There is a “real-world experience” to this course as NIRSA is home to AIRO and IQDA, and participates in DRI and ISSP, data is available to students for project work. Internships are available to course participants (on a competitive basis) to work on major research projects.

The All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) is a research unit and spatial data portal focused on improving evidence informed planning in Ireland. AIRO collects, analyses and provides evidence and tools to support better planning and decision making. The key strengths behind the AIRO team are mapping, data analytics and visualisation, policy advice, research and training.

www.airo.ie

The Irish Qualitative Data Archive (IQDA) is a central access point for qualitative social science data generated in or about Ireland. The archive contains qualitative datasets that include interviews, pictures and other non-numerical material. It also frames the parameters and standards for archiving qualitative data within the Irish research community.

www.iqda.ie

The Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) is a national trusted digital repository for Ireland’s social and cultural data. The repository will link together and preserve both historical and contemporary data held by Irish institutions, providing a central internet access point and interactive multimedia tools. As a national e-infrastructure for the future of education and research in the humanities and social sciences, DRI will be available for use by the public, students and scholars.

www.dri.ie

The Irish Social Sciences Platform is an all-island platform of integrated social science research and graduate training focusing on the social, cultural and economic transformations shaping Ireland in the 21st century.

www.issplatform.ie

MA in Society and SpaceAn interdiscliplinary master’s programme delivered by the Departments of Geography, Sociology and NIRSA

MA in Society and SpaceAn interdiscliplinary master’s programme delivered by the Departments of Geography, Sociology and NIRSA

8Taught Masterswww.pac.ie/nuim On-line applicationnuim.ie/nirsa/education/ma-in-society-and-space

NIRSAwww.nuim.ie/nirsa

Department of Geographywww.nuim.ie/geography

Department of Sociologywww.nuim.ie/sociology

Tel: +353 (0) 1 7086741 Email: societyandspace@nuim.ieWeb: nuim.ie/nirsa/education/ma-in-society-and-space

2nd Floor, Iontas Building, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland

This is a full-time one-year interdisciplinary course that aims to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to enable them to undertake analyses of social and spatial changes within modern western society, specifically contemporary Ireland. Taught jointly by the Department of Geography, the Department of Sociology, and the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA), the course brings together leading social science researchers in Ireland with an international reputation in their fields, and offers an advanced introduction to social science, human geography and social research.

The aim of the MA in Society and Space is to provide graduates from a range of disciplines including geography, sociology, anthropology, architecture, urban and rural planning and public policy with the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake a critically-informed socio-spatial analysis of Irish society and economy. In particular the course will:

• advance knowledge of contemporary theories of society and space and enable their application to the Irish and international context.

• provide advanced training in social science research methods.

• develop capacity for undertaking independent research in the social sciences.

• provide specialist knowledge and insight into policy priorities in the areas of balanced development, knowledge society and sustaining communities.

Áine Rickard, graduated in 2010With a background in both finance and the social sciences, I was looking for a Masters degree that would give me a really solid grounding in key geographical and sociological concepts, whilst also showing how such theory applied in the real world. I found that the MASS excelled in both of these areas. The course content was varied and engaging, whilst the really excellent teaching and support from staff made the whole experience a very thought-provoking and rewarding one. My skills in GIS and written and oral communication greatly benefitted. I am in no doubt that completing the MASS in Maynooth helped me to secure my current position as a doctoral researcher in UCD, and would whole-heartedly recommend the course to anyone who wants to better understand and engage with contemporary society in Ireland today.

ModulesThe course is structured around three strands. Firstly, students will undertake core modules exploring contemporary theories of society and space, and theories of recent social, economic, political, and cultural change within the Irish Republic. Secondly, a menu of substantive modules will be provided from which you can choose options. Finally, students will be offered a suite of modules on advanced research methods some of which they will select as a platform for developing specialised applied research skills. The course will also involve a research thesis undertaken during the academic year and to be submitted by the end of July.

Core Modules• NIR601 Theories of Society and Space• NIR602 Ireland: Economy and Society• NIR603 Thesis

Methods Modules• SO620A Qualitative Methods• NIR621A Quantitative Analysis• NIR630 Doing Research in the Social Sciences

Optional Modules• NIR613 Migration Studies• SO629A Nature and Society• SO633 Human Security and Society• NIR612 Sustaining Communities• NIR616 Population and Health• SO622A Media & Globalisation• NIR614 Urban Studies(Students must take two optional modules. Modules subject to change.)

Kirsty Doyle, graduated in 2011In 2011, I completed a Masters Degree in Society and Space. This course opened my eyes to the importance of politics, education and wealth within the power structures of our economy and government. It also made me aware of the fluidity and changing nature of these structures. I carried out my Masters thesis on Resistance to Neoliberalism and a case study of the Irish Taxi Industry. Following on from this course, I have been awarded a scholarship by Waterford Institute of Technology and commenced doctoral studies in September 2013. My topic will be Alcohol Related Public Order Offences in the Night-Time Economy. I truly loved my time at NUI Maynooth and I recommend this course to others.

Career OptionsIn addition, the course provides an excellent platform for those interested in progressing to PhD study. Our Career Development Centre at NUI Maynooth will help you with advice and curriculum vitae development. We also hold a Careers Development evening where you can glean some excellent advice from past students. The course is particularly suitable for people wishing to pursue a career in research, advocacy, social and public policy making.

As part of our graduate community you will have access to specialist modules led by subject experts, field trips, professional development modules, regular departmental seminars and symposia featuring the work of advanced students, staff and invited speakers.

Outstanding Student Award Each year the student with the highest overall mark receives a certificate to mark their achievement. This award is presented at the annual NUI Maynooth Prize and Awards Ceremony.

Ronan Minnock, graduated in 2013One of the most interesting things about the course was how current and relevant it was. As we investigated the political, economic and social aspects of Irish society, the society around us was responding to the reality of bank guarantees, bailouts, elections as well as many other factors. In its own way, this enhanced the experience of the course as we could see direct links between theoretical ideas, the plans being put in place to help Ireland recover and how these took effect on the ground with the person on the street. There was a strong focus in the MA on developing and improving written and oral presentation techniques, both as an individual and as part of a group. These are invaluable skills that can be utilised in any number of arenas, be it in the workplace or in social activities.