MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Public Advocacy and Activism)

Course details

The development of this innovative masters degree was prompted by the realisation that while there are many Management, Communications and Public Relations courses, none offers a focus on the issues and skills central to the role of those working in organisations which seek to shift attitudes and understandings in order to initiate change.

The Masters Degree in Public Advocacy and Activism offers an advanced programme for those working, or intending to work, in international or local advocacy; including community organization, development, labour, rights, health, and environment.

Contemporary human concerns, advocacy and proposed solutions increasingly transcend national boundaries and, in a globalised society, the role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play an ever more essential role. The development of this innovative new masters degree was prompted by the realisation that while there are many Management, Communications, and Public Relations courses, none offers a focus on the issues and skills central to the role of those working in organisations which seek to shift attitudes and understandings in order to initiate change.

Key facts

Entry requirements

NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent H2.2. GPA 3.0 or international qualification. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent if applicable. Students who do not meet the honours degree requirement but have a level 7 degree (Merit 2) may be admitted to the PDip course with the possibility of progressing to the MA if they receive a minimum of 60% in their course work during the year.

Course outline

The interdisciplinary programme offers an opportunity for experienced advocates for social change to undertake structured studies to facilitate critical reflection, and for those interested in working in the area to achieve a specialist qualification. The course includes an overview of the global context in which advocacy takes place and encourages discussion of issues such as cross-cultural communication and social justice; relevant professional skills and media training are central to the programme.

The full-time course is taken over a twelve-month period (September to August). The year is pided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). During the summer period students will undertake a work placement. 

The part-time course is taken over a 2 year period. Each year is pided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). During semester 2 of the 2nd year, students will undertakej a work placement. 

The wide-ranging course will include an overview of the global context in which advocacy takes place and encourage discussion of issues such as cross-cultural communication and social justice; relevant professional skills and media training will be central to the programme.

Students on this course will also work with teams from the MA in Production and Direction to realise short film projects.

The programme is assessed by a combination of presentations, essays, and project work.

This programme is offered in conjunction with the J.E. Cairnes Graduate School of Business and Public Policy in association with the Social Sciences Research Centre and the Irish Centre for Human Rights.

Requirements and assessment

Students will be assessed on the various modules by a combination of essays, presentations and projects. Students will also be required to complete a 16,000-18,000 word minor dissertation as their final assessment, to be submitted in early August.