European Development Studies, MA, University College Cork (UCC)

About European Development Studies, MA - at University College Cork (UCC)

Overview

The MA in European Development Studies is currently being re-structured and is not on offer in the 2017/2018 academic year.

Please contact the Department of Geography directly for more detailed information on other possible postgraduate options in European Studies/Geography for 2017/2018

Contact Details: +353 (0) 21 4902804; Email [email protected]

This course helps you understand the complexities of contemporary developmental processes which operate within Europe, and their consequences for the convergence/divergence of regional and national economies.

The MA in European Development Studies is a one year, full-time degree. It involves both course work and a 25,000 word dissertation.

Through a series of seminars, the course examines the diverse nature of European development. Issues covered include: cultural identities, rural versus urban Europe, the legal entity of Europe, natural landscapes, migration, economic transformation and geopolitics. It explores relationships between cores and peripheries within Europe and evaluates the policy agendas of the European Commission which are designed to achieve smart, cohesive and sustainable development. The accession of many eastern European states to the European Union has and will pose many new challenges for harmonious development in Europe.

Course Details

Through thematic modules you are introduced to Europe's historical origins, diverse contemporary debates and challenges – economic, social, cultural, environmental and political – and how these are manifested in the landscape of Europe. In research methodology modules you are introduced to the philosophical, ethical, technical and legal dimensions of research. Different quantitative methods for analysing data, including statistical modelling, are outlined. Qualitative techniques of data analysis are also examined, including interviewing strategies and focus groups. In computer-based practicals and library workshops, you will receive instruction and achieve competence in a range of research and presentation skills. In relation to IT, this includes word processing, spreadsheets and database management, and the use of the internet/web pages. Other skills include searching and managing bibliographic databases and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Modules (90 credits):

Part One
ES6001 European Development: different meanings to different Europeans (5 credits)
ES6002 Core-periphery Relationships in Europe (5 credits)
ES6007 Applied Skills in Data Management (10 credits)
ES6008 Research Strategies (10 credits)
ES6009 Assessing Cohesion within Europe: case study (15 credits)

Part Two
ES6010 Research Dissertation (45 credits)

This MA course will:

• enhance your understanding of contemporary developmental processes in Europe
• provide an understanding of core-periphery relationships
• provide you with analytical techniques and research methodologies to help you submit a research project
• equip you with transferable skills, together with an understanding of complex developmental processes, providing a good basis for a career in a variety of public, private or non-governmental sectors

Further details of the programme content and modules are in the: Postgraduate College Calendar

Fact File

Course Code: CKE38 Full-time

Course Title: European Development Studies

College: Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences

Duration: 1 year Full-time

Teaching Mode: Full-time

Qualifications: MA

NFQ Level: Level 9

Costs: 2016/2017 Irish/EU Fee level: EUR 6,000 full-time; EUR 3,000 per year part-time

2016 Entry Requirements: Applicants should hold a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in arts, social science, commerce or law (or the equivalent in the case of non-Irish applicants). Candidates who hold a primary degree at 2.2 level will also be considered, subject to a written expression of interest and/or interview acceptable to the Department selection committee. Prospective students may also be asked to attend an interview.

Closing Date: Not on offer for 2017/2018

Next Intake: Not on offer for 2017/2018

Course Practicalities

Thematic modules involve seminar classes which are two hours long and take the form of interactive discussion rather than a lecture format. Readings may be circulated before seminars and you are expected to participate fully in each session. There are also a range of weekly two-hour, computer-based practicals, methodological research seminars, library workshops, and individual and team-based research and presentations. Reading lists are provided at the end of each seminar.

Assessment

All modules are completely continuously assessed. You will complete a range of written assignments from short essays to substantial reports, computer-based practicals, oral presentations and bibliographic assignments. The thematic and methodological modules constitute 50% of the final mark. A 25,000-word research dissertation, completed between April and August, makes up the remaining 50% of the final mark.

Application Procedure

Application for this programme is on-line at www.pac.ie/ucc. Places on this programme are offered in rounds. The closing dates for each round can be found here. For full details of the application procedure click How to Apply.

All required documentation must be either uploaded to your online application, or sent in hard copy to The Postgraduate Applications Centre, 1, Courthouse Square, Galway, immediately after an application is made.

Please note that you will also be asked to fill in a special supplementary information form as part of the applications process for this programme. A copy of this form is available to view here:CKE38AdditionalQuestions (51kB)

Further Contact Information

Ray O'Connor
Course Coordinator
T: +353 (0)21 420 5164
E: [email protected]

Notes about fees for this course

Costs: 2016/2017 Irish/EU Fee level: EUR 6,000 full-time; EUR 3,000 per year part-time

2016 Entry Requirements: Applicants should hold a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in arts, social science, commerce or law (or the equivalent in the case of non-Irish applicants). Candidates who hold a primary degree at 2.2 level will also be considered, subject to a written expression of interest and/or interview acceptable to the Department selection committee. Prospective students may also be asked to attend an interview.

Closing Date: Not on offer for 2017/2018

Next Intake: Not on offer for 2017/2018

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University College Cork (UCC) to find course entry requirements.

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