and nursing areas.

The academic staff was excellent and very supportive, especially for the dissertation, which in my case involved a fact-finding mission in Europe. The campus has improved beyond recognition, and the facilities were excellent, especially the library and the remote ICT services, such as Moodle. I have thoroughly enjoyed the course, and it was a coincidence that I returned to my alma mater, as I would have travelled anywhere in Ireland for this particular course.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 55

COMPUTING & I.T.

Computer Science Such is the importance of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) to every strand of industry that, according to a 2010 National Skills Bulletin, employment in the sector actually rose during the lowest point of the recession in 2009. There is little doubt that attaining a qualification in computing or computer science is an astute move in the hunt for employment, particularly for those with no previous IT qualification.

F

or those coming from a non-technical background, postgraduate computing qualifications gives the opportunity to complement your skills or change direction into a more applied area, building on your existing strengths.

There is no lack of conversion course options for the uninitiated. For instance, the UCD School of Computer Science and Informatics offers an intensive one-year MSc in Computer Science for non-computing graduates. A course such as this enables those who have attained an undergraduate qualification in an unrelated area to branch out and boost their employability. It provides a thorough foundation in the practical aspects of the development and management of modern information systems.

With increased emphasis on career-focused learning these days, NUI Maynooth’s MA in Digital Humanities programme provides a new direction for Arts graduates using information technology.

Based in ‘An Foras Feasa’ research institute in Maynooth the programme is the first of its kind in Ireland, offering Arts and Computing Science graduates the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and understanding of their fields.The MA enables students to achieve the technological, critical, research and collaborative skills needed to place them in a very strong position for a career in academic, cultural or heritage organisations, as well as preparing them for private sector roles such as, technical designers, communicators and analysts. The MA in Digital Humanities is a skills conversion course and is therefore subject to a reduced fee of 2750 euro for EU students. For more information log onto http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie.

A host of similar conversion programmes are available from a number of ITs – Athlone, Blanchardstown, Waterford, Letterkenny, Dundalk – and private colleges such as Griffith College Dublin and HIS Limerick Business School. Typical modules include Operating Systems (Analysis and Design), Software Engineering, Web Design, Project Management and Database Applications - all Higher Diplomas. The courses also share a highly practical outlook with a strong focus on project and group work: perfect preparation for IT project implementation in the workplace. The University of Limerick’s Postgraduate Diploma in Computing is one of the country’s most popular conversion programmes with over 700 graduates since its inception in 1979.

But what are the career benefits of taking a computing/computer science-based postgraduate course for those who have already

56 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

secured an undergraduate qualification in this area? Neil Hurley, Senior Lecturer at the UCD School of Computer Science, explains: ‘I would say in general it’s about competition. You go out onto the job market and you’re trying to show that you have something above and beyond what everyone else has. The other aspect is that these courses allow you to deepen and broaden your knowledge. So, the courses that you do at Masters level are at least the same level or above the level you did in the final year of your Bachelor degree. It’s like you’re repeating another year with higher quality courses – so depending on how you choose them, that allows you to broaden out into more areas of computer science or to deepen the areas that you’ve done before, and it gives you that competitive advantage.’

Dr Paul Walsh, a lecturer at the Cork Institute of Technology, says: ‘Ordinarily a graduate would be employed as a coder or a developer – postgraduates tend to go more to higher levels.

They could be software architects, team leaders, and project managers – that kind of higher level function.’

There is a wide range of course options. The MSc in Computing is available from a number of institutes of technology (Dundalk, GalwayMayo, Blanchardstown, Tralee and Limerick) and is an excellent preparation for senior IT roles.

Students undertake modules such as Human Computer Interaction, Distributed Computing (i.e.

Networks), and Advanced Software Engineering.

These courses often include a strong focus on entrepreneurial and research skills.

With everything from nuclear power plants to mobile phones now under threat from viruses, and sophisticated online fraud an ever present threat, our increasingly computer-reliant world has a constant need for IT security experts.

There are a number of postgraduate options for people looking to move into this profitable and challenging sector.

DCU’s MSc in Security & Forensic Computing provides the latest knowledge in the prevention and detection of Cybercrime. Modules cover such fascinating topics as Biometrics, Network Security and Cryptography. Potential employers include law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and software developers. IT Blanchardstown’s MSc in Computing - Information Security & Digital Forensics is a similar programme, with modules on topics such as Disaster Recovery & Business Continuance and Financial Fraud. Cork IT’s MSc in Computer - Networking & Security and UL’s Diploma in Computer – Systems Security are more focused on prevention than detection, although Forensics is a project option in the University of Limerick.

IT security is just one in a whole range of specialised options available to computing graduates, do a course search on Postgrad.ie and you will find exciting alternatives such as Assistive Technology in DIT and Geocomputation in NUI Maynooth.

COMPUTING & I.T.

Games Development Digital games comprise a large, lucrative and fast-growing part of the global entertainment industry. It is still a relatively small industry in Ireland but most importantly is a growing one.

Gaming companies in Ireland are continuing to recruit and the gaming industry requires an increasingly broad range of skills. Entering the gaming industry can be done at postgraduate level. Students come from different backgrounds. A good primary degree in the field of computer science, design or multimedia may be required for entry, although, each institution decides themselves who they will permit onto their programme.

I

f you have an interest in games development, contact the individual institution for further information regarding admission requirements. There are a number of postgraduate courses in gaming in Ireland run by a range of institutions from Institutes of Technologies to colleges. Here are some of the options available: DIT offers the MSc. in Digital Games. This programme is one year full-time and provides a multi-disciplinary education in game conception, design and manufacture. Graduates of the programme can pursue careers as game designers, level designers, game software engineers, project managers, consultants and games analysts. The MSc. in Computer Interactive Entertainment at Trinity College Dublin is located within the school of Computer Science and Statistics and aims to build upon existing undergraduate and MSc courses offered by the school. The course focuses on the technology behind the future of entertainment, media and communications and is one year’s duration. The MSc. in Multimedia Technology also run by Trinity College Dublin focuses on the field of interactive digital media.

This course usually permits graduates from any

discipline with excellent results usually a 2:1 or higher. The MSc. In Multimedia at DCU is another option to explore. This course provides training for postgraduates in development of interactive products for many platforms including games development and is also a one year programme.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology has a one year Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Games.

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma can lead on to the MSc. in Computer Games also at Letterkenny IT. In order to continue onto MSc. level the student must achieve good results in the Postgraduate Diploma. The programme aims to take a computing graduate or a graduate with equivalent qualifications and supplement their existing skills and knowledge in order to begin a career in computer games development. Prospective students may also have to attend an interview to gain admission to the course. Subjects covered include games programming, game design, 3D animation and 3D modelling, the mathematics and physics of game environments, 2D and 3D graphics, game technologies and entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurship module is included to facilitate students who may wish to set up their own

independent games company. Students will also have to undertake a team project. In order to obtain the Masters qualification, an additional dissertation must be completed. This can be completed the following academic year after completion of the Postgraduate diploma in one semester full-time or over two semesters part-time.

Career prospects for games developers look good for the moment. Graduates may go on to set up their own independent games company whilst others may be recruited by a games firm. Ireland is already home to some of these major games firms including; EA, Bioware, Zynga and PopCap. A recent Forfas report on the Games industry in Ireland predicts that the industry could create an extra two thousand five hundred jobs by 2014.

The report also detailed how this could create a significant level of associated employment.

The numbers employed by the gaming industry in Ireland have steadfastly increased over the last number of years and with the Forfas report claiming that Ireland is well placed to take advantage of this growth; it looks like it is set to continue for the foreseeable future at least.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 57

HEALTH & MEDICAL

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58 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Health & Medical Healthcare Management

Healthcare professionals hoping to move up the career ladder often need particular management skills to ensure the smooth running of their departments. This need for skills specific to the healthcare sector has led to the development of a number of healthcare management courses focused on training healthcare professionals.

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urrently, there are five institutions in the country providing courses in this field at Masters level. Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork offer an MSc and MBS respectively in Health Services Management; while UCD’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School (Executive MBA), the Institute of Public Administration (MA), and Royal College of Surgeons (Postgraduate Diploma/ MSc) offer courses under the title of Healthcare Management.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Institute of Leadership provides a number of postgraduate programmes in areas such as leadership, management, quality, patient safety and organisational development.

‘Our programmes are part-time and modular; we deliver them through a blend of classroom and web-based media. As such, they are ideal for busy health professionals who want to develop their leadership and management potentials in a flexible and supportive environment that is tailored to the demands of their work and family life,’ says Professor Ciaran O’Boyle, Director of the Institute of Leadership.

The Institute of Leadership also offers a Masters in Leadership in Health Professions Education.

The course is aimed at meeting the needs of professionals who are responsible for educating other healthcare professionals in the fields of medicine, nursing, pharmacy and physiotherapy.

Dr Pauline Joyce, Director of Academic Affairs in the Institute and also Programmes Director of the Masters in Leadership in Health Professions Education explains, ‘this Masters is designed to help you develop as an effective teacher, mentor, supervisor and educational leader’. Particular areas of focus include curriculum design, educational strategies, assessment of learning, clinical supervision, educational research and programme evaluation through professional

application and scholarships.

Eilish MacAuliffe, Course Director for the MSc in Health Services Management in TCD explains who the course is aimed at and what it entails: ‘The course has been running here for over ten years. It’s a two-year, part-time course.

Most of our students would work in middle to senior management; they would generally have about five years experience working as health professionals. The majority of them would be employed by the HSE, however in the past few years we have seen more and more students coming from private healthcare providers.’

The course places an emphasis on giving the students practical experience which they can apply to their particular role: ‘As part of the course, we may look at different problems that arise in the students’ places of employment, and work on resolutions for these problems. Students can then use what they’ve learnt and put it into practice in the workplace, so it’s resolution by implementation. The course is very practicalfocused; there’s a good balance between theory and practical work. There are no exams, as our students are generally mature students, we don’t feel that exams are appropriate. Instead, the students are assessed by continuous assessment.’

A postgraduate course in Health Services Management prepares students for working in

senior roles in the healthcare arena by teaching a mixture of management subjects, such as human resource management, but also giving them a relevance to the healthcare system. Ms MacAuliffe explains: ‘Some of the skills they would learn would be an understanding of the broader policy concept in healthcare, being informed about the broader policy arena, the organisational structure and how organisations work. They learn how to implement change in an organisation, the pros and cons and how it’s done. Other aspects that they study would be understanding financial management budgets, human resource management, disciplinary procedures, training and development, leadership and teamwork.

Overall, the students leave with a greater understanding of the system in total and how it works and where they fit into it.’

UCD run variants on the healthcare management theme also. The MSc Nursing (Applied Healthcare Management) is available to registered nurses and midwives. It includes modules on Leadership and Health Systems Dynamics and Patient Safety, and a research dissertation. The one-year Graduate Diploma in Healthcare (Risk management and quality) provides training for healthcare providers in the field of clinical risk management, patient safety, claims, and healthcare.

Name: Shirley McEnroe

Name: Emmanuel Eguare

Name: Philip Hardy

Course: MSc in Healthcare Management

Course: Masters in Leadership & Management Development

Course: MSc in Leadership in Health Professions Education

Profession: Senior Staff Nurse

Profession: Consultant Surgeon

This Masters Course was very rewarding and fulfilling. I personally wouldn’t trade my Masters experience, the people I have met and worked with and the lasting friendships for anything. Money spent on education is an investment in one’s life that lasts forever and can’t ever be lost as it’s a bridge to greater things. In all a superb experience!

Getting the opportunity to undergo the Masters Course in Leadership and Management Development has been a fantastic experience and has certainly made me a better insightful human being and a more effective leader. I would definitely recommend it anytime.

Profession: Co-ordinator of Undergraduate Teaching and Restorative Dentistry This was a very professionally run, relevant and evidence based Masters Course, providing all the tools you require to be an innovative leader in modern health professional education.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 59

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Medical Science For science graduates, there can be few more rewarding career avenues than the advancement of medical science. Irish researchers consistently make a significant impact in this area. For example: Dr Donal Brennan, the young UCD scientist who won the 2010 European Young Researcher Award for his work in early detection of breast cancer or Dr Ross O’Neill of NUI Maynooth and winner of Enterprise Ireland ‘One to Watch’ Award 2010 for his work on a revolutionary new treatment for tinnitus. Who knows what role you might play in future discoveries?

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iomedical science is a popular postgraduate option that can lead to careers in a variety of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biotechnology, as well as the field of medical laboratory research. An MSc in Biomedical Science is available from UCC, Cork IT and NUI Galway (which also provides a distance learning option). The huge success of the medical device industry in Ireland has created the highest per capita employment of medicaltechnology personnel in Europe.

Research opportunities are also available in biomedical science. UCD’s School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science is actively engaged in three key areas of biomolecular research: disease mechanisms (neuroscience, cancer and diabetes); infection Biology and structural biology. Research applications in this field are also welcomed by Cork IT, where current research streams include clinical biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and virology.

Biomedical science is a good starting point that affords students the opportunity to specialise in a number of different areas: haematology, medical microbiology, cellular pathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, etc. But there are a number of intriguing postgraduate programmes that enable specialisation from the get go.

