With approximately 250,000 jobs linked to the sector and a turnover of €27.5 billion, the food and drink industry in Ireland represents a vibrant and vital element of the Irish economy. To maintain this level of success within a global market, however, there must be ongoing innovation. This is part of what makes studying Food Science at postgraduate level such an exciting challenge: it often plays an important role in the development process.
University College Cork currently offers three taught programmes in the food science field. As well as scientific training and research, students of the MSc in Food Science – which is one-year full-time programme – can choose from among a broad selection of modules, including Material Science for Food Systems, Advanced Analytical Methods and Food Processing and Preservation. The Postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional Sciences is another nine-month option for anyone with training in a related field. The HDip in Food Science & Technology (which is one year full time or two year part time) acts as a good introduction to either of the foregoing programmes.
University College Dublin’s MEngSc in Food Engineering (one year full time, two years part time) is aimed at graduates in engineering, science and related disciplines. It provides comprehensive coverage of bioprocess engineering, risk assessment and product development. Though class sizes vary, one-to-one tuition from an assigned mentor is provided to each student.
While it may seem axiomatic to say that food safety should always be a priority, the unfortunate fact is that compliance is not entirely universal. Food legislation is there to maintain standards in the public’s interest; students who wish to learn more about the role of regulatory authorities can do so by enrolling a specialised masters programme covering food safety and risk analysis.
A similar option is TU Dublin's MSc in Food Safety Management, which covers all areas relating to food safety – the dangers (microbial, chemical, etc.); safety issues in food production; regulatory, consumer, and legal concerns; food safety management tools; and a unique Integrated Food Safety Management Case Study, through which students can apply their knowledge in a food company environment.
Other food science and technology options at DIT include the MSc in Food Safety Management and the MSc in Culinary Innovation and Food Product Development – the later of which is a unique programme that bridges the areas of food science, business and culinary arts. Thanks to multi-disciplinary modules such as Gastronomy and Culture, New Food Business Creation and Sports and Exercise Nutrition, graduates are provided with extensive career options, including food product management, haute cuisine restaurants, as well as the possibility of further study.
Research avenues are available to students in both UCD and UCC. Among the research areas of particular interest in UCD are the development of new ingredient technologies and ensuring the security and safety of the food chain.
The central role that nutrition plays in our physical and mental well-being has long been recognised, but appreciation of it continues to grow and ingrain itself in the public consciousness. Such heightened awareness creates greater demand for expertise in the field, thus opening several career opportunities for graduates of nutritional science courses.
Among the courses on offer to students interested in this area are UCD’s MPH in Public Health (Nutrition) and UCC’s MSc in Nutritional Sciences, the former of which can be taken as either a one- or two-year option, depending on whether students wish to study the topic on a full- or part-time basis; the latter course, on the other hand, can only be taken full time and runs for one year. While the MSc course tends to focus on the nutritional science techniques, and the relationship between nutrition and the development of disease, the MPH degree aims to supply students with a keen understanding of public health practices and policies.
It may sometimes feel like Irish politics is exclusively dominated by outgoing, high-profile personalities, but there is also room in the political world for people who wish to work in a more behind-the-scenes capacity. A qualification in Political Science is perfect for anyone looking to get involved in any section of this area.
The area of political research is one that offers a more low-key route into the field, as it can groom students for important advisory roles, which need not require a significant public profile. There are currently numerous postgraduate options in Ireland that can help prospective students to build a career in this area.
One notable option is the Integrated Doctorate (MPhil/PhD) offered by Trinity College’s Department Of Political Science. It is a four-year course that, for its first two years, contains modules and taught components (alongside thesis work). Students also have to complete a dissertation, which provides their main focus in the two subsequent years. The course generally paves the way for a career in either political research or academia.
There are several other colleges that offer postgraduate options in politics and political research. The University of Limerick’s Department Of Politics and Public Administration offers prospective students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate research, culminating in a written thesis. Like the Trinity programme, it also provides seminars that help students to hone their skills in other areas, such as Research Management and Academic Presenting.
Of course, there are other political postgraduate options that are not so centred on a dissertation or thesis. UCD’s School of Politics and International Relations, for instance, offers a range of taught-module-based one-year courses in political topics (though the completion of a dissertation is also a programme requirement, in addition to the continuous assessment); MSc’s in Human Rights, International Relations and Nationalism and Ethno-Communal Conflict are available in this format.
Also, the Dublin Institute Of Technology offers a full-time one-year MA in Public Affairs and Political Communication, which offers a slightly different range of career options to the aforementioned courses. Upon completion of this programme, students will be qualified to ‘take up full-time employment as liaisons between private, public and not-for-profit organisations, and governmental or political persons and organisations’. They may also work as providers of communication services for people working in the world of politics, and some graduates can even embark on careers as consultants, offering public affairs services. Modules in this programme include Public Affairs, Political Marketing, Political Structures and Public Affairs Writing. Political postgraduates are a well-established and respected qualification, rather than a rising phenomenon.
