Arts - Geography
By choosing the Maynooth BA degree, a wide variety of interesting subjects is opened up to you. Hundreds of subject combinations are available and you don't have to make any decision on your subject choices until you have sampled as many as you wish over the first four weeks of first year.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
3 years (4 if taking Erasmus/Study Abroad option)
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & 3rd language
(Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and a minimum of grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects. Minimum O6/H7 in Irish, English and a third language.)
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
In general, students must be 17 years or older by 15th January in the year after entry to the University. If you are younger, you must make a special application to the University’s President.
All Leaving Certificate subjects carry equal points with the exception of *Mathematics (details below). Points are awarded for your six best subjects in any one year. These do not have to include subjects needed to meet general minimum entry requirements. Minimum entry requirements and course requirements may be satisfied by an accumulation of subjects over more than one year. As well as achieving the required points, you must have a minimum of six subjects in your Leaving Certificate, with two Higher Level papers at grade H5 and four Ordinary or Higher Level papers at grade O6/H7.
The requirements for each course are shown above.
* 25 bonus points will be added to the points score for a Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics grade H6 or higher.
The bonus points are included in the overall points calculation only when Mathematics is one of the applicant’s best six subjects following the addition of the bonus.
Foundation level Mathematics is accepted for matriculation (i.e. can be counted as one of the six subjects required - grade F6 or higher), but does not meet the requirement for degrees where Mathematics is a special programme requirement. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Foundation level Irish is not accepted for matriculation. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Points are awarded as follows:
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Applicants can use their points allocation for the Link Modules as one of their best six subjects for the purpose of calculating points, but the Link Modules do not qualify as a subject for minimum entry requirement purposes.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Click on the 'QQI FET Applicants Information link' below for specific course entry requirements.
QQI FET General Information Link
Careers / Further progression
Options after graduation?
Geography students develop globally-relevant career skills which are attractive to employers throughout the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Graduates can be found working in urban planning, community development, teaching, overseas aid and development, environmental monitoring and mapping, ICT, retail and marketing analysis, data analysis, environmental consultancy, business management, economic and industrial development agencies, public administration, environmental management and conservation agencies, to name but a few.
Many students catch the research bug and decide to remain at university to pursue higher degrees, which offer greater research opportunities.
Our taught postgraduate programmes currently include:
MA Geography
MA Spatial Justice
MSc Climate Change
MSc Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
MSc Geocomputation
Further information
Maynooth University greatly values the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University. A mature student is 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time degrees the mature age is 21. There is no upper age limit; we currently have students who range in age from 23 to over 70. Up to 200 mature students begin their studies here each year. Many of our mature entrants undertake preparatory studies in advance of gaining admission.
The Mature Student Office is committed to supporting the learning experience of our mature students. A certain number of places are reserved for mature students on all undergraduate courses. We offer a range of supports for mature students including an advisory service, tailored information sessions during Orientation/Welcome Week, academic advisors, the Student Budgeting Advice Service and a technology skills programme. There is also a Mature Student Society on campus providing a continuation of peer support, both academic and social, to incoming mature students.
See the Mature Student handbook for detailed information about applying as a mature student. Call, email or drop in to meet us in MAP Lodge on the North Campus or to request a mature student information pack. If the opportunity to return to education has presented itself to you, we hope you’ll choose Maynooth University.
Emer Sheerin, Mature Student Officer
+ 353 1 708 3307
emer.sheerin@mu.ie
Places 2023: 1,750 (MH101)
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
MH101: THE CAO'S MOST POPULAR FIRST PREFERENCE COURSE
The Maynooth Bachelor of Arts Degree MH101 has been among the top preference CAO courses for a number of years, receiving most first preference applications. By choosing the Maynooth BA degree, a wide variety of interesting subjects is opened up to you. Hundreds of subject combinations are available and you don't have to make any decision on your subject choices until you have sampled as many as you wish over the first four weeks of first year.
You will have the opportunity to acquire specific subject knowledge and transferable skills, such as social, analytical and management skills and the chance to emerge as a wellrounded BA graduate who is career-ready and equipped for employment and further study in Ireland or abroad.
Course Structure and Subject Groups
Course Structure
1st year: 60 Credits
Choose 2, 3 or 4 subjects - one per group - see table below (each subject is 15 credits).
Double subjects have a 30 credit option in 1st year. You can take 2 double subjects in 1st year unless they are scheduled at the same time. You should only do this if you are really sure of your subject choices.
