MA Public Advocacy and Activism

at National University of Ireland Galway

Across the wide-ranging syllabus, there is a focus on both the socio-political environment in which advocates and campaigners for change must operate and the tools and techniques by which change can be achieved. Students use actual campaigns as the basis of their course work analysis, so that critiques and debates are firmly based in the real world of current events. In addition to gaining a theoretical understanding of how change may be effected, students learn how to develop and run successful campaigns, how to interact with large organizations, and how to influence public opinion on important issues.

The course may be taken as a full-time degree taken over a twelve-month period (September to August) OR as a part-time degree taken over a twenty-four month period. The year is divided into two teaching semesters, from September to December and from January to April. The full-time programme comprises three core taught modules during the academic year and a choice of 4 out of 5 electives as well as a research methods seminar over two 12-week semesters. Students will also undertake a service learning placement. The minor dissertation (30 ECTS) is completed over the summer and submitted in August.

 Core modules:

• The Theory and Practice of Advocacy and Activism (10 ECTS)
• Communications Media and Marketing for Advocates (10 ECTS)
• Short Filmmaking for Advocacy (10 ECTS)

Elective Modules (3 out of 5 to be selected) include:

• Service Learning Placement (10 ECTS)
• Human Rights for Advocates (5 ECTS)
• Film & Politics (5 ECTS)
• Organisational Analysis and Management (5 ECTS)
• The Social and Political Context of Advocacy (5 ECTS)

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 (Merit 2) degree 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.

Fees: EU
€6,980 full-time; €3,525 part-time p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Tuition
€6,840 full-time; €3,420 part-time p.a. 20/23

Fees: Student levy
€140 full-time; €105 part-time p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Non EU
€16,940 p.a. 2022/23
 

Student levy €140 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.  

This imaginative course provides an opportunity for experienced advocates for social change as well as those interested in working in the area to achieve a specialist qualification in their field of practice. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the programme brings together a group of students from diverse backgrounds but with shared interests and ambitions. Discussion-based classes allow students to challenge and engage with ideas and topics in a dynamic learning process that increases understanding and clarifies opinions. The programme includes a work placement in which students gain the opportunity to put their developing skills into practice. Furthermore, as a student at the Huston School you will be part of a collaborative creative community, working with students on the MA in Production & Direction to develop a short film as part of an advocacy campaign. You will also have all the opportunities which come from studying at one of the world’s top Universities, including access to a range of seminars and high-profile guest speakers.

Recent visiting speakers have included practitioners and activists from organisations such as Comhlamh, Trocaire, UNOCHA, and the Migrant Rights Council of Ireland; campaigners including Sunny Jacobs and Peter Pringle; and filmmakers like Emily James, Risteard O Domhnaill, and Dearbhla Glynn, who have made documentaries on topics of human rights and social concerns.