For example, NUI Maynooth’s MSc in Immunology and Global Health was recently awarded 1st Prize for Postgraduate Courses in

Name: Sheila Tierney Course: PhD Yr 4, Ancient DNA Analysis, as part of The Ballyhanna Research Project.

Sexing and disease detection in one of Ireland’s largest sites of medieval human remains.

College: IT Sligo I studied Forensic Science as an undergraduate so when I saw that IT Sligo had advertised a postgraduate position which involved analyzing ancient DNA from archaeological human remains, I instantly knew that I would like to be part of this challenging and exciting research

60 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

study of poisons and while drawing heavily on life and physical sciences, there is also a heavy emphasis on its practical applications. Sample modules include Principles of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Reproductive Toxicology, Applied Issues in Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Toxicokinetics (or how a substance gets into the body and what happens to it once it has entered).

Science and Engineering at an award ceremony hosted by graduate recruitment website GradIreland.com. The MSc in Immunology and Global Health has been running since 2008 and is unique within Ireland. Taking influences and techniques from social sciences such as sociology and anthropology, the course provides biological and health science graduates with a deeper understanding of the challenges of health and development while broadening their understanding of immunology.

Another unique and fascinating programme is the MSc in Toxicology, which is offered jointly

by Athlone IT and NUI Galway. Toxicology is the

project.

As an undergraduate I knew that I wanted to further my studies and began looking at postgraduate positions in many Irish Universities and Institutes of Technologies. I was excited about the research project in IT Sligo as it was an interdisciplinary cross border research project involving both scientific and archaeological disciplines. Getting to work on such an innovative project like the Ballyhanna Research Project was very attractive as I felt that this was necessary for me to further my career in molecular science. Also working as part of a diverse research team meant that I would be interacting with people from various research backgrounds both in IT Sligo and Queens University Belfast.

Anyone in research will tell you that no two days are the same- you definitely learn

Medical research in Ireland is difficult but highly rewarding work. Competition for funding is intense and a good degree of networking and investigation of opportunities offered by colleges, hospitals, and organisations such as the Health Research Board (www.hrb.ie) is advised. Given the current economic situation, it is no surprise that research funding is not as freely available as in years gone by. Thankfully however, organisations such as the MMI (www.molecularmedicineireland. ie) are finding innovative and inexpensive ways to improve the research capabilities of PhD students.

Budding researchers at any of the MMI’s founding partners - NUI Galway, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Trinity College, UCC, and UCD – are eligible for a pilot scheme called the MMI Clinician Scientists Structured PhD Curriculum. The programme allows researchers to select taught modules for their structured PhD from any of the participating institutes, as long as they meet the module requirements of their own programme. The scheme represents an exciting opportunity to tailor a structured PhD that meets your unique research interests.

something new every day. Doing a PhD is by no means easy- you need to be self motivated, willing to work hard and be very determined.

You will certainly have some hard days, but seeing the initial basic concept of your research develop and succeed far outweighs any negatives and is certainly very rewarding. Each day can present new challenges whether it’s working out a problem in the lab or preparing to present at a conference, these can initially be daunting and overwhelming experiences, but overcoming them builds your confidence and makes you the best you can be in an area you become passionate about.

IT Sligo is a vibrant campus, but with a relaxed feel to it. Since I started here four years ago it is constantly changing and improving and striving to become the best Institute for its students.

There’s never a dull moment! Lecturers and staff are supportive and work with the students to enable them to meet their full potential.

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Nursing There has been a mass exodus of graduate nurses from Ireland in recent years due to lack of full-time job opportunities here. It is certainly a difficult time for the nursing profession.

However, for working nurses, or those who have managed to acquire the required work experience, a postgraduate course can still have a very positive affect on career prospects.

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urses can work in either the pubic or private healthcare sectors, but postgraduate education can also open doors in other arenas such as childcare, healthcare sales and pharmaceuticals - to name but a few. In the current climate it is helpful to have relevant yet diverse skills and accreditation in areas like paediatric nursing, midwifery and pubic health nursing. This can greatly add to a candidate’s employability and earning potential. An Bord Altranais, the regulatory body for nursing, continually recognises the absolute necessity of further education for advancement in the profession. The body’s primary duty is to promote high standards of professional education and any opportunities to develop, extend and strengthen the position of professional education.

Most postgraduate options require the candidate to be a registered nurse and have requisite experience. One such specialist programme is the Higher Diploma in Children’s Nursing, which is a 12-month full time course for which any nurse registered in one of the four divisions RNID (Intellectual Disability), RPN (Psychiatric), RGN (General) or RM (Midwifery) may apply. Available from Trinity College and DCU, it provides qualified nurses with the essential skills to enable them to meet the changing healthcare needs of children and families. Upon successful completion of the course you can register as a Children’s Nurse (RCN).

Midwifery is an extremely popular option for registered nurses looking to expand upon their skills. Providers of the Higher Diploma in Midwifery include Trinity College, NUI Galway,

UL, UCC and UCD. The programme offers a year long full time graduate diploma course aiming to provide registered nurses and midwives with the opportunity to enhance previously acquired professional education and develop critical inquiry, evidence based practice/research, knowledge, skills, and attitudes in preparation for professional role enhancement within nursing/ midwifery. Applicants should possess a Primary Degree and must be a registered Nurse or Midwife on the appropriate register maintained by An Bord Altranais.

One of the growing areas of specialisation is oncology (cancer care) nursing, which at NUIG is taught through a ‘blended learning approach’ whereby students access lectures, reading material, activities and discussion online and then come to the university for two-day workshops on each module they have studied during the programme.

Course Director Dr Mary Dowling describes cancer care as an area that has undergone ‘huge changes...and nurses are needed to implement these changes. Oncology nurses have to be scientifically minded to deal with the areas of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but they also need to be excellent communicators in order to treat cancer patients. The students who do best are those who relate theory to practice. Some of our students wouldn’t have a degree and would have entered the programme through completing a qualifier essay. But these students tend to have had many years’ experience in cancer wards, they’ve seen it all, and we really value that’.

In most cases it is possible to progress to a Masters (MSc) once the higher/graduate diploma

is completed. The MSc prepares students for more advanced roles in leadership. They also improve their research skills by undertaking a dissertation in their chosen area of specialisation.

Trinity College’s MSc in Gerontological Nursing for example seeks to answer the needs of an ageing society where proper care of the elderly is more highly prioritised. This two-year course is open to registered nurses who have attained both a degree and professional experience. As part of their master’s, students will examine the concepts and practice behind gerontological nursing and develop an awareness of the ageing process. They will also study the ethics and laws that govern healthcare. In the second year, they will complete a dissertation of 20,000-25,000 words.

But, what are the benefits of pursuing an area of specialisation, rather than continuing with a general nursing role? Dr. Fintan Sheerin, Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning in Trinity College Dublin’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, has some opinions on this matter.

Principally, he feels that specialisation allows students to develop skills that are not taught in undergraduate programmes, and can lead to work in a specialised field.

‘Specialisation may be undertaken to obtain or develop skills and knowledge, to work in a specialised area,’ he explains. ‘Many nurses see these specialities as the “sexy” or exciting areas of nursing. To some degree, specialisation in a nurse with entrepreneurial skills can provide a basis for the development of niche roles. Many of the original nurse specialists created their own roles through initiative, and identification of unmet patient need.’

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HEALTH & MEDICAL

Medicine for Graduates For years the dream of a career in medicine has, for the vast majority of students, always remained an unrealised one. Perhaps the best academic intentions in the early years of second level gave way to distractions that dragged down the grades, prompting a more realistic choice on the CAO form. Or the high points requirement proved too elusive on the day leaving a point tally that heartbreakingly narrowly missed the cut.

E

ither way the study of medicine has largely been reserved for those who had the most absurdly keen intellect and ambition at a very young age. People who to all intents and purposes would have made excellent doctors were being denied the opportunity based on their inability to perform under pressure in the Leaving Certificate, which in theory may have been harvesting a very specific stream of people for entry into the medical profession over the years. The introduction of graduate medicine courses Ireland a number of years ago seeks to redress that potential imbalance by widening the net cast over potential students.

The course in Ireland is still in its infancy, (the first intake was in 2007) but it is being offered by four Universities here at the moment, UCD, UCC, RCSI, and the flagship university for the course, University of Limerick, where the graduate medicine school is headed up by Professor Paul Finucane, veteran of eight years in international graduate medicine before his posting to the inaugural Irish course.

The course is of four years duration during which the biomedical sciences are said to be compressed into a 40-week first year and the first term of the second year. The learning methods are adapted to suit the more advanced learning styles of the graduate entrant. Clinical experience, however, is the same as it would be on the undergraduate course. Indeed in UCC, RCSI and UCD the students from the graduate and

Name: Michael O’Callaghan Course: Graduate Entry Medical Programme College: University of Limerick I took this course as I had worked for a while as a mechanical engineer and had decided I wasn’t overly keen on the typical career path I had seen. In 2007, when I was actively researching similar courses in the UK, I discovered that there was to be a new graduate entry medical course available in Ireland, and I was immediately interested. As I am a Limerick native, and as the course sounded new and innovative, UL was my first choice.

From the first week, I found the course both interesting and challenging. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a tried and tested model internationally, and I immediately found it a rewarding way to structure your learning based around a topic. One difficulty was limiting

62 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

undergraduate programmes are gradually merged after the first term of second year, UL however is the only university to take only graduates so no merging is necessary.

Though the door has been opened considerably wider into the hallowed world of medical study, there are still entry requirements to be met. Candidates must hold a minimum of a 2:1 degree in any undergraduate degree and also must have a competitive score in a tailored test known as the GAMSAT (http://www.gamsat-ie.org/).

Non-science degree holders needn’t feel that they will be marginalized in the selection process as this is neither a requirement nor a factor. As Professor Finucane points out, ‘it doesn’t matter what discipline you come from, we have students with engineering backgrounds, arts backgrounds, students with degrees in music, degrees in fashion design. One of the strategies is to try and increase diversity of medical education and to try and get students who’ve had a range of life experiences before they come to us.’

The GAMSAT (graduate medical school admission test) consists of three elements: reasoning in humanities and social sciences, written communication and reasoning in biological and physical sciences. The test measures the skills and abilities a person has gained through their existing experience.

Although a science background is not compulsory, GAMSAT may prove too challenging to those yourself in your research, but that comes with time and the textbooks are generally useful in highlighting what’s important and what is more fine-print, specialist knowledge.

The clinical skills and knowledge of anatomy that doctors use everyday are also integral to the initial two years of the program, which keeps you focused on clinically relevant knowledge and allows you to build up experience of ‘normal’ before encountering significant findings/pathology in years three and four on your clinical placements.

And while it is a time-consuming course, I think it’s important to say that outside interests such as sport, music, family, socialising and other non-medical activities are certainly possible and indeed sometimes necessary to ensure that a balance is struck between work, rest and play!!

The volume of material that needs to be covered would probably be the most challenging aspect of the course but again, that comes with time and I believe the course is designed to encourage you to develop

without some manner of basic knowledge and concept of biological and physical sciences.

Career prospects for medical graduates are generally good. Those who whish to stay in Ireland are very likely to be granted an internship in an Irish hospital. The introduction of the Graduate Medicine Programme coincided with the expansion of direct entry numbers and was a response to a manpower survey that pointed towards a dearth of medical graduates, so graduates are likely to be welcomed into the workplace.

As graduates, students won’t be cushioned by the free fees they may have enjoyed before and this may be a shock to the bank balance. The tuition fee for 2011-2012 is €13,915 per annum.

Student penury is most likely a small hurdle for those with the medical dream especially those who take the graduate route as ambition is one of the defining characteristics of the graduate student as Professor Finucane says; ‘I think it’s been well documented and there’s evidence to show that people who come into any programme as graduates be it medicine or otherwise tend to be more highly motivated, more focused and more mature and I think we have seen that in the first three years of the program here in UL.’ So if your leaving cert thwarted your excellent bedside manner and your second choice career couldn’t dampen your medical dream. It’s not too late for you to follow your path and become one of the new generation of medical graduates. a learning strategy you’ll continue to use throughout your professional life.

The most enjoyable academic aspect is the challenge of learning new material and improving skills with patients, so that engaging with them in a meaningful way becomes possible. There are also several research projects, literature reviews and special study modules (SSMs) that you must complete throughout the course. The project I most enjoyed was a 3 week SSM based on ‘Medicine and the Humanities’, where I traced the evolution of anatomical drawings throughout history. Also, the course is a great opportunity to meet like-minded and motivated people that you enjoy working and socializing with.

As for my career prospects, this course is, as with the other medical courses in Ireland, a stepping stone onto internships, initial training schemes and higher training schemes, with the eventual prospect of a possible specialist post, be that as a general practitioner, hospital consultant or public health doctor, etc.

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Psychology Psychology is an increasingly diverse discipline, with an application in practically every facet of modern day life: health, education, family, work, sport, community, etc. It is this breadth of choice and its inherently fascinating nature as a subject of study that ensures psychology’s enduring popularity at fourth level.

I

f you are a newcomer to the discipline but are interested in getting involved, take comfort in the fact that there are entry levels available to those with no third level experience of the subject. Four universities in Ireland UCD, UCC, NUIG and TCD, each offer a psychology conversion course: the Higher Diploma in Psychology, which effectively converts a primary degree to the equivalent of an honours degree with Psychology as the main subject. Assuming the successful completion of this course, students will then be eligible to become a Graduate Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (www.psihq. ie): a pre-requisite for accredited professional training in Ireland. The diploma is awarded after two years of full time study (in UCC it is also offered on a part-time basis lengthening the duration to four years of study).