When it comes to Postgraduate Courses in Political Studies, the methods for training PhD researchers have undergone something of a sea change in recent times. One new trend is the professionalisation of the training of PhD researchers. In the past, there was what is referred to as the “apprenticeship model”. These programmes are moving towards a system where there’s a more structured, taught component to courses.
With these significant recent developments in the area of political research instruction coming into effect, now may be the ideal time to pursue a postgraduate study option in this field. A career in politics does not necessarily entail the pursuit of votes; the wide array of courses currently available in Ireland ensures a rich variety of politically focused job possibilities.
If you are considering studying English at postgraduate level then there is no need for us to rhapsodise on its inherent, intangible virtues; the chances are you are already well aware of them.
What does need to be said, however, is that the demands of studying English at postgraduate level are far greater than they are during the undergraduate stage. For one thing, students are expected to leaven their natural enthusiasm with scholarly equanimity, applying more independent, analytic and creative thought processes to their work. Moreover, as postgraduate degrees tend to be narrower in scope – and therefore far more in-depth in their treatment of topics – it is important that students opt for an area of study for which they have a genuine passion.
Fortunately, the subject range within English is broad, which means there should be something to accommodate all tastes. Perennial favourites include English (general), Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, and Drama and Theatre, all of which are run by a number of colleges as taught programmes. These generally follow a similar structure to undergraduate degrees in that they are delivered through class-based lectures and are assessed through a combination of essays (usually between 3, 000 to 5, 000 words in length) and exams.
Where they differ noticeably is in their teaching approach; for instance, classes are much smaller, meaning that the learning experience is a more intimate one with discussion playing a vital role in the development of students’ ideas. Such interactions often affect the shape of students’ theses topics, which represent another key component of postgraduate study. A dissertation accounts for a major portion of a student’s overall degree grade and acts as a barometer for assessing his/her ability to carry out independent research, as well as his/her capacity to critically engage with, organise and articulate research findings.
Taught programmes are normally full time and of a year’s duration (note that part-time courses usually extend to two years). Thanks to the variety of courses on offer, students may elect to refine their knowledge of Ireland’s literary heritage (e. g. UCC’s MA in Irish Writing – Theories and Traditions) or get to grips with broader international perspectives (e. g. Maynooth University's MA in Postcolonial and World Literature); they may focus on literature in a more general sense (e. g. UCD’s Modernity, Literature and Culture) or on the history and development of a particular genre (e. g. MA in Children’s Literature – available from Trinity College Dublin, or as a two-year part-time option from St Patrick’s College Drumcondra).
While students are required to stay within the confines of their chosen field, they are also afforded the freedom to focus on more specific subject matter from the wide array of selected course texts. A big advantage of this format is the presence of seminars, which greatly assist postgraduate students by providing guidance, and by instilling discipline and motivation.
Those who feel that they are already in possession of such qualities may be interested in enrolling on a research programme. In order to obtain an MLitt research degree, a student must produce an original piece of research or criticism, which should be approximately 60, 000 words in length – the result of two years’ labour.
A PhD demands even greater academic rigour and self-motivation: the thesis at this level – which can be up to 100, 000 words long – must be a worthy addition to the collective body of knowledge on the particular topic in question. Anyone considering this option should be aware that it is an onerous undertaking, lasting for up to four years. However, students are not entirely alone in the endeavour, as a supervisor will be assigned to guide them, Virgil-like, through their research.
Employment opportunities for taught and research English postgraduates are diverse. Graduates (generally of research degrees) often take up academic positions, but other established career paths include journalism, research, publishing and marketing. The research skills honed and developed over the course of a programme are valued in any industry; and it will be apparent to a prospective employer that the student is capable, organised, motivated and, of course, an eloquent communicator.
On a final note, conversion courses allow those without a background in English, or those who do not have an honours degree, to study the subject at postgraduate level. The Higher Diploma in Arts at UCC (taken either as a one-year full-time or a two-year part-time option) covers important elements of undergraduate English degree programmes, thereby providing students with the foundational knowledge necessary for further study.
Whether looking at taught, research or conversion programmes you can browse options for studying English at postgraduate level on Postgrad.ie
Project management involves the planning, organisation and management of time, labour, budget and resources (employees, software, building materials, etc), in order to achieve a clearly defined goal (e. g. launching a new product, erecting a building). All project management programmes are part time and are typically aimed at current professionals with leadership responsibilities, or those who hope to move into such a role.
