Gender, Globalisation and Rights (MA, FT or PT)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
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Course Overview

The MA in Gender, Globalisation and Rights is a flagship programme of the Centre for Global Women’s Studies at University of Galway. It offers a unique opportunity for in-depth study of the gender dimensions of globalisation and global issues, through an interdisciplinary programme that combines the fields of: gender and women’s studies, international development, human rights, and peace and conflict studies. Students acquire the theoretical, conceptual and practical tools needed to apply a gender perspective and undertake gender analyses in relevant domains of practice and employment at local, national and international levels, as well as for advanced research at doctoral level and beyond. In addition to modules on globalisation, development, human rights, gender and feminist theory, health and sexuality, women in agriculture, historical perspectives, and peace and conflict, skills-based modules are offered in research methods, applied gender analysis and empowerment. Students also have the opportunity to undertake an accredited, two-month professional placement with a relevant organisation working on issues related to programme themes.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Who Teaches this Course

Dr. Anne Byrne, BA NIHE, Ireland, MA (Sociology) NUI Galway, PhD (Sociology) University of Limerick.
Dr. Aine Macken-Walsh, BA (NUI Galway), MA, University of Padova, Italy, PhD (Sociology) University of Galway.
Dr. Eilis Ward, BA (Political Science and Sociology & Philosophy) NUI Galway, MA (International Relations) Northeastern University (Boston, Mass., USA), PhD (International Relations), Trinity College Dublin.
Dr. Una Murray, B. Ed (St Patricks College, Drumcondra), MA (Development Studies) University of East Anglia, PhD (Development) University College Cork, MII Graduate (Irish Marketing Institute).

Dr Nata Duvvury

BA, MA, M.Phil., Ph.D.

Est Professor (Research Scholarship)
School of Political Science &
Sociology
University of Galway
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Dr Su-Ming Khoo

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Dr Vesna Malesevic

BA, MA, PhD

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Dr Niamh Reilly

M.A., Ph.D., LLM

Established Professor of Political Science and Sociology
Aras Moyola
School of Political Science and Sociology
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Requirements and Assessment

Assessment is continuous, based on class participation, project work, in-class presentations, final essays, placement-related tasks and an independently researched minor thesis.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

A Level 8 degree with upper Second Class Honours (2.1), or better, in a primary degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent international qualification. Publications and/or professional experience may be considered if the formal requirements are not completely satisfied.

(Please visit this website for detail of any supporting documents that may be required when applying to this course.)

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria are encouraged to contact the Programme Director to discuss eligibility under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Further information is available from the Programme Director and on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.

Duration

One year, full-time; two years, part-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please view the offer rounds website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

MA-GGR

Course Outline

Core modules

Gender, Women and Human Rights
Feminist and Gender Theorising
Gender Perspectives on Globalisation
Research Methods and Methodologies
Research Workshops
Research Paper

Option modules (selected)

Development and Human Rights
Field-based Learning (EU/Ireland)
Gender, Sexuality and Global Health
Women, Conflict and Human Security
History and Narrative in Gender Research
Applied Gender Analysis
Professional Experience (placement)

The MA involves completion of 90 credits (ECTS) including a minor dissertation (30 credits). Two modules (10 credits each) examine the gender dimensions of globalisation and human rights respectively, including in-depth discussion of key concepts and practice, and initiatives to advance gender equality, in each domain. A third 10-credit module introduces students to major debates in gender and feminist theory. A module on research methods is also completed (5 credits). In addition to these core modules, students choose 25 credits from a range of options including the professional placement module (10 credits) and/or a selection of 5-credit options including: Applied Gender Analysis; Women, Conflict and Security; Historical Perspectives on Women and Gender; Sexuality and Global Health Crises; Human Rights and Development; and Women in Irish Agriculture. Practical workshops are offered throughout the year to strengthen academic research and writing skills and other aspects of professional development. Modules are assessed on the basis of final essays, learning journals, practical assignments, in-class presentations, and, in the case of the placement, a portfolio, including an applied project agreed with the host organisation. Placement hosts include local, national and international organisations and agencies concerned with advancing equality, development, peace and human rights. The dissertation module includes research and methods workshops, group work, and one-to-one supervision. Further information is available here.

Module details for full time course

Module details for part time course

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits: You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module: An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Subject: Some courses allow you to choose subjects, where related modules are grouped together. Subjects have their own required number of credits, so you must take all that subject's required modules and may also need to obtain the remainder of the subject's total credits by choosing from its available optional modules.
Optional: A module you may choose to study.
Required: A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Required Core Subject: A subject you must study because it's integral to that course.
Semester: Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year, so a three-year course will have six semesters in total. For clarity, this page will refer to the first semester of year 2 as 'Semester 3'.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

This programme will benefit anyone seeking to expand the professional opportunities open to them by deepening their understanding of international development, human rights and other global issues, from a gender perspective. It is suitable for graduates and mature students, wishing to pursue a career in advocacy, equality, diversity and inclusion, policy research, communications, public service or advanced academic research, where knowledge of global issues and gender are important. Graduates are prepared to work at all levels of non-governmental organisations, research institutes, government bodies (e.g., UN, EU), and media organisations.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Graduates of the MA in Gender, Globalisation and Rights will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to address the gender dimensions of globalisation and global issues from gender-based violence, global health crises and intersectional inequalities, to trafficking, conflict, climate change and extremism. Course participants gain an advanced understanding of global policies and norms in relation to development, human rights, and conflict, peace and security. Field-based learning and professional placements offer experiential learning that enhances employability.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,640 full-time; €4,355 part-time (including levy) p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€8,500 full-time; €4,250 part-time p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 full-time; €105 part-time p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€20,000 p.a. (€20,140 p.a. including levy) 2025/26

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.

Find out More

Course Director

Dr Stacey Scriver
School of Political Science and Sociology

E: stacey.scriver@universityofgalway.ie

universityofgalway.ie/soc/ (Click Postgraduate Programmes)

Quick Links

Malakay Sondu | Graduate

The MA in Gender, Globalisation and Rights is a unique program. It blends three disciplines together. I didn’t see that in other universities. I always wanted to do a masters in gender studies, but this programme gives more than just gender studies. The rich blend of human rights and globalisation into gender studies puts you at a vantage point in the job market.

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