A basic requirement for acceptance is that candidates possess a second-class honours degree at least, in any subject from a recognised course provider. Places for these programmes are usually extremely limited in each of the universities and in all cases short listed candidates will be required to attend an interview prior to obtaining entry into the diploma. Core modules might include areas such as Cognition & Culture, Life Span Psychology, Individual Differences and Research Methods. Scope for individual tastes is provided for with the inclusion of a list of optional modules to choose from such as: Bereavement, Attachment Theory and Clinical Psychology.

For those with commitments that would make the full time route impossible to consider there are other options. Firstly, the aforementioned course in UCC, or alternatively the private college

Dublin Business School runs a Higher Diploma in Psychology on a part time and full time basis (both two years). The course is awaiting accreditation by the Psychological Society of Ireland, but the fact that DBS’s Honours Degree in Psychology is already accredited by the PSI would offer a good degree of optimism.

However, if you are already the holder of a primary degree in psychology, and you’re wondering what to do next, be prepared for the wealth of postgraduate options available to you.

Areas of specialisation include Counselling (TCD, UCC), Clinical (TCD, UCD, UL – doctorate only, NUIG), Educational (UCD), Organisational (UL), Health (NUIG), Sports (WIT), and Coaching (UCC).

Clinical Psychology programmes prepare participants for careers in working with those suffering from mental health disorders. Typical course content would include Adult Clinical Psychology and Intellectual Disability. Possible career sectors for qualified clinical psychologists would be in the health service, the voluntary body sector, or the prison service. At least a 2:1 honours degree is required for entry along with, in some cases, a year’s experience working in a related field.

If you are more drawn to using your qualifications in the business world then UL’s MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology would be a good choice. Core modules of this course include development of Organisation, Management, Training, and Leadership. The course provides graduates who can maintain and improve organisational performance and employee wellbeing – key goals in these financially pressurised times. UCC’s part time

Higher Diploma in Coaching Psychology is also an excellent option. Students become effective coaches in both life and business domains, responding creatively and positively to the current demands and uncertainties of life.

Applied Psychology is another option, and one that is not confined to a specific area such as clinical or organisational psychology. Available from Trinity College (MSc) and UCC (MA), it involves the study of core psychological activities such as testing and evaluation, as well as a strong focus on research methods and data analysis. The professional and ethical issues of psychology are also examined. The mastering of these key skills opens a wide variety of career paths to graduates.

Although psychology is undoubtedly a fascinating area, many students may be dispirited by the number of qualifications and length of time it takes to get started – especially to become a doctor of psychology. These sacrifices, combined with the fact that most of these courses are extremely competitive with demanding requirements, mean that psychology students are often forced to consider employment in other sectors. However, graduates find themselves extremely well skilled in looking for work in many industries as the research and training throughout the postgraduate course develops a great range of specialist skills. Areas such as counselling, education, human resources, media and research are just some of the fields where psychology graduates are always in great demand. The current economic climate means that graduates with knowledge and experience that can be used in such a diverse number of industries are a valuable commodity.

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HEALTH & MEDICAL

Social Work & Counselling Social Work is always a popular career, providing the opportunity for people to make a real difference to people’s lives. Two-year, vocational Masters that provide professional training and are accredited by the National Social Work Qualifications Board (www.nswqb.ie) are available from Trinity College, UCD, NUI Galway and UCC. As with all public service roles, employment prospects have suffered as a result of the recession, but there is room for optimism.

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ast year was the first all our graduates didn’t walk into a job,’ says Maeve Foreman, Course Director in Trinity. ‘But the country is never going to be in a situation where it doesn’t need social workers.’ Simone McCaughren, her counterpart in UCC, offers another reason for optimism. ‘The qualification is highly transferable,’ she says, ‘and so a real selling point is that graduates can and do go to work in places like the UK or Canada.’

In addition, recent public health scandals have highlighted the need for more fully-qualified social workers. HSE employment of social workers increased by 93 in 2010, while in reaction to the Ryan Report’s findings on child abuse, the Government committed itself to the recruitment of an additional 270 social workers before the end of 2011.

McCaughren agrees that social work is challenging - ‘you’re dealing with a lot of emotional situations and it can have an impact’ - but the course is designed to prepare students.

‘Learning to self-care is an important element of the programme, and it starts with the work placements.’ The work is also ‘diverse and exciting’ says Foreman, as contrary to popular belief there is a lot more to the role than child welfare – involving as that is. Among the many other arenas of activity are hospitals, probation, community work and asylum seekers.

Candidates for the Masters in Social Work (MSW) are usually required to have at least a second class Honours Degree in Social Science, with Social Policy as a major or joint major subject, or have completed the Higher Diploma in Social Policy as a conversion programme.

One-year Higher Diplomas in Social Policy are available to study at UCD and UCC. Relevant work experience is also a requirement, although not necessarily of the paid variety, as voluntary work may be taken into consideration. Typical modules include Social Work Theory, Family Law, Child Welfare and a Field Placement.

Practicing social work professionals might be interested in developing their career with a research programme – available from UCD (MSocSc) and Trinity (MPhil) College. Students attend taught modules on how to advance their social research skills as they work toward completing their final dissertation (TCD), or thesis (UCD – where progression to a PhD programme is possible after one year).

Experienced professionals from all sectors of the social arena, from policy formulation and research to social care provision and youth work, who wish to develop their skills and knowledge, might consider enrolling in an Applied Social

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Studies programme. The courses, available from UCC (Level 10 Doctorate) and NUI Maynooth (Level 9 MA to Level 10 PhD), include taught modules (both practical and theoretical) and research projects: facilitating high-level research experience and career progression.

Readers may have an interest in social work, but fear they lack the mental strength for what is an emotionally challenging career. Thankfully there are plenty of other socially concerned postgraduate programmes out there that are not quite so involved at the coalface of deprivation and hardship.

One such area is the discipline of social justice.

Anyone who wishes to work in the advocacy of

a marginalised or oppressed group or simply seeking to research and further understand social inequalities, will be interested in a Social Justice qualification. Courses are available from All Hallows College (Public Policy Specialism); and by research from UCD’s School of Social Justice, where two streams that focus on either Equality or Women’s Studies are offered.

Taught and research based Social Policy programmes provided by UCD and UCC also produce graduates who can work in voluntary/ advocacy groups. Students learn how to critically analyse social policies and the process by which they are formulated and thus find work in various state agencies.

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Psychotherapy Psychotherapists are highly trained to relate to and treat people who may be distressed or having difficulties coping with life, they may also encourage change. A key element of the treatment is the relationship between psychotherapist and the patient. Psychotherapy is a separate scientific profession and should not be confused with the work of psychologists.

Training and accreditation as a psychotherapist generally involves about seven years of study; a primary degree which usually can be in any discipline, a foundation year and further training in one of the psychotherapeutic disciplines generally at MA or MSc level.

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here are professional trainings provided in universities and training institutes in Ireland. However, it is important to make sure that the course you do is approved by the governing body, namely, the Irish Council for Psychotherapy especially if you would like to work in private practice.

People undertake psychotherapy courses for many reasons and come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some would like to work as professional psychotherapists in public or private practice, whilst others may deem it a useful qualification to have for their career which may be in another field. Psychotherapy can be extremely useful for many different job roles such as, the field of education, the medical or nursing professions or even in business. Psychotherapy can be applied to any role that involves working with people. There is the option to study part-time whilst continuing to work. This can be a popular choice for financial reasons. Changing career upon completion of study may be the objective for some but studying part-time means that one can take the time to do so. Knowledge of psychotherapy may also compliment and assist many different professions so studying part-time facilitates this learning without jeopardising the existing job.

make sense of their experiences. Constructivists may work with individuals, families, couples, organisations and other groups. With couple and family therapy, the client and the therapist look at the emotional, psychological and interpersonal problems that may arise amongst people that live in close proximity to one another. Humanistic and Integrative therapy aims to enable people to develop awareness as to what may be preventing them from accessing their own true nature and is aimed at the person as a whole.

Psychoanalytical therapy tries to make sense and reach understanding regarding reasons for a person’s distress, the reasons for which may be uncovered at an unconscious level. This therapy is based on the work of Sigmund Freud.

Cognitive therapists use educational approaches to teach new skills to a client, the reasoning behind this approach is that people learn to act and think in certain ways as a result of a lifetime of experiences and personal perceptions based upon those experiences. Deciding what area to specialise in is an important first step in seeking postgraduate study.

Independent Colleges in Dublin runs an M.A. in Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy; it is a two year taught programme. University College Dublin offers the Higher Diploma in Psychotherapy

Studies; this serves as a foundation year introducing students to the psychotherapies and prepares them for further specialist training. It may also help to do this year in order to assist in making the decision regarding which area of psychotherapy to specialise in. Completion of the Higher Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies enables students to then apply for a suite of different Master’s programmes offered by UCD including: MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, MSc in Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy and MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy, to name but a few.

Various other universities and training bodies offer courses but the key thing is to research carefully and make sure the course is recognised by the governing body. Consider carefully what you would like to gain and achieve from the course. If you are simply looking to learn more about the subject area there are many short-term courses available, however, if you wish to work professionally then it is of paramount importance to do your homework regarding the various courses on offer. For further information see The Irish Council for Psychotherapists’ website – www. psychotherapy-ireland.com, for advice on courses log onto www.psychotherapyinireland.com and also The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy www.irish-counselling.ie

There are many fields of psychotherapy and choosing the right one to suit your own interests is very important. Specialisation in different areas of psychotherapy can mean working in different environments and with different people. Life experience is very important if considering doing a postgraduate psychotherapy course so students tend to be a little older, many courses have an age requirement of 26 or over.

A good primary degree in any discipline and a successful interview may admit you into a psychotherapy postgraduate course. However, some personality types may be incompatible with the work of psychotherapy so may not be granted admission. People from all types of backgrounds pursue postgraduate psychotherapy courses and the more diverse interests an individual has can prove beneficial in the course of study and subsequent psychotherapy career.

Psychotherapists can be grouped into five areas depending on their therapeutic approach.

According to The Irish Council for Psychotherapy these five specialist areas are: Constructivist Therapy, Couple and Family Therapy, Humanistic and Integrative Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Constructivist therapy aims to help clients

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CREATIVE ARTS & MEDIA

Creative Arts & Media Art and Design Art and design is an extremely broad field encompassing a wide range of creative disciplines and potential career paths. As with many industries the current financial turmoil is creating a degree of uncertainty but also providing the impetus to seek out the extra qualification and skills required to distinguish oneself within a competitive jobs market.

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udding artists who wish to concentrate on their personal output will be interested in the Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art in Studio Art, which is offered jointly by NUI Galway and the Burren College of Art. The programme is designed to educate artists to a level appropriate to professional practice or progression to doctoral studies. The programme operates in association with the Royal College of Art, London and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which are a source of visiting speakers and artists.

Alongside unique taught programmes such as Art in the Contemporary World and Design History & Material Culture, the NCAD (National College of Art & Design) also offers MA and PhD research options. Research proposals are invited in all aspects of art and design, including practice, education, history, criticism and theory.

Siún Hanrahan, Head of Research and Postgraduate Development at NCAD, explains the advantages of these avenues of research: ‘Postgraduate studies by research allows students to develop their specialisation within their area of the art and design industry, deepening critical understanding in relation to contemporary practice and situating existing knowledge within wider issues. NCAD’s courses are quite unique and at the moment, constantly being updated to stay so.’

Art & Design research programmes are also

available from the University of Limerick. Topics are as varied as the applicants who propose them and there is no stringent policy on suggestions.

Apart from the obvious benefit of certification, students will also find that the course will enhance their professionalism as well as learning how research can contribute to creative development.

career and graduates tend to be ambitious and nimble, moving around and creating their own opportunities. What is important in our courses is that they are very professionally centred; conditioning students to see what their field is becoming and how to progress professionally within it.’

Limerick Institute of Technology is another college that provides research opportunities alongside postgraduate courses in art and design.

Research proposals are considered for MAs & PhDs by research in numerous fields including fine art, printmaking, fashion, ceramic or digital design, as well as art and design education.

One course that focuses on the practical element and recognises the importance of advice from industry experts is that of the MA Professional Design Practice on offer at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT). On each project undertaken leading industry professionals give input and advice; the premise being to equip design graduates with competencies needed to work in the industry.

Art creation, curation and criticism may be normally considered independent career paths, but IADT’s unique MA in Visual Art Practices (www.mavis.ie) allows students to receive an education in all three. This approach allows flourishing artists to contextualise their work in an exciting new way. It can be taken as a one-year full time option, or on a two-year, part time schedule and past graduates have progressed on to careers in diverse areas such as public art commissioning, performance, photography, criticism, sculpture, video installation, curation and painting.

‘Postgraduate studies teach students to look creatively at opportunities in industries where careers don’t follow straight lines,’ says Liam Doona, Head of Department of Art & Design in IADT. ‘In creative arts you shape your own

Teaching is a popular career choice within art.