Optional Critical Skills (15 credits) is available to take with all subject combinations.
Your options - summary
4 subjects (4 x 15 credits)
This allows you to study the greatest range of subjects and decide which you prefer
3 subjects and Critical Skills (4 x 15 credits)
This allows you to take a range of subjects and also take the Critical Skills course
A double subject and two others (1 x 30 credits and 2 x 15 credits)
This allows you to take three subjects, but to devote half of your time to one subject
A double subject, one other subject and Critical Skills (1 x 30 credits and 2 x 15 credits)
In this option you take two subjects along with the Critical Skills first year course
Two double subjects (2 x 30 credits)
In this option you take only two subjects in first year
2nd year and Final year: 60 credits per year
In most cases students progress with two subjects, choosing between:
-Double Major (30:30)
-Major with Minor (40:20)
In some cases a Single Major (normally 60 credits) option is possible.
After 1st year there may be an option to move into a specialised degree, depending on the subjects you chose in 1st year and your results.
These are the possible transfer options having completed the 1st year of the Maynooth BA Degree:
BA Finance MH401
BA Accounting and Finance MH403
Single Major BBS or BBA (Business and Management / International Business / Marketing and/or with Global Cultures) MH404
BBS/BBA Business and Accounting MH407
BBA Business and Languages MH409
BSc Economics MH415
BA International Economics MH416
LLB Single Major MH501
BCL Double Major (Law and Arts / Law and Accounting / Law and Business / Law and Criminology) MH502
BSc Computer Science and Software Engineering / BSc Multimedia, Mobile and Web Development (through Arts) MH601
Electives: In 2nd year you’ll have the opportunity to take an Elective. This is an optional 10 credit short course which helps students to expand their university education and broaden their perspective. Electives are compatible with all subjects in MH101 and many of our specialised degrees.
Erasmus or Study Abroad: BA students have the option of studying at one of Maynooth’s almost 200 partner universities after second year. Students taking this option graduate with a BA International degree after four years.
Bachelor of Arts Subject Groups - First Year
31 subjects are organised into 6 timetable groups. The subjects in a group are scheduled at the same time, so you may not choose more than one subject from any group. The following table shows the timetable groups. You can take any combination, as long as there is no timetable clash and you meet any minimum entry requirements.
Subject Groups
Group 1
Geography - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
German - 30 credits required for beginners in this language
Law - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Mathematics (Pure) (Groups 1+3) - 30 credits must be taken in this subject
Philosophy
Critical Skills
Group 2
Business (International)- This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Business (Management)- This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Business (Marketing)- This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Criminology
History - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Music (extra 15)
Critical Skills
Group 3
English - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
International Development - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Mathematical Studies
Mathematics (Pure) (Groups 1+3) - 30 credits must be taken in this subject
Critical Skills
Group 4
Anthropology - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Economics
Music Technology
Nua-Ghaeilge
Critical Skills
Group 5
Computer Science - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Music - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Sociology
Spanish - 30 credits required for beginners in this language
Critical Skills
Group 6
Accounting - This subject can be taken as a double (30 credits)
Chinese Studies - 30 credits required for beginners in this language
French - 30 credits required for beginners in this language
Greek & Roman Civilization
Mathematical Physics
Media & Cultural Studies
Medieval Celtic Studies
Politics
Psychological Studies
Statistics
Business (extra 15)
English (extra 15)
Geography - If choosing the Geography subject in Group 6, the only subject you may choose in Group 1 is Geography (this is due to timetabling of subjects in 2nd year)
Critical Skills
Group 7 (only relevant if taking a 30 credit option in these subjects)
Anthropology (extra 15)
Chinese Studies (extra 15)
Computer Science (extra 15)
French (extra 15)
German (extra 15)
History (extra 15)
International Development (extra 15)
Law (extra 15)
Spanish (extra 15)
Language and Culture (this subject is available for non-beginner Chinese Studies, French, German or Spanish students)
Note
1. Each subject is worth 15 credits. Subjects available as optional 'double subjects’ (30 credits) are noted above . These subjects need extra class times, normally scheduled in Groups 6 or 7.
2. Chinese Studies, French, German and Spanish require a 30 credit first year for beginners in the language (noted above). If you have studied one of these languages before (to Leaving Certificate level; H4 standard or better is recommended), you take the 15 credit option.
3. 15 credit Critical Skills can be taken in any timetable group.
