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Geography

MA (NFQ Level 9)
Scholarships Available
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Arts
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
2 Years
Attendance:
Part-Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Arts
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

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.

About This Course

  • Articulate the importance of geographical context in addressing issues of major societal or environmental importance
  • Communicate effectively, through a range of formats, about concepts and problems in geography and the environment.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of, and mastery of the literature in, at least one particular geographic subfield
  • Display competency in a range of geospatial technologies, with a particular emphasis on the application of Geographical Information Systems
  • Think critically and illustrate their research skills through the development and execution of an independent research project
  • Work collaboratively and effectively in teams both in class-based activities and in the field.

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

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOG40520 Dissertation Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:
Core Modules
 GEOG40940 International Urban Fieldwork Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
ECON42600 Development Economics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG40860 Practical Environmental Assessment Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG40960 Coastal Risks Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG41090 Urban Data Analytics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG40450 Critical Geopolitics and Diplomacy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG40830 Global South Fieldwork: Vietnam Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 35CR:
Choose 35 credits from the option list below.
GEOG41190 Advanced Qualitative Methods Spring  5

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

SDG1 SDG2 SDG3 SDG4 SDG5 SDG6 SDG7 SDG8 SDG9 SDG10 SDG 11 SDG 12 SDG 13 SDG 14 SDG 15 SDG 16 SDG 17

“This degree taught me how to reconcile information from many different fields. That is critically important for renewable energy development, where the technical aspects of the projects play against different policy regimes in different environmental contexts with different social and economic conditions.

My experience at UCD also helped me expand my GIS skills, which I use daily for spatial analysis and communication through cartography. I highly recommend that all current students take coursework in GIS. Finally, the flexibility of UCD’s Geography program allowed me to focus my thesis research on wind energy development. This gave me a leg up in getting into the industry. I encourage all current students to take advantage of that flexibility and pursue research in the fields they are considering for careers.” 

Celia Hallan

MA Geography (W051) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9515
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MA Geography (W416) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5710
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on www.ucd.ie/fees. Please note that the costs of travel and subsistence for some fieldwork modules are borne by the student. 

UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD masters programme. Please see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/ or https://www.ucd.ie/geography/study/scholarships/ for further information.

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.

Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but can confirm professional qualifications and/or experience will be considered.

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.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


Applications are welcome from graduates from any discipline, though undergraduate disciplines with a thematic link to Geography may be advantageous. The programme would also be suitable for those with a professional background in a field related to Geography who might wish to develop and broaden their skillset.



Please be aware that the modules for the part-time route are only available during working hours, from Monday to Friday. This course is not offered in the evenings or online. Instead, it is designed to spread your learning requirements over two years, which is ideal for those who are currently employed and can only attend campus for one day per week. If you are worried about managing your work and study commitments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Geography:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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W051
Geography
Master of Arts

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W416
Geography
Master of Arts

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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