One-year, postgraduate diplomas are available from NCAD, Limerick IT and CIT’s Crawford College of Art & Design. The NCAD’s MA in Visual Arts Education, is an exciting new course that focuses on educational leadership in the arts. The course explores topics such as the use of digital media, curriculum planning and community participation, and is open to teachers in all sectors – primary, post-primary, further, higher, adult and community education Whatever the area most attractive to you, preparation really is half the battle so make sure you choose a postgraduate course that will accelerate your career on the road to success.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 67

CREATIVE ARTS & MEDIA

Journalism It is often said that journalism is a vocation rather than a career, but in common with most other professions, media employers are increasingly looking for a relevant qualification. Editors often welcome applications from postgraduates because they tend to have a more rounded knowledge of current affairs and the areas they hope to specialise in. It also helps that those who have completed a fourth level course will usually have developed a portfolio of published work.

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nyone seeking relevant experience prior to a postgraduate qualification should always try to be the applicant who stands out as the most committed to journalism and the most competent. Do not be put off if you receive some rejections - editors appreciate and respect determination and persistence. You should be aware though that in terms of long-term career prospects, those who study the media and demonstrate knowledge of the areas they wish to write about have the advantage.

An attractive aspect of postgraduate journalism is that applicants who have no journalistic qualifications will have little difficulty in applying successfully if they have a good academic record and/or relevant experience. A good command of the English language together with an ability to write well and some published articles will greatly boost your chances.

The DIT MA in Journalism is a one-year, full time programme covering the practice and theory of journalism from the basics of the craft to consideration of the part that journalists play in society. Another highly regarded course is the MA in Journalism from DCU. This one-year programme is designed to provide in-depth and wide-ranging training and education for prospective entrants to the profession. It balances practical, theoretical, technical and analytical elements to reflect the changing media environment and the new (and increasingly diverse) demands being made on entrants to journalism.

The programme consists of taught courses for two semesters, with a project or dissertation and a trainee placement over the summer period and runs for just under a calendar year, from September to September. The project/dissertation is expected to be a major piece of academic media research or a major journalistic project.

All students receive training in both print and broadcast journalism.

Typical modules in these and other postgraduate journalism programmes in the University of Limerick, NUI Galway, and Independent Colleges are shorthand writing, media ethics, history and theory of journalism, investigative reporting and broadcast journalism.

Part time options are provided by UL and Independent Colleges.

The MA in Journalism and Media Communications (HETAC) from Griffith College Dublin and Cork allows students with an existing undergraduate degree in a nonjournalism or media discipline to acquire the skills of journalistic writing, production and communication. During the course students are challenged in real journalistic situations, in both

68 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

print and broadcasting, to give them a taste of a real working environment. Elective modules include Online Media, Sports Journalism and Photojournalism.

environments. Entrants may be recent graduates or may have worked for some years in media practice.

Optional modules include Political Economy of the Media and Human Rights Journalism.

Students from outside Ireland should pay particular attention to DIT’s MA in International Journalism, a full time three-semester programme covering the practice and theory of journalism in an international context. It is particularly suited to international students as, in contrast to the MA in Journalism, it does not assume knowledge of the Irish context and prepares students to work on international news stories. Applicants should be aware that it is not geared for those who wish to work in Ireland. Modules include Peace and War Reporting, International Media Law and Journalism in a Globalised World.

Another interesting variation is NUI Galway’s Higher Diploma in Craoltóireacht & Iriseoireacht Raidió & Teilifíse, an exciting opportunity for Gaeilgeoirí to practice journalism through Irish.

Potential employers include TG4, RTE, BBC, Raidió na Gaeltachta and the newspaper Foinse.

DCU also run an MA in International Journalism Studies, which is available in full and part time formats. The programme is targeted mainly at graduates of journalism degree programmes who wish to deepen their understanding of the media’s role in international society and develop their capacity to operate professionally in foreign

A good reason for obtaining a journalism qualification is that it opens up a range of other career options. Some are lucky enough to land full time journalist positions; others earn a living through freelance work; while a sizeable percentage of graduates do not end up working as journalists at all. Instead their skills are put to use as researchers, presenters, producers, technical writers in media-related positions, or in other forms of communication in public relations.

In addition to traditional journalism, graduating students may be eligible to take up employment in areas where visual media or multimedia skills are in demand.

CREATIVE ARTS & MEDIA

Film & Broadcasting Film studies is a subject that is pursued with the knowledge that no fixed career path exists.

For example, when asked about the job opportunities opened up by the successful acquisition of a Master of Arts (MA) in Film Studies at University College Cork, Dr Gwenda Young – who co-ordinates the course along with Dr Laura Rascaroli – responds: ‘like most MAs in the humanities, the MA in Film Studies is not a vocational qualification – but it does furnish a higher education that is vital in this competitive jobs market and difficult economic climate’.

‘In many ways, possessing just a primary degree is now not enough and there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that employers are looking for candidates with a minimum of a postgraduate qualification.’

She continues: ‘our past graduates have continued on to employment in a number of areas: for example, teaching. Also popular have been journalism, filmmaking, administration in film-related companies and festivals, publishing etc. A number of graduates have continued on to PhDs in film studies with the aim of eventually teaching film studies at third level.’

The MA in Film Studies at UCC is a one-year taught course, and applicants must have a second-class honours grade two qualification, or equivalent, in a humanities subject. They also usually need to have taken undergraduate modules in film studies and/or have some expertise or qualification in the area. UCC also offers Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) qualifications pursued by research in the area of Film Studies.

The Huston School of Film & Digital Media at the National University of Ireland, Galway, also offers an MA in Film Studies (Film, Culture and

Society), which is pursued over a 12-month period.

Applicants usually need a level eight honours primary degree, though those who do not can still be admitted ‘subject to appropriate arrangements’.

There are a whole host of other postgraduate options available from the Huston School. It offers MA programmes in Screenwriting, Production and Direction, Arts Policy and Practice, Digital Media and Public Advocacy and Criticism.

Dr Seán Crosson, Director of NUI Galway’s Film Studies MA programme, also confirms that participants in the postgraduate courses on offer at Huston tend to go on to a wide range of different careers. In fact, he says that it is a deliberate aim for staff at the school to ensure students are well equipped to be versatile.

He explains: ‘one of the concerns in NUI Galway is that students are provided with transferable skills. It’s not just about providing them with a strong specialisation in film studies, production, direction or whatever, but it’s also about providing them with the tools to be able to move into a broad range of areas across the media – and, indeed, outside the media, in terms of research or education.’

Dr Crosson also says that another aim for staff

at the Huston School is to ensure students are kept up-to-date with current developments and advances – technological or otherwise – in their areas of study. He explains: ‘for example, I teach a module on Irish film, and I would be conscious of trying to bring in the most recent developments in terms of films made or Government policy and how that has impacted on it. In that respect, we would be engaged with looking at how the overall filmmaking environment has evolved and how films themselves have changed in Ireland – and, indeed, internationally.’

Graduates can also pursue PhDs at the Huston School by undertaking research in areas of film, television and digital media. Dr Crosson describes the range of topics current PhD students are examining as being very varied, with participants including ‘one student who’s doing a PhD looking at the current phenomenon of the comic book movie – and he’s already published a book out of his research’.

He goes on to add that another student is ‘looking at the representation of disabilities in films’, while another is ‘doing a comparative study between gothic fiction and the emergence of the horror film in the early 20th century’.

In terms of more purely broadcast-related options, the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) offers an MA in Broadcast Production for Radio and Television. Applicants usually need a secondclass honours undergraduate qualification or higher, or the equivalent in prior experiential learning. They must also submit a portfolio with relevant examples of written work, or audio/ video recordings. The programme is pursued on a full-time basis for one year and tackles all the practical issues of broadcasting such as studio production techniques; editorial and scriptwriting; single and multi-camera operation; microphone and sound recording; production management; radio and television presentation, production and direction; and editing for radio and television. IADT also provides an MA in Screenwriting for Film & Television for candidates with substantial writing experience.

DCU’s MA in Film & Television Studies includes similar practical skills (Screenwriting, Audio/Video Post Production) alongside industry modules such as Television Drama, National Cinema, Film & TV Audiences, and Documentary in TV & Film.

Breaking into the film and broadcasting arena is no mean feat and persistence is key.

Gaining a good postgraduate qualification can surely only enhance one’s chances of cracking these industries.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 69

CREATIVE ARTS & MEDIA

Performing Arts No matter what your preferred medium of performance – music, acting or dance – a lot of passion and practice is required to succeed. Postgraduate courses in this area will hone your ability to the highest possible level. Recognition that not everyone can or wants to end up as a professional performer, results in a more holistic approach that produces well-rounded postgraduates with a number of potential career paths.

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UI Galway’s MA in Drama and Theatre Studies for instance, aims to strike a balance between performance and theory, so that students will have good opportunities to succeed onstage or in a more ‘behind-the-scenes’ capacity.

‘Students follow two core courses that are balanced between practice and theory,’ explains lecturer Dr Patrick Lonergan. ‘They then choose from a range of options, in such areas as playwriting, dramatic history, theatre marketing, and ensemble performance.’

However, Dr Lonergan does not believe that the split between ‘performance’ and ‘theory’ subjects is as clearly defined as some may think. The theoretical topics can still be hugely beneficial to students who wish to pursue a stage career, while the performance modules can also assist those who will ultimately perform a more administrative role after college.

‘The non-performance-based modules provide students with skills in essay-writing, research, archival work, etc.,’ Dr Lonergan explains. ‘While these skills broaden students’ employment options, they also benefit those wishing to build a career in performance – since actors must also write analytically about their work and research characters. Similarly, students who have taken courses in performance find that doing so improves their skills in areas such as public speaking and presentation. This benefits them in careers in business and the public service.’

So, what are the best/most suitable options available to students who do not wish to pursue a stage career, upon completion of their postgraduate course? If they wish to take an alternative route, in what areas would their range of skills be best deployed?

‘There are a range of options available to students,’ Dr Lonergan states. ‘Some have gone on to further study, taking PhDs, and ultimately finding work as university lecturers. Others have taken up – or returned to – teaching posts at primary and post-primary level. Some have published theatre reviews in publications like The Irish Times and the Irish Theatre Magazine.’

A similar approach is taken by UCD’s MA in Drama & Performance where physical modules such as Choreographing the Body in Performance are taken alongside non-acting topics like Practical Theatre Criticism and Directing for Theatre: Theory and Practice. An MA in Drama & Theatre is also available from UCC. Drama programmes usually include modules on dance, but for those who wish to specialise in this area, the University of Limerick provides the

70 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

MA in Dance Performance at the nearby Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (www.irishworldacademy.ie). The course features independent Traditional Irish and Contemporary Dance streams, although interactivity between the two genres is facilitated in the form of shared workshops, seminars and electives.

The Academy is also home to several postgraduate music courses, including the MA in Community Music. The course is aimed at musicians who already have a level of selfexpressive skill and who wish to enhance their talents while developing the abilities they will need to facilitate the expressive work of others. Alternatively, the MA in Classical String Performance provides students with the most advanced classical tuition possible in violin, viola, cello and double bass, as well as coaching in the repertoire of chamber music and string chamber orchestra. The programme also welcomes applications from pianists who particularly wish to

engage with string chamber music repertoire.

NUI Maynooth is another university renowned for its provision of music education at postgraduate level. The continual growth and position of information technology in music production has been recognised by the college with the inclusion of a MA in Computer Music, which explores the musical applications of technology. The aforementioned advantages of combining performance with academic training can be pursued in the musical arena with the MA in Performance & Musicology, where students improve their performance while conducting musicological, compositional and technological research. All participants take part in a public recital at the end of the course.

Postgraduate music programmes with a focus on performance are also available from DIT, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Cork IT, and Dundalk IT.

EDUCATION

Education Continuing professional development is necessary in every career nowadays, no more so than in teaching. Pedagogy is constantly in flux with regard to new teaching practices, new technologies in the classroom, an increase of non-nationals in the student body, and the development of special needs education – to name just a few of the current issues.

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he most popular postgraduate development programme for teachers is the taught Master of Education (MEd).

Available from several universities and teacher-training colleges nationwide, the MEd is a two-year part time programme.

According to Professor James Deegan, Director of Postgraduate Studies in Education in Limerick’s Mary Immaculate College, the profile of MEd students has been steadily getting ‘younger and younger’. Increasingly, young professional teachers are viewing the MEd as a natural progression of their teacher training, rather than an added bonus that might be undertaken a number of years down the line.

In an interesting reflection of the commonly held view that teaching represents more of a ‘calling’ than a straightforward career choice, Professor Deegan believes that the majority of MEd students are ‘fundamentally motivated by continuing their study and professional development’, rather than ‘getting a foothold on the promotional ladder’.

That’s not to say the MEd is not beneficial to the career prospects of an ambitious young teacher.

According to Professor Deegan the programme provides the student with ‘additional and focused training in issues around leadership, curriculum development, the changing contexts of schools regarding special needs, issues of diversity, advances in pedagogy, and all of those things that would give you confidence going into an interview for Principal, the schools inspectorate, moving into academic life, and so on.’

An MEd is not a purely academic pursuit; it has real benefits for the teacher’s performance in the classroom. ‘Whatever they learn with us is focused on workplace realities’, says Professor Deegan, ‘we help them not only to theorise their own teaching and learning experiences, but also to develop action responses. There is very much a connection between what they’re learning in college, and what they’re realising is possible and useful in classrooms, schools, and communities.’