When it comes to course content. what you'll be learning will be heavily geared towards the workplace. This discipline is closely associated with, and originally developed from, heavy industry and construction. Engineering, architects and quantity surveyors who are seeking to develop their project management skills are therefore well catered for, with three part time programmes are available from Waterford IT (MSc), DIT (MSc) and Trinity College (PDip). The DIT programme provides expertise in the all-round business skills (leadership, strategic management, etc) that would one expect from the world’s leading business qualification, as well as modules aimed specifically at construction project management. The other two programmes focus exclusively on project management in the construction sphere with modules on issues such as people management, IT, and the legal aspects of construction. Interested parties, who require the financial support of their employer toward fees, would be well advised to clearly identify the benefits to the company of your enrolling before approaching the boss.
Project management qualifications are a key requirement of construction managers. However recent years has seen the discipline, with its highly desirable traits of controlled budgets and effective outcomes, become more and more popular across other sectors of the economy. Project management has become a vital asset in the finance, Information Technology, manufacturing, and healthcare worlds. At the moment, each of these sectors is presently doing very well. A strong CV and training in this area means you will be highly employable when you graduate.
Before blindly devoting a year (or two, or three) of your life to postgraduate studies in project management, there are a few things to consider. Certain personality traits and tendencies are of great benefit in this line of work – and some are not. As a project manager, you are responsible for the minutia of an entire project’s process. It will be your role to look at which skillsets are required for the project, and work within the constraints of a budget. You’ll be leading meetings and tracking the progress of every stage of the work. Troubleshooting is an integral part of the job; you’ll be dealing with issues and deadlines and should be able to handle pressure.
Timekeeping is also very important. A working knowledge of schedules is absolutely vital, especially when it comes to ensuring that the work is completed within the timeframe required. You have to, not only be good at dealing with people, but also maintain a forensic level degree of attention to detail. While a postgraduate course in project management will provide you will with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in this field, you have to question if this is a role you will enjoy and excel in. Not everyone is suited to a job like this or the responsibility that goes along with it.
Because each project is different, the position of project manager varies on job to job. Many people find themselves in another field and project management is only one facet of their duties. For instance, you could be working in a tech company and overseeing the day to day running of staff as well as one focused project.
If you are interested in a career in project management, a postgraduate qualification is your first port of call. Depending on the type of and size of the project, there are a number of entry level job titles. Project Coordinator is generally an administrative position where you create and distribute reports to the project team, and work under management. You could be a Project Scheduler, which is a title that mostly only exists on big projects. You would use specialist software and input data / update files. Other roles include Project Administrator, where you might only work on one project; a Project Support Officer where you would be a direct assistant to a PM; a Project Planner; a Project Controller (mainly in construction and engineering) is slightly more senior and assists with administration; and a Document Controller is someone looks after the management of the paperwork in regards to a team.
A Masters in Business Administration Programme, also known as an MBA, is amongst the most ambitious study undertakings available, in terms of career progression, it’s also proven to be one of the most beneficial. The majority of MBA programmes are undertaken by professionals while in the course of their careers, seeking to make a significant addition to their professional capabilities, so let’s take a look at some of the best MBA programmes currently on offer in Ireland.
There are MBA programmes available throughout Ireland, in all major institutions and business schools; some are recognised by international MBA bodies such as EQUIS, AMBA or AACSB. There are many different disciplines in which you can pursue your MBA; some of the most common are analytics, accounting, logistics and supply chain management, and of course many more.
This programme has been named in the Economist Magazine’s top 50 global MBA programmes. It’s available on a full time basis on a one year programme. There is also a mandatory international residence week in Belgium and in addition there are optional residency weeks in China and South Africa. The intake starts each September. The Part-Time executive MBA is a two-year programme with the same course structure with classes delivered on a Monday and Tuesday evening with a set number of weekend blocks. The international residency programmes are also part of the course content.
The full-time MBA starts each August and is a globally ranked programme which immerses the student in study trips, integrated projects, international study trips and experiential modules. The 12-month course costs €34,500. The Part-Time Executive MBA is 24 months Visit www.smurfitschool.ie for more information on costs for EU and non-EU students.
The one-year full time, or two year part time MBA programme in international Business Management at Griffith College provides a route to this internationally recognised qualification, enabling students to specialise in key business sectors and industries with a dynamic study model.
The postgraduate Executive MBA Course is delivered on a part-time basis over two years at Dublin City University (DCU). The University is recognised as excelling in the areas of enterprise and business and the Executive MBA is designed to professionally and personally transform students in every aspect of their career development. DCU has been providing MBA programmes for more than 20 years, so visit www.dcu.ie for more information fee structures for EU and non-EU students.
The two year MBA programme at NUI Galway integrates and internationally driven, rigorous and challenging academic programme with a series of experiential and real world course modules, designed to provide students with the confidence required for innovative and effective management. NUI Galway has over 45 years of experience in delivering MBA programmes, with accreditation from the International Association of MBAs.