4. The following subjects have minimum entry requirements that you must meet if you wish to take that subject:
> Nua-Ghaeilge: H4
> Music: H5
> Mathematics (Pure): H2
5. For the following subjects we recommend certain minimum Leaving Certificate grades:
> Accounting, Business (International), Business (Management), Business (Marketing), Economics: we recommend that students have achieved Leaving Certificate O4/H7 Mathematics to study these subjects.
> Computer Science, Mathematical Physics, Mathematical Studies, Music Technology, Statistics: we recommend that students have achieved Leaving Certificate O3/H7 Mathematics to study these subjects.
> Chinese Studies, French, German, Spanish: while there is no minimum entry requirement to study these languages at non-beginner level, we generally recommend H4 Leaving Certificate level.
6. If you are taking Statistics in 1st year you must also take Mathematical Studies or Mathematics (Pure).
Geography (group 1 subject)
We explore environment, place, and space. We ask questions such as: How much climate change and land-use change are we causing and how quickly? What sorts of attachments to home do people form and what happens when these are disrupted by migration? How is Ireland, and its regions, affected by economic globalisation?
Geography education at Maynooth includes field trips, both in Ireland and overseas.
Students can choose 15 or 30 credits of Geography in first year and progress into a Single Major degree from second year.
In your third year, you may opt for an industry placement module (subject to availability) to experience what it’s like to work with an organisation outside the University.
Why choose this subject?
You will learn to think critically, analysing how and why our world changes. Our students develop a valuable way of thinking ‘spatially’, with space, place, time and nature-society relations at the forefront of their analysis.
Geography paves the way for active citizenship, diverse exciting careers including research, and provides a foundation for lifelong learning.
Geography graduates are flexible thinkers, and learn a wide range of skills which appeal to employers in the modern fast changing workplace
Course structure
1st year
A Bachelor of Arts – Geography – Single Major, Double Major, Major/ Minor or as a Minor
- Geography and 1 other subject to degree level.
- Choose 15 or 30 credits of Geography from group 1 and/or 6 plus up to 3 other subjects including Critical Skills from the available groups (maximum 1 subject per group). If choosing Geography in Group 6, the only subject you may choose in Group 1 is Geography (this is due to timetabling of subjects in 2nd year)
2nd year and Final year:
- Geography
- Continue with 1 of your 1st year subjects as a Major/Minor, Double Major or Minor
- Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year
- Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year
- In Semester 2, Global Environments introduces the fundamentals of climate science. How does the Earth receive, trap, and move heat to create weather, climates and the world's biomes? We explore anthropogenic climate change, its impacts on our planet and society, and what we can do to provide solutions to climate change in the future
OR 2nd year and Final year:
Single Major Geography from 2nd year
- At least 50 credits of Geography in each of 2nd and final year
Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year
Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year
Possible topics
1st year
Students can choose 15 or 30 credits of Geography in first year. The two separate 15 credit Geography topics are:
Living Landscapes – in group 1 (15 credits)
This introduces you to the diversity of human and physical landscapes across the modern world. Landscapes are both ‘vast and past’, shaped by physical and human geographical processes, which are often interdependent. Living Landscapes will allow you to investigate world-forming processes examining how humans across the world are part of, and also create, unique landscapes that generate issues including hazard prevention, poverty and resource depletion.
Global Environments – in group 6 (15 credits)
- This introduces students to the issues involved in modern global development within a highly modified, rapidly changing natural environment.
- Modern environments are shaped by physical forces and societal impacts formed by a range of geographical processes, which interact to create unique local management issues.
2nd year
You will study a range of different approaches in Geography, and have options to undertake fieldwork either in Ireland or overseas alongside Methods modules to develop further skills, including Geographical Information Systems.
2nd year topics may include:
Biogeography
Climatology
Geomorphology
Hydrology
Global Environmental Change
Hazards and Society
Economic Geography
Urban Geography
Rural Geography
Political Geography
Social and Cultural Geography
Spatial Justice
Final year
In 3rd year you can continue with some of these specialisms, or include, for example:
Climate Change
Fluvial Geomorphology
Glacial Geomorphology
Global Ecosystems Pressures and Sustainability
Palaeoecology
Oceanography
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Environmental Remote Sensing
Geopolitics
Electoral Geographies
The Creative City
Medical Geography
City in Film
Global Foodscapes
Regional Development
You may also opt for a work placement (subject to availability).
Contact us
Maynooth University Department of Geography,
Rhetoric House
+ 353 1 708 3610
geography.department@mu.ie
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/geography
X: @maynoothgeog