While the MEd broadens and deepens the students’ knowledge generally, the opportunity also arises to specialise in a particular area of teaching – not least through the programme’s strong research element, which involves a dissertation of about 25,000 words in length. And this initial research experience frequently serves to whet the students’ appetite for further knowledge.

‘Increasingly we find that another new pattern is developing whereby students are progressing from the MEd to the PhD – they see the MEd not as a terminal degree or the final step in professional development, but as a step towards the PhD,’ says Professor Deegan.

Alternatively to the MEd, teachers who feel that their research skills are up to the task, and who already have a specific specialised subject in mind, can apply for the research based MA or MLitt in Education. These programmes usually involve a 60,000-word thesis on topics selected from fields such as the sociology, history, or psychology of education; and are also available in a part time format from universities and teacher training colleges around the country.

Some teachers may be seeking a more targeted taught postgraduate course than the MEd, and they will find a wide range of opportunities in higher education providers around Ireland. For example, guidance counselling is of growing importance to all second level students, confronted as they are by a bewildering array of learning and training opportunities after completing the Leaving Certificate. Full time, one-year Postgraduate Diplomas in Guidance Counselling are available from NUI Maynooth and UCC, while the University of Limerick and DCU provide a two-year part time option.

Graduates of all these courses, except the Dublin City University programme, are entitled to apply for membership with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (www.igc.ie). The DCU course is, however, recognised by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) as a qualification to work as a permanent guidance counsellor in a

second level school.

Teachers who aspire to, or currently hold, management positions in schools can improve their career prospects with a postgraduate diploma/masters in subjects such as education management, leadership or administration.

Course providers of this type of programme include Waterford IT’s MA in Management in Education, UL’s MEd in Education Leadership, DCU’s MSc in Education and Training Management (Leadership or E-Learning), NUI Maynooth’s MEd in School Leadership, and the MA in Management in Education in Athlone IT and St Angela’s College in Sligo.

Other career paths that might be facilitated by a postgraduate qualification include subject specific programmes such as, Religious, Music, Drama and Science education. Developed jointly by the Athlone Institute of Technology, Waterford Institute of Technology and the cutting edge research body CALMAST (Centre for the Advancement of Learning of Maths, Science and Technology), the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Science (Primary) Education accepted its first students in 2007. This two-year, part time course is designed for the professional development of science teachers in primary schools, and was created with the input of scientists, educationalists and practising teachers.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 71

EDUCATION

Primary Teaching Primary school teachers face the difficult and intimidating task of communicating information to children who are at their most receptive age. This adds increased pressure to an already difficult and demanding profession, however the rewards are often just as weighty. Every first written word, equation and drawing will be an exciting achievement, for pupil and teacher.

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ome may envisage leisurely walks in the afternoon, coffee dates with friends when the bell rings at three o’clock and, best of all, at least two months off in the summer to spend as you please. Enjoyable as these scenarios might seem they are not as commonplace as a hopeful teacher might imagine. The day of a primary school teacher does not end abruptly when the bell rings.

The more likely scenario will be a charge for the staffroom to get up to speed with the thirty homework books waiting to be marked.

And although the free summer months are undoubtedly a great benefit of this profession, the length of the holidays may not be as impressive as it first seems. Part of this time must be spent planning and organising lessons for the new class in September.

Yet these are small concessions to make considering the returns teachers receive for their efforts. Educating children is an extremely worthy and fulfilling challenge and one thing that can be counted upon is that there will never be two days alike: a huge bonus for those who wish to avoid the monotony of office life. Those who don’t have the necessary qualifications but are in possession of an honours degree can apply to do an 18-month Graduate Diploma course. This postgraduate conversion course is available from the following higher education institutions: St. Patrick’s College (Drumcondra), Mary Immaculate College, Froebel College of Education, and

Name: Paudie O’Neill Course: Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education College: Hibernia College My name is Paudie O’Neill and I have recently graduated from the Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education course in Hibernia College, Dublin. It was a very challenging course and a test of endurance as much as academic ability or teaching prowess. However, it has opened the gateway for me into primary teaching and taught me a number of valuable lessons along the way.

I have always had a keen interest in primary teaching. However, it was not my initial choice when I did the Leaving Certificate in 1998 when I opted for Civil Engineering in UCC. I enjoyed the course and following graduation I went on to work for a number of firms, keeping very busy during the Celtic Tiger building boom.

Unfortunately, it never felt like the right career for me, I just did not get the job satisfaction from

72 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

Coláiste Mhuire (Marino Institute).

Over the year and a half programme students will learn through a mixture of teaching practice and taught modules. The course is full time in each college. Part of the programme will be dedicated to enabling students to teach subjects such as English, Mathematics, Music, Social, Personal & Health Education, but huge emphasis is also placed on teaching practice. Microteaching and practical classroom encounters will be discussed in order to prepare candidates for the end of semester teaching. In this way students are provided with the theoretical, professional and practical elements needed for the classroom.

The 18 months is divided into 14 taught modules and 4 teaching practice modules over 3 semesters, each of which are of 15 weeks’ duration. This is to ensure that by the time you are in front of your own class you will have developed the tough skin necessary to deal with any surprises! A period in the Gaeltacht is mandatory during the course and is usually completed after the first semester. Assessment is ongoing through a combination of course work, essays, supervised teaching practice visits and an end of semester exam.

Requirements for the course are, in addition to a primary degree, a C3 or higher in Ordinary level English, a D3 or higher in Ordinary level Maths and a C3 or higher in Honours Irish in the Leaving Certificate. These conditions are

it that I felt I would get from teaching. Therefore, taking somewhat of a leap of faith, I applied to Hibernia College for the October 2008 intake.

The Hibernia College course work involved a mixture of online tutorials (which are held live a number of times a week), online lessons (released for the students to work through in their own time) and on-site days at regional centres, usually on Saturdays which focus on a particular curriculum area (Mathematics, Science, Music, etc). The workload was high; however, what perhaps differentiates this from any other primary teaching course in Ireland is that all the work is completed ‘after business hours’, therefore allowing the student to continue to work in their original profession.

This, of course, has the disadvantage of making your life even busier! In my case, I worked on as an engineer five months into the course, and then left the job to concentrate on the coursework.

One of the most difficult components of the course is Teaching Practice; this entailed three sessions (1 x 4 weeks, 2 x 5 weeks) where the student teaches in a classroom setting under the

extremely strict and if an applicant studied pass Irish in the Leaving Cert or has never studied Irish before, they will be compelled to take the Irish in the Leaving Cert again (which is possible to do with only one subject) and achieve the necessary results before they are eligible for acceptance.

Entry to the course will first consist of an Irish interview, so good command of the Irish language is essential to gain entry to the course.

A common problem for many people who are considering taking this route is inaccessibility.

Since three of the four colleges offering the conversion course are in Dublin and the fourth being in Limerick, the commitment is simply not an option for some. However, this was solved with the introduction of the Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education from Hibernia College in 2004, which is taught through distance learning.

This provides a more flexible route to teaching through a mix of online and face-to-face tuition.

The current recession means less temporary and permanent positions for new teachers.

Ireland does have one of the fastest growing populations in Europe so society will always have a demand for teachers. For those prepared for a competitive job market with a true desire to aid the development of the next generation, primary teaching remains a rewarding and satisfying career choice.

watchful eye of the experienced class teacher, and also with the awareness that a college or Department of Education Skills inspector could call at any moment. It is undoubtedly a testing experience and the planning that it involves is immense. Nevertheless, it gives the student teacher a great grounding in lesson preparation and classroom management, and in this regard is considered probably the most important aspect of the entire course.

Overall, it was an extremely challenging twenty months, but at the back of my mind I always had the knowledge that I was working towards something special, i.e. the right to teach children in a classroom. As in all areas of life, jobs are tight at the moment, but I have been lucky and have acquired work for the year in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (B), Glasheen, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I definitely feel my time with Hibernia has helped me in this regard; not only did it give me the necessary teaching tools to go, but also the time to build up contacts within the teaching profession and gain invaluable experience in a classroom setting.

EDUCATION

Secondary Teaching Securing a place on a secondary teaching training programme and gaining permanent employment thereafter, can be a very challenging undertaking. There are still opportunities, however, and some sections of the profession are experiencing growth. Teaching at Secondary Level is a rewarding career choice, and remains a very popular one for many graduates.

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he most common path to becoming a secondary school teacher is to complete a primary degree in one or two subjects and then take a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), or equivalent, which normally takes one year of full time study. The CAO points the student will require depend very much on the subject or subjects chosen. For those seeking to make a career in such subjects as Art, Music, Religion, Physical Education or Home Economics, there are dedicated courses available that bypass the need for a postgraduate qualification. Dedicated degrees in Science have also been introduced.

of Further Education for six years where she is the Co-ordinator of Journalism. This college is one of the increasing numbers that offer Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses to young adults and mature students, an area which has seen major growth in recent years. The demographic has changed a lot, says Gemma, with a much wider spread of ages being represented among the students, than a few years back.

The one-year PGDE courses involve taught modules in the student’s chosen field, with many hours devoted to the philosophy of education, teaching skills, adolescent psychology, special education needs and teaching practice. Usually it is mandatory that a specific number of hours are spent teaching in a secondary school. Critical analysis of the student’s performance in the classroom is a key element of teacher training.

Some PGDE courses require that teaching practice is completed in the mornings with university lectures taking place in the afternoons whilst others require designated full days to be spent attending lectures with others spent teaching, this is entirely at the discretion of the course provider.

already completed a fourth level qualification such as a Masters.

The constituent colleges of the National University of Ireland, located in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Maynooth, all offer the Postgraduate Diploma in Education. The Postgraduate Diploma in Education is also offered by Trinity College and those wishing to pursue their teaching qualification through Irish can do so at NUI Galway.

Away from the universities, there has been an increase in recent years of colleges in various parts of the country offering postgraduate courses in Education. St. Angela’s College in Sligo is an example of this. There, the prospective teacher, as well as having the opportunity of undertaking undergraduate courses in Education, a BEd in Home Economics with Religious Education or Irish for example, can also study for an MA in Special Educational Needs, in Religious Education, or in Learning Support.

For a successful application on to a PGDE course, the student teacher needs to have two teaching subjects, one in which he or she must have studied to honours degree level. Visit www. teachingcouncil.ie for more information and a full list of recognised undergraduate qualifications. It is vital that your degree subject is recognised by the teaching council. Competition for places on PGDE programmes can be tough and are usually only granted to exceptional students; those that received outstanding degree results, those that have some teaching experience or those that have

g n i k n i Th What Next?

Qualified teachers are not reliant on the secondary school system alone for employment - teaching further education courses offers a very different challenge and viable alternative.

Gemma Cox has been at Dun Laoghaire College

Gemma Cox did her PGDE at Trinity College Dublin and in her experience, one needs to have been a teacher already to get onto a postgraduate course. It’s an extremely pressured year with twoand-a-half days of lectures and two-and-a-half days of teaching. ‘ It can be a very schizophrenic experience, being a teacher and a student at the same time, but it is also an invaluable learning experience, as you are supervised by other teachers who appraise your progress,’ she says.

Gemma Tuffy is the Media Officer with the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland (ASTI). The current economic downturn has hit the profession very badly, she says. The budget last October increased the pupil: teacher ratio in secondary schools with a knock on affect of job losses amongst teachers, with several hundred members of the union losing their positions. It was already the case, pre-downturn, that getting a permanent position was difficult.

In recent years only 5-6% of graduates got permanent jobs in the first year. Even before the recession, there were far more candidates than places available on PGDE courses.

It’s a difficult time for the profession, Gemma says. ASTI want opportunities for graduates, believing it will be detrimental for the profession and for society as a whole if committed people leave the profession or even the country because of a lack of opportunity. Secondary school teaching is an essential profession that requires committed, dedicated practitioners.

? g n i h of teac

Hibernia College is now enrolling for its Higher Diploma programmes in Primary teaching and Second Level teaching.

Both programmes are delivered using a blend of onsite and online tuition, are academically accredited by HETAC and professionally accredited by the Teaching Council.

For more information and to apply, go to:

www.hiberniacollege.com/hdip Hibernia College, 2 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Hibernia College is a HETACaccredited online college offering quality assured, blended and online education programmes.

E: academicaffairs@hiberniacollege.net

T: +353 1 6610168

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 73

EDUCATION

Special Educational Needs The Education for Person’s with Special Education Needs (SEN) Act 2004 states that students are to be educated as far as possible in an inclusive environment in mainstream classrooms.

Students with special needs may be educated in ordinary classes in mainstream schools, smaller classes in mainstream schools with low teacher/pupil ratio, including one to one settings and in some cases “special schools” devoted entirely to educating those with special needs. In all instances there is a need for trained professionals to deliver lessons in the most suitable way for the individual student’s needs.

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EN teachers are needed to provide learning support to those experiencing difficulty with the standard curriculum or who need extra support. All teachers receive some training in special education needs whilst completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, however, given the fact that most mainstream schools contain students with special needs, completing a postgraduate course in special educational needs would be of benefit to any teacher. Completion of a postgraduate course in special education needs can also pave the way for a teacher whom may wish to work solely as a special educational needs teacher.

