Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 1 (2:1) in a Geography or related discipline (e.g. Sociology, Architecture, Media Studies, Urban Planning, Anthropology, Political Sciences, Philosophy & English Literature). Applicants who hold a 2:1 in another discipline or who hold a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) will be considered on a case by case basis.

Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 3 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here for further information.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 14 August 2026

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Our graduates acquire valuable research, analytical and critical, spatial thinking, ethical and professional skills. This Masters programme provides students with a range of communication, research and other transferable skills that will be valuable in many careers including in administration, education, services, creative industries, and working with NGOs and local government authorities. A high proportion of our graduates go on to pursue fully-funded PhDs. This is what our former students thought:

The Spatial Justice programme was a highly informative, pragmatic and rewarding experience which I would recommend to anyone interested in social and environmental issues at play both in Ireland and around the world. Despite coming from a media studies background the course structure provided a great base of theoretical knowledge applicable to both Irish and international contexts. With wide-ranging research directions found in the Geography department and the diligent support of staff there is great freedom to develop your personal academic interests across different methods and mediums. In this sense it also aligns with those coming from activist, journalistic or creative backgrounds who would like to extend their knowledge through a spatial lens. Pursuing a final research thesis was an incredibly rewarding experience. This has provided me with a solid springboard for funded PhD applications which I am currently pursuing. At the same time it has informed new directions for critical artistic practice I would like to explore.? Patrick Gifford, 2021-22

Choosing to study the MA Spatial Justice was one of the best decisions I ever made! Having decided a career change was needed, I was looking for a course where I could explore a variety of interests from food systems to city planning to community development. The MA Spatial Justice delivered on this and more, covering a range of important and topical issues. I got to learn from passionate lecturers who are actively contributing to spatial justice causes and supported me greatly in my efforts to do the same. The skills and knowledge I gained from the course have led me to a job in community engagement and placemaking, where I can contribute to building a more equal and just society every day.? Nicola Whelan, 2021-22