Geography

The MA Geography is aimed at students who wish to develop a deeper understanding of key geographical ideas and themes, embrace opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills, undertake independent research in an area of specialist interest, and enhance their geospatial skills set. This Masters programme provides students with a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers including teaching; research; consultancy; Geographical Information Systems; and careers in the public sector. We value holistic approaches to learning and active, sustained engagement with issues of societal importance. We challenge our students to develop as spatially-sensitive global citizens and encourage them to be analytical, reflective and critical thinkers. The capacity to engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving is a key competence of our graduates. The UCD School of Geography provides a high quality learning and research environment for graduate students and has pioneered innovative teaching and learning methodologies in the online and face-to-face environment. As well as small-group seminars, project-based learning and teamwork, fieldwork is a core element of the MA Geography programme.



A series of fieldtrips in Dublin and surroundings emphasising key geographical skills and landscape interpretation.

Solid programme emphasizing a broad training in political, economic, urban, environmental, climate, and physical geography.

Opportunity to undertake an independent research project on a relevant topic chosen in consultation with your supervisor.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

GEOG41140 Dissertation 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 35

GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn 5

GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn 10



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

One field trip chosen from the modules below

GEOG40700 International Fieldwork Spring 10

GEOG40940 International Urban Fieldwork Spring 10

Stage 1 Options - B)30CR:

Select 30 credits

ECON42600 Development Economics Autumn 5

GEOG40450 Critical Geopolitics and Diplomacy Autumn 10

GEOG40760 Development and the Global South Autumn 10

GEOG40860 Practical Environmental Assessment Autumn 10

GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Autumn 10

GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn 10

GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn 10

GEOG41090 Urban Data Analytics Autumn 10

GEOG40830 Global South Fieldwork: Vietnam Spring 10

GEOG40870 Advanced GIS Applications Spring 10

GEOG40960 Coastal Risks Spring 5

GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring 10

GEOG41120 Geopolitical Risks and Crises Spring 10

Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second class honours (2:1) degree or international equivalent at bachelors level in any academic field, with a preference for fields of study related to your chosen stream with good academic grades (your transcript should include grades for each subject taken).Names and contact details of two referees who can assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation should also be provided. At least one of these should be a member of academic staff at your current institution.

The School of Geography recommends that you make your application as early as possible, as late application may mean no further places are available.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

W051 - Full-Time: 1 Year

W416 - Part Time: 2 Years

MA Geography (W051) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7315

nonEU fee per year - € 19900


MA Geography (W416) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4760

nonEU fee per year - € 9950


***Fees are subject to change


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Commencing September 2025

This programme will provide you with a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers. The choice is vast. In recent years MA Geography graduates from UCD have gone on to employment as:



teachers at primary and secondary level

researchers with government agencies and departments

consultants with private firms including Deloitte & Touche and ACC Bank

aid workers in developing countries

marketing executive

GIS specialists

planners and local government officials

researchers and lecturers in UCD, University of Bristol, Louisiana State University, and many other institutions