Many children with special needs are in ordinary classrooms in mainstream schools, they may get help from resource teachers and from special needs assistants. These supports are available in primary and post-primary schools.

With the increase and encouragement of inclusive education this means that there are many more

students with special needs in mainstream education. It has been recognised that students educated in mainstream inclusive classrooms “show academic gains in a number of areas including improved performance on standardised tests … grades, on-task behaviour and motivation to learn” (National Centre for Education Restructuring and Inclusion, 1995).

insight and knowledge regarding how to go about teaching those with special needs more effectively. All teachers come across pupils with different needs so continuation of professional development is extremely important to better equip and facilitate the many different students that present themselves in schools all over the country and beyond.

Students with many different special needs come through the mainstream education system; some of the students may have reading difficulties such as dyslexia, whilst others may be on the autistic spectrum or have other behavioural or emotional difficulties. In some instances the student may have average or above average intelligence and simply needs to be taught in a different way, in other instances this may not be the case. Some pupils may have a different way of learning; this can be the case with regard to dyslexia, for example.

Completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in special education needs can offer the teacher further

There are many different postgraduate SEN courses offered in numerous institutions and universities all over Ireland. Usually these courses are specifically for qualified teachers who are employed as such. For instance UCD offer The Combined Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Special Education Needs. This is a one year full time programme. Support is available from the Department of Education and Science for suitably qualified teachers who hold or are eligible to hold permanent teaching positions. This funding by the Department of Education and Science is offered so that a teacher who wishes to develop expertise in special education can have the opportunity to do so. There are a number of fee-paying places also reserved for suitably qualified graduate teachers who are not eligible for Department of Education and Science support. UCD also offers a Masters of Education in Special Education Needs which is a two year part-time programme and again the programme is designed for teachers or other professionals involved in the education or care of persons with special educational needs.

Hibernia College run various courses including, Drama and Inclusion of Pupils with SEN and Autism: Promoting the Social Communications Skills of Students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. NUI Maynooth together with Froebel college operate a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education Needs, this programme is designed for teachers working with pupils with a range of special education needs in mainstream primary, secondary and special school settings and is compatible with full-time employment. Many other universities and institutions offer training in special education needs also.

Professional development is an extremely important element for any teacher.

Undertaking a postgraduate course in Special Education Needs will assist this professional development and help teachers and pupils alike gain the most from the teaching and learning experience. Whether the teacher is solely devoted to special needs teaching or has special needs pupils in a mainstream class, the teacher will be better equipped to address the ever changing challenges of the day to day classroom environment.

74 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Science & Engineering Biotechnology

Biotechnology has made an enormous impact on established industries as well as creating new commercial activities. The sheer breadth of activity covered by biotechnology makes it one of the most exciting areas for postgraduate research.

B

iotechnology can be defined as the controlled and deliberate manipulation of biological systems (whether living cells or cell components) for the efficient manufacture or processing of useful products.

It has revolutionised industries such as food processing and waste management, and has also given rise to the development of a whole new technology for industrial production of hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals, food and energy sources. The sector is the major growth segment of the pharmaceutical industry, accounting for over 30% of all new drugs in development, and is one of Ireland’s most successful business sectors with over €4.5 billion invested by companies to-date.

UCC’s MSc in Applied Science (Biotechnology) is an intensive one-year course that prepares graduates for leadership positions in the dynamic industries of biopharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and biotechnology. Strongly interdisciplinary, the course involves six modules – Biopharmaceuticals & Quality Assurance, Bioprocess Engineering, Analytical Chemistry & Quality Control, Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, and Functional Foods for Health – as well as a dissertation based on six months’ research in the university laboratories or as part of an approved industrial placement. The programme is open to graduates who have a good honours degree in biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, microbiology or similar science-based subject

Not surprisingly, a number of postgraduate courses have emerged to tap into this commercial potential. For example, NUI Galway’s MSc Biotechnology course provides a broad training for primary degree graduates. The programme is a full time one-year course, although it is also possible to complete on a part time basis over two years. The minimum entry requirements for this course are a second class honours primary degree in science or a related subject, with an appropriate background in biological sciences. Candidates with three years’ relevant and appropriate research or industrial experience may also be considered. Graduates have found employment in such companies as Abbott, Allergan and Wyeth.

With the BIOMERIT Research Centre (www.ucc.ie/biomerit/), UCC is also a hub of research activity in innovative biotechnology.

The Centre has three core research streams Microbial-Host Interactions, Functional Genomics and Signalling in Gram-negative bacteria, and Environmental Biotechnology – and a current grant income that totals approximately €8 million.

DIT’s MSc Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Biotechnology is designed to provide a bridge for students who have qualified in science disciplines to the specific requirements of the pharmaceutical and related industries with respect to quality assurance. Graduates of the course are well equipped to take up positions as quality professionals and managers in these industries.

Applicants should have an honours degree in science or related discipline at 2.2 grade or higher or equivalent qualification.

Indeed, biotechnology is a science that has numerous centres of research excellence. Whether it is health, food or the environment, there is somewhere to progress your particular research interest.

Another biotechnological research opportunity is provided by the Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre (http://shannonabc.com/), which is a joint venture of IT Tralee and Limerick IT. The Centre has an ongoing and expanding programme to explore natural products for new bioactive substances of value to the healthcare, forensic, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, agricultural, environmental and bio-energy industries.

For researchers who wish to focus on the health outcomes of biotechnology, DCU’s National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology (www.nicb.dcu.ie) is a multidisciplinary centre of research in applied cellular biotechnology, molecular cell biology,

ocular diseases and biological chemistry. It includes a multidisciplinary team of cell and molecular biologists, biotechnologists, chemists and computer scientists. The institute draws from the established expertise of researchers in DCU, IT Tallaght and NUI Maynooth and has combined the variety of expertise of its researchers to develop targeted research programmes in key areas relating to identification of new therapeutic targets and diagnostic methods for disease (in particular for cancer, microbial diseases and diabetes) and understanding of basic biological processes including regulation of gene expression during cell differentiation.

Also in DCU, the National Cell and Tissue Culture Centre (www.dcu.ie/~nctcc/) was established as a BioResearch Ireland centre of excellence for animal cell biotechnology in 1987. The centre is located in a stand alone facility with custom designed laboratories on the campus of Dublin City University. The NCTCC is one of Ireland’s foremost research institutes and has a wide range of research projects, originating from its expertise in oncology and cell culture. Research units include Immunology, Toxicology, Cell Differentiation, Molecular Biology and Diabetes.

The dynamism of the biotechnology sector, even during the recession, is symbolised by the ongoing development of the new National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (www.nibrt.ie).

Based on an innovative research collaboration between University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University and Institute of Technology Sligo, NIBRT seeks to support the development of the existing bio-processing industry in Ireland and attract additional companies to Ireland by training highly skilled personnel for the bio-processing industry; conducting worldclass research; and providing a critical mass of multipurpose bio-processing facilities. The new facilities, construction of which began in November 2009, will include a pilot plant to support scale up operations and to enable students to get real time experience in an industrial environment.

Postgraduate Opportunities Tyndall National Institute offers structured and research PhD programmes in: • • • •

Photonics Micro-nanoelectronics Microsystems Theory, Modelling and Design

Students from engineering, chemistry, physics, life sciences, mathematics and numerate disciplines are hosted at Tyndall.

The Gateway to a Brighter Career

www.tyndall.ie

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 75

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Engineering Engineering in all its many disciplines is regularly identified as key to Ireland attaining the much-prized knowledge economy. Civil engineers plan and construct the improved transport systems and fibre optic lines that will boost communications, while mechanical and electronic engineers devise innovative devices and processes to revitalise the manufacturing industry.

These engineering roles and many more – chemical, environmental, biomedical, etc – have a vibrant future despite the current economic downturn.

E

ngineering graduates may be tempted into finding whatever work they can, engineering or otherwise, while times are tough. But a postgraduate course is not just a wise move in terms of planning for future career prospects; it is also a necessity for anyone who wants to work as a chartered engineer from 2013 onward – as decreed by Engineers Ireland.

Aside from the wider aim of career goals, ‘the main importance of postgraduate education in engineering is enhanced training, and the development of skills,’ says Fergal Boyle, Course Coordinator of the ME in Engineering in DIT. Ongoing professional development and improved skill levels are vital in a technology-led profession such as engineering.

Boyle describes the programme as one of the more general fourth level engineering programmes available, as opposed to more specific courses such as Biomechanics.

‘Recruitment has gone down because of the recession, but mechanical engineering is one of the most stable areas in terms of graduate employment. Our students are very mobile and go on to work in manufacturing, biomedical, energy and building services engineering.’

He advises students to enrol in this or other courses with a broad scope, unless they are completely sure of the branch of engineering that they wish to pursue.

According to Boyle, most engineering students are enrolling in taught as opposed to researchbased programmes at postgraduate level.

Programmes such as the ME in Engineering, students of which must undertake three research projects in the fields of energy, numerical simulation and biomechanics, provide students with the chance to identify a topic that they may

Name: Monika Zygowska Course: PhD Student Institution: Tyndall National Institute, UCC I first experienced Tyndall as a summer student in the School of Pharmacy, UCC in 2007. After completing my Masters in Biotechnology from Politechnika Gdańska, Poland, I was looking for a postgraduate position where I could gain practical experience in top quality research using cutting edge technologies. Tyndall was the right choice for me.

In January 2010 I joined the institute as a PhD student working in the area of microfluidic enzymatic biofuel cells. My project requires knowledge of bioelectrochemistry and engineering.

Substantial parts of it include multiphysics

76 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

wish to explore further in an ensuing research programme. ‘The students develop key analytical, numerical and design skills,’ he explains, ‘which allows them to move into employment or progress academically to research.’

As with most course providers, DIT is keen to produce engineering postgraduates with the nonsubject specific skills that will ease the transition to the workplace. ‘We have a number of modules common to all our postgraduate engineering programmes, such as Entrepreneurship for Engineering, Information and Knowledge Management, and Statistical Analysis for Engineers,’ says Boyle. ‘They are too advanced and there just isn’t the time at undergraduate level, but they are especially useful for anyone who wants to work in R&D.’ Dr Toshko Zhelev, Course Director of the Graduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering in University of Limerick, is unequivocal with regard to the importance of postgraduate qualifications for budding chemical engineers. ‘It’s definitely necessary,’ he asserts, ‘chemical engineering is a multidimensional industry, embracing everything from food to energy. The Diploma widens the job prospects for students considerably.’

The GDip in Chemical Engineering is a conversion programme and emblematic of the rich variety of innovative engineering programmes that are out there. It is unique in Ireland according to Zhelev; ‘it converts scientists to engineers in one year,’ he explains. ‘People are raising their eyebrows about this, but it is accredited by the global professional body IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers). It opens up opportunities all over the word and graduates can find themselves moving within large companies, working everywhere from the North Sea to Asia and America. ‘ simulations and device fabrication, a challenge that I was able to overcome with the help of clear guidance from experienced colleagues. Thanks to the outstanding technical facilities and supportive supervision programme in Tyndall, students are being well trained and gain hands-on experience in state of the art design and fabrication processes.

Working as part of an international team of researchers from 38 different nations provides rich opportunities to interact with people from diverse academic backgrounds.

Life as a PhD candidate can be intensive, especially if you are involved in additional postgraduate activities but it is very important to stay focused and committed to your work.

Self-motivation and good organisational skills are crucial for any postgraduate student, as is being open minded and not afraid of failure.

The course is also designed to industry in Ireland and harbours close links with the pharmaceutical sector in particular.

Like other Higher/Graduate Diplomas in Engineering, the key aim of the course is producing graduates that can hit the ground running in the workplace of their chosen industry specialisation. Students of the GDip in Chemical Engineering for example, work on a design project from day one, working in groups on converting new chemical processes from the theoretical stage to practical use. Many go on to utilise their findings in real life work situations.

The course is a ‘stepping stone into industry’ according to Dr Zhelev and as such is of interest to people of all levels of education, including two PhD holders taking the programme this year.

Another programme that facilitates entry into a new field of engineering include NUI Galway’s Higher Diploma in Engineering, which enables practising engineers to specialise in a new area of design expertise, or to progress to the MED (Master of Engineering Design); and NUI Maynooth’s Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic Engineering – for engineering graduates who wish to update their knowledge of cutting edge technology. It also facilitates transition for science students into the electronic engineering discipline. The course is very accessible as it can be undertaken on campus, online, or through a combination of both.

Engineering is one of the most catered for areas at fourth level. Whether you are a young graduate seeking to boost your levels of knowledge and skill without committing to one particular field, or someone who knows exactly what they want to do and would like a programme that fast tracks your ambitions, there is a course out there for you.

These are vital attributes of a good scientist.

Luckily my day isn’t just research. I get to engage with undergraduate students during practical demonstrations and lab tutorials. I attend lectures and training sessions offered by both UCC and Tyndall and I am also involved in the Tyndall Postgraduate Committee where I hone my web design, personnel and project management expertise. I believe these abilities complement the skills that I gain during the everyday twists and turns of my PhD studies. The concept of a PhD is sometimes mistakenly understood as just accumulating data and publishing as many results as possible. In my opinion it is an extended journey of intensive learning, problem solving and growing up as an independent and inquisitive scientist. Each day as a postgraduate student brings new challenges which might be initially overwhelming but once overcome, build confidence and nourish both your personal drive and academic curiosity.