The fees for the above programmes do fluctuate and there is a considerable difference between the fees for EU students and non-EU students, so in addition to the financial implications make sure you find a course structure that works for you. Also, the above are just a sample of the many excellent MBA courses out there, with the Irish Management Institute, University College Cork and University of Limerick also offering excellent programmes.
While there are state supports available to assist postgraduate students with their studies, these are far fewer in number than those available at undergraduate level and are generally not as broad in their criteria of acceptance. Due to the nature of postgraduate study, there are several supports available to assist academic study at an advanced level available from individual institutions. We touched on these briefly in our articles of funding for Masters (link to article) and funding for PhD's (link to that article), so let's take a closer look at the funding available across some of the major Irish institutions. Of course, this information frequently changes so be proactive and monitor individual university websites for the most up to date information.
There are a number of supports for postgraduate students available at TCD ranging from small financial contributions to generous fee covering sponsorships, up to and exceeding €16,000. For more information, visit the link to postgraduate funding at Trinity College Dublin.
There are a number of scholarships and bursaries available at UCD for students across disciplines such as creative writing, business, MBA funding and many more. The Michael Smurfit UCD Graduate Career school also has a number of funding options and opportunities available. Visit the UCD funding page for more details.
University College Cork have excellence scholarships available for those seeking to pursue at taught Masters programme at the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. See here for more details.
The University of Limerick offer a range of course specific postgraduate funding opportunities for those availing of taught postgraduate programmes, primarily offered at the Kemmy Business School. There are also research based funding opportunities, particularly in the fields of science and engineering. See here for more details.
Those with a first class primary honours degree have more than 100 different funding opportunities available to those seeking to pursue postgraduate study there. There are also merit based and research based funding opportunities. For more detail visit here.
There are a number of postgraduate funding opportunities available for postgrad students at Maynooth University. The John and Pat Hume Doctoral Awards scheme pays for fees plus €4,000 per year for four years. There are also alumni scholarships available for Maynooth graduates to do taught Master's courses at the University. Further information is available here.
The north/south postgraduate scholarship scheme offers four scholarships each year worth €15,000 to students with an excellent academic record. It is open to students from the Republic or Northern Ireland who have been accepted on a recognised Master's Degree or who are entering the first year of a PhD programme at a University that is either in Northern Ireland for students from the Republic or in the Republic for Students from Northern Ireland. For more information on this scheme visit the Universities Ireland site here.
The cost of studying in the US can be prohibitive, so the Fulbright Irish Student Awards are always popular. The award allows students to undertake postgraduate study and research programmes at recognised colleges and universities across the US. Although the fund will only cover one year of study tuition, the student is able to remain in the US for the full duration of their Masters or PhD programme. For more information on this visit www.fulbright.ie.
As always, check directly with institutions for up to date information regarding any of the funding supports mentioned above. Also, this is just a sample list so check in with other colleges and universities to find out what opportunities they might have.
Patrick Corry returned to education while working full-time. He did the MSc in Management of Information Systems at Trinity College Dublin. As he was working, Patrick did the course part-time. He tells us about juggling work and college.
I'd been working in IT for a few years, but my undergrad degree was a business course. I felt it was a good time to get a qualification that matched my career path more closely. The IT course I did was a hybrid of management and IT (MSc in Management of Information Systems in Trinity). Therefore, it was a good choice for me. It suited my business background, and I could also apply it in work day-to-day.
They funded the course which was great. Also, there was some study leave available around exam time. In addition, there was less tangible support as well. There was the understanding that I would be less flexible with regard to overtime during exam time or when I was writing my dissertation. I was lucky that their expectations (usually!) reflected how busy I was in college at that time.
Although I did my best to avoid eating into holiday leave, I generally took holiday days off when I felt I needed additional time to study, or at least more than I could eke out from just evenings and weekends. I wrote a dissertation as part of my course. That was the most difficult phase. It involved studying almost all evenings and weekends for around six months. I found that, occasionally taking a Friday and Monday off work gave me a chance to focus on my dissertation without falling too far behind in the office. It's difficult to balance though, and everyone looks after it differently.
The course gave me confidence, particularly in softer skills like giving presentations and communicating in meetings. Also, when working day-to-day, it's easy to get mired in the daily grind. I found that the course gave me more perspective, and a clearer understanding of the larger context in which I work.
When I started the course my goal was to improve my own mobility, and give myself more career options. A Masters ticks those boxes. I'm extremely glad to have the qualification, and it will give me confidence should I decide to change positions in future.
Yes, I made some good contacts. Most of the course was built around group projects, so we worked together quite closely all the way through the course. This in turn helped me understand my own strengths and weaknesses better, and I've definitely tried to take that understanding back to my job.