HUSTON SCHOOL OF FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA
J.E. CAIRNES GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & PUBLIC POLICY
in association with
SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH CENTRE
and the IRISH CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
General
The Masters Degree in Public Advocacy and Activism offers an advanced programme for those working, or intending to work, in international or local advocacy; including community organization, development, labour, rights, health, and environment.
Contemporary human concerns, advocacy and proposed solutions increasingly transcend national boundaries and, in a globalised society, the role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play an ever more essential role. The development of this innovative new masters degree was prompted by the realisation that while there are many Management, Communications, and Public Relations courses, none offers a focus on the issues and skills central to the role of those working in organisations which seek to shift attitudes and understandings in order to initiate change.
Programme description
The course is a full-time degree taken over a twelve-month period (September 2009 to August 2010). The year is divided into two teaching semesters (September to December and January to April). During the summer period students will undertake a work placement. The interdisciplinary programme offers an opportunity for experienced advocates for social change to undertake structured studies in order to facilitate critical reflection and practice, and for those interested in working in the area to achieve a specialist qualification.
The wideranging course will include an overview of the global context in which advocacy takes place and encourage discussion of issues such as cross-cultural communication and social justice; relevant professional skills and media training will be central to the programme.
Students on this course will deliver film briefs to the Production Direction students, who will realize short films based on topical issues chosen by the Advocacy students.
ECTS weighting MA-90 ECTS PDip-60 ECTS
Programme fee, academic year 2007-08 E.U. students: €6,005 Non-E.U. students: €11,500*
*Subject to ratification
Please note: fees are correct at the time of online publication, but are subject to change (E&EO); non-E.U. fees must be paid in full prior to registration.
Application
Applications to this programme are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC).
Please click here to download the PAC user guidelines
Minimum entry requirements
The number of places is limited. You should have an honours primary degree (at least Second Class Honours in one subject, or a U.S. GPA 3.2). We also welcome applicants with substantial and relevant professional experience to apply. Such cases may be considered for exemption from the honours degree requirement, subject to appropriate arrangements such as a qualifying examination. These students will be required to register initially for a Postgraduate Diploma.
To supplement your online application you should include a short essay on an aspect of advocacy or an area in which you have particular interest or experience. The short essay should be no more than 1,000 words, and is in addition to the personal statement required.
Selection criteria
Above all, applicants should be driven by an interest in both the practical and theoretical issues relating to campaigning and advocacy in today's world, and should have an understanding of the way in which public opinion interacts with politics and policy.
Examination arrangements
The programme is assessed by a combination of presentations, essays, and project work.
Career opportunities
Work in local or international advocacy including community organisations, development, labour, rights, health and environment.
Programme content (subject to change)
Module | ECTS |
How to Argue with an Economist This module links economics and issues related to advocacy and activism. Topics on this module include Arguing and Economists, The Economics of Discrimination, Measuring GDP, Unemployment, Money and Finance, Trade Policy, and Economics of the Environment. | 5 |
Social and Political Context This module aims to provide an introduction to the social and political context of international advocacy and activism. It links the national and international contexts for advocacy and activism, drawing upon historical, sociological and political perspectives on the rise of international campaigning for social justice. | 5 |
Organisation Advocacy and Activism This module aims to provide students with an advanced examination of selected issues in organisational analysis and organisational theory. Key areas of concern in organisational analysis are evaluated: control, motivation, leadership, culture and teamwork. Students will develop a critical perspective on the management of organisations. | 5 |
Introduction to Human Rights Law This module seeks to provide students with an introduction to human rights, both at international and domestic levels. Students will become familiar with the major international human rights instruments, and come to understand the socio-political and legal implications involved in human rights. | 5 |
Production Project 1st Semester Students will deliver film briefs to the Production Direction students, who will realize short films based on topical issues chosen by the Advocacy students. | 5 |
Globalisation The aim of the module will be to identify the fundamental concepts of globalisation by analysing the various ideologies, systems and structures that underpin the progression of global capitalism through the ages. Underlying philosophical theories will be linked with political, legal sociological and economic ideals that are often the driving forces behind these processes. | 5 |
Transcultural Understanding This module aims to foster understanding in some of the contemporary social, political, and economic challenges arising as a result of globalisation and the increased interaction and interconnection between people from different cultural backgrounds. Students will come to understand the respective role/s and possibilities of the individual, the state, NGOs, international organisations in these processes and be able to critically assess the contributions of each entity in enhancing ‘transcultural understanding’. | 5 |
Film and Politics This course will explore some key issues relating to the interaction between film and politics, for example whether film can influence political change, what the relationship is between politics and film, and how film intervenes in the politics of perception and representation. | 5 |
Communication, Media, and Marketing This module will introduce the student to the principles, concepts and practice of marketing communications within public advocacy and to help the student develop the skills essential to communicate messages and initiate social change. | 5 |
Production Project 2nd Semester Students will deliver film briefs to the Production Direction students, who will realize short films based on topical issues chosen by the Advocacy students. | 5 |
Placement Report | 10 |
Dissertation | 30 |
PAC code: GYA64
NUIG code: 1MPA1 (MA); 1MPA3 (PDip)
Mode of study: full-time
Duration: one year
Places available: 14
Closing date: DEADLINE EXTENDED
Commences: September 2010
Enquiries to Andrea Breslin, Course Co-ordinator.
Tel.: 00 353 91 495918
E-mail: andrea.breslin@nuigalway.ie