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Environmental Studies Given that Ireland is experiencing a period of financial uncertainty, the development of any sort of skills or areas of expertise that can help rebuild our economy must be encouraged. But does the environmental sector have a particularly big role to play in the recovery period? Dr Claire Cave, in charge of the Master of Science (MSc)/Graduate Diploma in World Heritage Management at the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, believes so.

S

he explains: ‘Monuments and protected areas are recognised as significant contributors to economic wellbeing, particularly through their role in developing and promoting tourism. If correctly used and managed, World Heritage Sites can be utilised as a significant resource for economic development.’

The World Heritage Management postgraduate option can be pursued on either a part time or full time basis. Applicants are usually expected to have an honours university degree as well as experience of conservation heritage issues.

With regard to environmental studies, there are a whole host of postgraduate programmes available in UCD. The options in this area available from the Life Sciences Graduate School include the Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Science (Environmental Science). Students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to solve environmental problems ranging from waste treatment to ecology. Dundalk IT’s National Centre for Freshwater Studies invites research applications from students with a particular interest in the management and protection of Ireland’s water resources.

Also in UCD is the Environmental Resource Management MSc (Agr). This one-year taught programme is concerned with the development and utilisation of our land resources in an environmentally sensitive manner, covering issues such as the impact of agricultural and industrial activities on the environment.

In addition to the range of taught environmental-based programmes available in UCD, there are also a whole host of researchbased opportunities. As Tasman Crowe, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Biology and

Name: Joe Hynds Course: Masters

by Research in Environmental Science Institution: Institute of Technology, Sligo I completed my primary degree as a mature student and thoroughly enjoyed my time in college, safe to say the learning bug bit me! The opportunity to utilise the skill sets gained as an undergraduate appealed to me, so, armed with a good degree I began my search for a post grad position. It was essential to research the options available, area of study, taught courses, research proposals,

Environmental Science in UCD, explains: ‘in relation to research-based programmes, the College of Life Science runs a broad graduate programme which provides a structure for the MSc by Research and PhD studentships of the constituent schools – including the School of Biology and Environmental Science and the School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, both of which have strong environmental programmes.

But does the attainment of a postgraduate qualification in environmental engineering open up many new career options for participants?

Paul Johnston explains: ‘Yes, in the sense that for certain areas within civil engineering – transport, geotechnical, environmental – an MSc or other postgraduate qualification in that area is almost a requisite, or expected, by employers in those areas.

Thus, a postgraduate qualification does indeed open up wider opportunities for employment.

‘In addition to the research project that forms the traditional core to a postgraduate research qualification, these programmes include taught modules in generic research skills and specialised subjects and a series of meetings and reviews to ensure that the students gain the skills they require both to succeed in research and also to translate their work into real world applications.’

‘In addition, many take our courses in environmental engineering because they see the courses as a useful qualification in the cause of job promotion. As professional courses, also, they are accredited by professional institutions which gives the courses credibility/status in this regard.’

There are a whole host of other environmentfocused postgraduate options available in other colleges and universities across the country too. For instance, Trinity College Dublin offers a one-year Diploma course in Environmental Engineering, with lectures typically delivered on weekends. It also offers MSc courses in environmental engineering.

As the Diploma course Coordinator Paul Johnston explains, these environmental engineering programmes are open not just to engineering graduates. ‘The MSc course is open to those with sufficient numerical background – scientists mostly. The “environmental engineering” MSc comes under the umbrella of the MSc in Civil Engineering but in spite of the name, we do take non-engineers that are suitably qualified. The Diploma course in Environmental Engineering also takes “engineers or those from cognate disciplines” – similar criteria to the MSc.’ colleges, level of academic expertise within the colleges, facilities and equipment, funding and most importantly the supervisor.

My initial research identified a number of potential options, namely, areas of study with clearly defined career pathways, access to resources and location.

IT Sligo was one of the colleges short listed by me and ultimately my final choice due to its expertise within the environmental sector - a significant number of academic staff here are credited with leading research in relation to environmental management with regular publications of their work. I am currently researching the rehabilitation of Killiconny bog, in partnership

Anyone with a passion for preserving our flora and fauna but who are unable to commit to a classroom-based postgraduate course will be interested in IT Sligo’s PGDip/MSc in Environmental Protection, which is facilitated through distance learning. This two-year programme covers a wide range of topics, including ecology, geology, biology, water and waste management, and sustainability.

Graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of industries, such as environmental management, enforcement, waste management, wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and R&D. So, there are a whole host of environmentbased postgraduate options available to students throughout the country. If ‘green’ roles are to play a part in reducing unemployment in Ireland, then there is certainly no shortage of avenues to explore for those seeking to become suitably qualified to hold such positions.

with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The relationship between student and supervisor at post-graduate level differs significantly from that at undergraduate level; postgraduate students must become masters of their own destiny but seek the guidance and direction of their supervisor who will have extensive experience in that field.

Dr. John Bartlett is my supervisor within IT Sligo, and he has facilitated me in developing my academic aims whilst allowing me the autonomy of my own research. Essential tools for success at post-graduate level are to establish clear objectives and aims that are achievable within the given timeframe, strict disciplined study time, adaptability and the capacity to work under one’s own initiative.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 77

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Food Science Looking for a postgraduate qualification that provides entry into an indigenous industry that will survive any recession and always offer exciting career opportunities for young researchers? Look no further than food science, part of a food and drink industry that employs (directly and indirectly) 230,000 in Ireland. The drive for tastier, safer and healthier is not likely to diminish anytime soon and an exciting array of careers including nutritionists, technologists and scientists awaits.

U

niversity College Dublin (UCD) offers two taught programmes in this area: Master in Engineering Science (MEngSc) in Food Engineering and the Graduate Certificate (with opportunity to progress to an MSc) in Food Regulatory Affairs.

The MEngSc in Food Engineering will be of particular interest to graduates in engineering, science and related disciplines. It provides a comprehensive coverage of bioprocess and food manufacturing systems engineering and product development. Existing professionals employed publicly or privately within the food sector will benefit from a course in Food Regulatory Affairs.

The course is interdisciplinary and encompasses elements of science, law, and policy, as applied to the regulation of the entire food chain, or the ‘Farm to Fork’ system.

University College Cork (UCC), currently offers three taught programmes in this field. Besides scientific training and research, students of the MSc in Food Science (Applied) can undertake optional modules in areas such as Novel Processing Technologies and Ingredients, Food and Biochemical Toxicology and Human Nutrition and Health. The MSc in Food Microbiology is a more specific programme, focusing on the positive (as in the case of fermented foods) and negative (as in food spoilage) interactions of micro organisms and food. The HDip in Food Science & Technology provides a good introduction to either of the above programmes.

DIT is another institution with a strong reputation in the area of food science and technology.

Besides an MSc Degree in Food Science, Technology & Nutrition (available part and full time), also on offer is the MSc in Culinary Innovation and Food Product Development, which is a unique programme that bridges the knowledge gap between food science, business and culinary arts. Multi disciplinary modules such as Gastronomy and Culture, New Food Business Creation, Food Product Development Concepts and Sports and Exercise Nutrition mean graduates end up working in wide range of careers, including: food product management, haute cuisine restaurants and research & development.

The MSc in Food Safety Management covers all areas relating to food safety – the dangers (microbial, chemical, etc); safety issues in food production; regulatory, consumer, and legal concerns; food safety management tools; and a unique Integrated Food Safety Management Case Study, whereby students apply their knowledge in a real life food company.

Research avenues are available to students in

78 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

both UCD and UCC. The latter recently reached a research agreement with Teagasc, creating a single portal for food companies to access international quality research and innovation.

More than 250 researchers in UCC are working across a variety of disciplines in food science, food technology, nutrition, food for health and food business Graduate research degrees are available at Masters and PhD level in UCD. Among the research areas of particular interest in UCD are the exploration of the relationship between diet, lifestyle and health with a view to enhancing public health; development of new ingredient technologies; and ensuring the security and safety of the food chain.

‘A lot of feed companies want a new graduate to have experience before employing them and that’s why a lot of people who have an undergraduate degree in Food Science go on to do a graduate programme,’ says Helen, a student

currently studying a postgraduate research programme in UCD. There are a number of different career options available to those with a postgraduate qualification in Food Science. Large companies such as Coca Cola and Cadburys offer places on graduate programmes each year. This provides postgraduates with an excellent opportunity to work across many different areas within an organisation according to Foodjobs.ie.

Research into what we are eating, new products and what their affects are on our health is a topic of increasing interest and awareness. Not only for those carrying out the research; but the general public also. Food science is an exciting field of learning and research, combining scientific, business and health streams with a large scope for creativity in developing innovative and sustainable new food processing technologies and systems.

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Pharmaceutical Studies The pharmaceutical industry played a vital role in Ireland’s boom years, with a large number of multinational companies locating all around the country, with a particular concentration in Munster, where GlaxoSmithKline established a base in Cork in 1974.

M

erck and Co are a global healthcare company, ranked number 8 in the world for pharmaceutical sales. Despite recent redundancies, Pfizer remains Ireland’s biggest multinational employer, with more than 4,000 workers across 13 sites involved in manufacturing, research and development.

The company produces human and animal medicines and consumer healthcare products. These are just three of the many pharmaceutical multinationals that have set up and operated successfully from this country.

The quantity and variety of postgraduate courses currently on offer in the field is a reliable indicator of the industry’s vibrant future despite the economic slump. A number of Irish institutes of higher education are meeting the demand of industry for highly-skilled managers and researchers.

Postgraduate science programmes and not just ones with ‘pharmaceutical’ in the title, can lead to a successful and well-remunerated career in the pharmaceutical industry - other relevant fields of study include Biomedical Science, Microbiology, and Food science.

There are numerous programmes that provide existing workers with up-skilling and ‘Qualified Person’ according to the latest legislative requirements.

Experienced pharmaceutical workers can for example, enrol in the MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Science, which was launched in January 2010. The School of Pharmacy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the School of Science at the Institute of Technology, Sligo, have jointly developed the course. The degree is an MSc of the National University of

Ireland (NUI) and is of interest to those working in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries, and who would like to gain an education in the main subjects relating to industrial practice.

The course comprises 12 modules, providing teaching in 22 major subject areas. There is also a research project. The course is delivered by distance learning, with certain block attendance.

The modular structure and credit system will facilitate studying for the degree while working.

The course will normally be completed in two years, however a credit system is operated, permitting completion over a longer period.

Satisfactory completion of twelve modules and a research project are required.

This MSc course is open to students who have obtained an honours degree or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline.

The modules taken include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Project Management, Pharmacology and Toxicology and Operations management.

IT Tallaght also provides an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science through distance learning. Applicants must have two years’ relevant work experience and a degree in medicine, chemistry, or biology. Another course in Tallaght for the currently employed is the Higher Diploma in Pharmaceutical Production, which provides students with hands-on experience through assignments undertaken in the Institute’s Pharmaceutical Education Centre.

The online institution Hibernia College provides an MSc in Pharmaceutical Medicine designed for employees in the pharmaceutical industry working in areas such as medical affairs,

regulatory affairs, clinical monitoring, data management, drug safety or clinical project management and who wish to move into a senior role. The course reflects latest industry practices as it was developed in conjunction with Pfizer and features modules on Leadership and Authority; Discovery of New Medicines; Clinical Trials, Statistics and Data Management; and Regulatory Affairs and Knowledge Management.

But what about readers who have no experience but are looking to move into this lucrative sector? Thankfully there are plenty of courses for you too. UCC’s MEngSc in Pharmaceutical Engineering is a unique course for engineering graduates, which focuses on the unique concerns of the industry such as product containment, powder/particle technology, current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), design of classified facilities, aseptic processing facility design, validation, etc.

Graduates of chemistry or a related discipline are invited to apply for DCU’s PGDip/MSc in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Analysis. This programme seeks to provide fundamental training in the theory and practice of modern, advanced instrumental methods of analysis.

Holders of the MSc attract the interest of employers in the chemical, pharmaceutical and biopharma sectors, for responsible positions in analysis, development, quality control and management.

In conclusion, the field of pharmaceutical studies remains one in which there are many opportunities for postgraduate students to contribute to ongoing research and to gain employment in a large number of companies, working in diverse spheres of one Ireland’s strongest and most progressive sectors.

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 79

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Physics Physics is sure to be an exciting research arena over the coming years thanks to advances such as the gigantic particle accelerator that became operational in Switzerland (and France – it is that big); a mammoth project that includes input from many Irish researchers.

I

t is a field of science in which a large number of the postgraduate options available to Irish students are primarily research-based.

For instance, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) offers a range of programmes in which graduates can pursue physics qualifications by research.

The areas in which physics students can pursue postgraduate research at TCD include Astrophysics, Magnetism and Spin Electronics, Laser and Plasma Applications, Environmental Radiation, and Molecular Electronics. However, as Professor Stefano Sanvito, Associate Professor, explains, these programmes are not solely research-based; they also include some taught elements.

He says: ‘[Participants] do research from day one, except that for the first 18 months there is the taught component as well. The taught components very much fill in the gaps – whatever [students] didn’t do in their undergraduate programme – and also go more in-depth on what they learnt at undergraduate level. And then, [participants] have an exam where we monitor what they have done, and what they’re going to do. Then, they enter into the second part of their PhD.’ But, do TCD physics postgraduate students have a great deal of say when it comes to the direction their research takes? Are they allowed to implement their own ideas, or is the overall direction of their work dictated by supervisors?

Professor Sanvito explains that it is a mixture of both – as students have a level of negotiation with their supervisors, when deciding what to do – but also adds: ‘Most of our graduates come with a research grant, which is assigned to a specific supervisor for a specific research programme. So, in a sense, those (participants) do not have a huge room for negotiation, because, essentially, their research programme is set by the body that paid for the research.’

Elsewhere, over sixty postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers are involved in three main research clusters in NUI Galway: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Lasers and Applied Optics, Atmospheric and Environmental Physics.

Interestingly, when asked to define the differences between the MSc and PhD postgraduate qualifications that can be pursued in these areas at the college, Professor Chris Dainty –NUI Galway’s Professor of Physics – touches upon the distinction between ‘prescribed’ and ‘unique’ research that Professor Sanvito discusses above.

Professor Dainty explains: ‘An MSc normally addresses a well-defined problem for which there is a known solution in advance. It tests one’s ability to do a certain task to a high standard.

The PhD is quite different, in that the students themselves take more “ownership” of a project – often defining it themselves. The level of

80 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

scholarship is much higher, and original work is expected.’

(Atomic and Quantum Physics, Experimental Fluid Dynamics, Submillimetre Astronomy, etc).

With regard to the expertise gleaned while pursuing a physics postgraduate qualification at Trinity, Professor Sanvito believes that, while the taught components are essential in deepening students’ knowledge of the disciplines they learned at undergraduate level, the research elements will give them a whole new range of skills.

But what of readers who would like to undertake a taught course in preparation for either the workplace or the significant challenge of a research programme? Also provided

by NUI Maynooth is the Higher Diploma in Applied Physics, which is open to science and engineering graduates with no required level of computing ability. The equips students with a wide variety of skills essential in experimental physics, with particular focus on electronics, computer programming, and computer based instrumentation and interfacing, leading to further study or careers in industries such as electronics, semiconductors and software.

He explains: ‘the taught component is to do things they might have touched already, at undergraduate level, but in a much more profound and deep way. The practical skills are usually something that they do not come equipped with and really have to learn.’

A host of research options are also available at NUI Maynooth, where there are two streams: Mathematical Physics (Quantum Field Theory, Nonlinear Physics, etc) and Experimental Physics

Applied Physics is also available to study in the University of Limerick and UCC, both of which enable students to specialise in particular areas such as Medical Physics and Optoelectronics.

RESOURCES

Resources Education Resources

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Contact Details

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The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 81

RESOURCES

Resources Organisation

Tel

Web

IRISH RESOURCES

An Bord Altranais

+353 (0)1 639 8500

www.nursingboard.ie

Association for Higher Education Access & Disability (AHEAD)

+353 (0)1 716 4396

www.ahead.ie

Corporatetraining.ie - Ireland’s online resource for corporate training

www.corporatetraining.ie

Department of Education & Science

+353 (0)1 889 6400

www.education.ie

Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment

1890 220 222

www.entemp.ie

Engineers Ireland

+353 (0)1 665 1300

www.engineersireland.ie

Enterprise Ireland

+353 (0)1 727 2000

www.enterprise-ireland.com

Expertise Ireland

www.expertiseireland.com

Health Research Board

+353 (0)1 234 5000

www.hrb.ie

Higher Education & Training Awards Council (HETAC)

+353 (0)1 644 1500

www.hetac.ie

Higher Education Authority (HEA)

+353 (0)1 231 7100

www.hea.ie

Irish Council for International Students

+353 (0)1 660 5233

www.icosirl.ie

Irish Food and Health Research Alliance

www.ifhra.ie

Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

+353 (0)1 660 3652

www.irchss.ie

Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET)

+353 (0)1 231 5000

www.ircset.ie

Irish Universities Association

+353 (0)1 676 4948

www.iua.ie

Irish Vocational Education Association

+353 (0)1 496 6033

www.ivea.ie

National Archives

1890 252 424

www.nationalarchives.com

National Qualifications Authority of Ireland

+353 (0)1 887 1500

www.nqai.ie

Nightcourses.com - Ireland’s online resource for part time courses

www.nightcourses.com

Postgrad.ie - Ireland’s online resource for postgraduate courses

www.postgrad.ie

Postgraduate Applications Centre

+353 (0)91 549260

www.pac.ie

Qualifications Recognition

+353 (0)1 887 1500

www.qualificationsrecognition.ie

Royal Irish Academy

+353 (0)1 676 2570

www.ria.ie

Science Foundation Ireland

+353 (0)1 607 3200

www.sfi.ie

Study Guides and Strategies - free online resource

www.studygs.net

Teagasc - Agriculture and Food Development Authority

+353 (0)59 917 0200

www.teagasc.ie

The Arts Council

1850 392 492

www.artscouncil.ie

The National Framework of Qualifications

+353 (0)1 887 1500

www.nfq.ie

The Teaching Council

1890 224 224

www.teachingcouncil.ie

Union of Students in Ireland

+353 (0)1 709 9300

www.usi.ie

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES

Australian Government website for International Students

www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Australian organisation advising international students on Australian education

www.idp.com

Campus France - programme database, funding information and general tips on living and studying in France

www.campusfrance.org/en/

Campus Germany - Information about studying and living in Germany

www.campus-germany.de

Canada’s Higher Education and Career Guide

www.canadian-universities.net

Canadian Government website offering information about living in Canada & educational resources

www.cic.gc.ca

CNOUS - Official French student organisation

www.cnous.fr

Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science

www.minocw.nl/english/

Education Scandinavia

www.educationscandinavia.info

Eurydice - The information network on education across Europe

www.eurydice.org

Fondation Kastler - Service for foreign scientists and researchers interested in research in France

www.fnak.fr

French Government website for International Students

www.edufrance.fr/en

German Government website for International Students

www.daad.de

Higher Education & Research Opportunities in the UK

www.hero.ac.uk

Information for international students intending to study in Canada

www.studycanada.ca

International Student Exchange Programs

www.isep.org

NARIC - information on the evaluation of international qualifications

www.naric.org.uk

82 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

RESOURCES

Name

Web

Netherlands organization for international cooperation in higher education

www.nuffic.nl

New Zealand Educated

www.newzealandeducated.com

Northern Ireland Department of Education

www.deni.gov.uk

Official website for UK universities

www.universitiesuk.ac.uk

Online guide for international students considering further study in the US

www.edupass.org

Portal on Learning Opportunities throughout the European Space (PLOTEUS)

http://ec.europa.eu/ploteus/

Princeton Review - Guide to American graduate schools

www.princetonreview.com

Prospects - the UK’s official graduate careers website

www.prospects.ac.uk

Studyinbelgium.be - postgrad opportunities in Wallonia/Brussels

www.studyinbelgium.be

Studyinflanders.be - postgrad opportunities in Flanders

www.studyinflanders.be

Study In Italy - Italian Higher Education for International Students

www.study-in-italy.it

Swissuniversity.ch - Information portal for Swiss Universities

www.swissuniversity.ch

Test Magic - Free Online Resource

www.testmagic.com

Tostudyinspain.com - Non-government information provider

www.tostudyinspain.com

UK Government website for International Students

www.educationuk.org

Ukpass - Online postgraduate programme application service

www.ukpass.ac.uk

US Business School Graduate Admission Test (GMAT)

www.gmac.com

US Commercial site holding a database of available graduate programmes

www.studyusa.com

US Government website for International Students

www.educationusa.state.gov

US Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

www.gre.org

Name

Tel/Address

Email

Dublin City University

+353 (0)1 7005566

registry@dcu.ie

www.dcu.ie/postgraduate

Dublin 9, Ireland

National University of Ireland, Galway

+353 (0)91 492844

postgrad@nuigalway.ie

www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/

http://graduatestudies.nuim.ie

CONTACTS

Universities

Web

Postgraduate Admissions Office, NUI Galway, University Rd, Galway

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

+353 (0)1 7086018

Graduate Studies Office, John Hume Building, North Campus, NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Trinity College Dublin

+353 (0)1 8961166

Graduate Studies Office, Arts Building, Dublin 2, Ireland

University College Cork

+353 (0)21 4902876

Graduate Studies Office, UCC, Cork

University of Limerick

+353 (0)61 234377

University of Limerick: Graduate School, Foundation Building, University of Limerick, Limerick

graduatestudies@nuim.ie gradinfo@tcd.ie graduatestudies@ucc.ie postgradadmissions@ul.ie

www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies

www.ucc.ie/postgraduate

www.graduateschool.ul.ie

www.cit.ie/graduateschool

www.dit.ie/postgraduate

Department of Computer Science and Information Systems - University of Limerick

+353 (0)61 202724

www.csis.ul.ie

University of Limerick, Limerick

ULearning - University of Limerick

+353 (0)61 213360

Enterprise Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick

Athlone Institute of Technology

+353 (0)90 6468130

admissions@ait.it

Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Cork Institute of Technology

+353 (0)21 4335099

Admissions Office, Bishopstown, Cork

Dublin Institue of Technology

+353 (0)1 4023434

Postgraduate Admissions Office, Dublin Institute of Technology, 143 – 149 Rathmines Road, Dublin 6, Ireland

Institute of Technology

annette.mcelligott@ul.ie ulearning@ul.ie

graduate.school@cit.ie postgraduate@dit.ie

www.ul.ie/ulearning

www.ait.ie

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 83

RESOURCES

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology

+353 (0)1 2394000

postgraduate@iadt.ie

www.iadt.ie

www.dkit.ie

www.gmit.ie

www.itb.ie

www.itcarlow.ie

info@itsligo.ie

www.itsligo.ie

info@staff.ittralee.ie

www.ittralee.ie

info@ittdublin.ie

www.ittdublin.ie

info@lyit.ie

www.lyit.ie

www.lit.ie

www.wit.ie

Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

Dundalk Institute of Technology

+353 (0)42 9370200

The Admissions Office, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

+353 (0)91 742305

Admissions Office, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

+353 (0)1 8851000

Blanchardstown Road North, Dublin 15, Ireland.

Institute of Technology, Carlow

+353 (0)59 9175000

Admissions, Kilkenny Road, Co. Carlow, Ireland

Institute of Technology, Sligo

+353 (0)71 9155222

Ash Lane, Sligo

Institute of Technology, Tralee

+353 (0)66 7145638

Tralee, Co Kerry

ITT Dublin

+353 (0)1 4042000

Tallaght, Dublin 24

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

+353 (0)74 9186000

Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland.

Limerick Institute of Technology

+353 (0)61 208209

Institute Admissions Office, Moylish Park, Limerick, Ireland

Waterford Institute of Technology

+353 (0)51 302000

The Postgraduate Studies Office, WIT, Waterford, Ireland

All Hallows College

+353 (0)1 8520756

info@allhallows.ie

Postgraduate Office, All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

Griffith College

+353 (0)1 4150400

Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8

Hibernia College

+353 (0)1 6610168

2 Clare Street, Dublin 2

IBAT College

+353 1 807 5055

16-19 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland; Forster Way, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Independent College Dublin

+353 (0)1 6351184

60-63 Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Institute of Public Administration

+353 (0)1 2403600

www.ipa.ie

57-61 Landsdowne Road, Dublin 4

Other Organisations

admissions@dkit.ie info@gmit.ie info@itb.ie info@itcarlow.ie

admissions@lit.ie info@wit.ie

www.allhallows.ie

admissions@gcd.ie or admissions@gcc.ie (Cork) www.gcd.ie or www.gcc.ie (Cork) academicaffairs@hiberniacollege.net www.hiberniacollege.com/hdip

enquiry@ibat.ie

admissions@independentcolleges.ie www.independentcolleges.ie

postgrad@ipa.ie

www.ibat.ie

www.kimmagedsc.ie

www.rcsileadership.org

Kimmage Development Studies Centre

+353 (0)1 4064386/4064380 info@kimmagedsc.ie

Kimmage Manor, Whitehall Road, Dublin 12

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

+353 (0)1 4028655

RCSI Institute of Leadership, Reservoir House, Ballymoss Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18

leadership@rcsi.ie

Student Travelcard

www.studenttravelcard.ie

The Honorable Society of King’s Inns

+353 (0)1 8744840

info@kingsinns.ie

www.kinginns.ie

Henrietta Street, Dublin 1

Tyndall National Institute

+353 (0)21 4904174

orla.slattery@tyndall.ie

www.tyndall.ie

UCC, Dyke Parade, Cork

Valeo

www.valeovision.com

Bangor University

0044 (0)124 8388256

mscsport@bangor.ac.uk

Admissions School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, North Wales, LL57 2PZ

UWE Hartpury

0044 (0)145 2702345

enquire@hartpury.ac.uk

www.hartpury.ac.uk/postgraduate

Parchment Square

+353 (0)21 4545200

studentenqs@parchmentsquarecork.com

Model Farm Road, Cork

UK Colleges

Student Accommodation

84 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

www.bangor.ac.uk/sport

www.parchmentsquarecork.com

RESOURCES

NOTES

The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study 85

RESOURCES

NOTES

86 The 2012 Guide to Postgraduate Study

DUBLIN

CORK

LIMERICK

GALWAY