Martina Barni

I decided to study a master's at UCC because I wanted to pursue my academic career in Criminology. In all honesty, UCC was my first choice among all the universities I had applied to.

The aspects that I most enjoyed about studying at UCC and about the programme were the possibility of choosing between many modules that I enjoyed, including, Terrorism and Organised Crime, Critical Perspectives on Criminology, and International Child Justice.

These modules have all given me much more insight into my personal and academic knowledge and a more precise idea of my future career goals. The areas of focus for the dissertation are based on the crimes of organised crime and how the institution of the Vatican has used the same code of silence that the Mafia has been using, with a thematic analysis of a case where it seemed that both the Vatican and the organised crime were involved.

Maties Palau I Pomarol

I decided to study the MA in Experimental Sound Practice because it’s a unique programme in Europe, and being taught in a culturally rich city like Cork adds a special value. Experiencing Irish culture while studying such an innovative course was truly inspiring. What I enjoyed most about the programme was its intimate and personal approach, which allowed for highly individualized learning. The lecturers not only delivered lessons but also personally supported our artistic growth. UCC’s excellent facilities, including free access to the gym, also made the student experience even more enriching.

For my final portfolio, I am exploring spatial audio in multichannel and binaural formats, creating musical pieces that experiment with hyperrealism using field recordings and synthesis techniques. My goal after completing the MA is to continue this work by presenting it in immersive audio spaces and gradually establishing myself as a sound artist focused on innovation and new formats.

Céire Bluitt

I was in full-time employment before returning to university to pursue the Asian Studies, MA. Everyone in the Department of Asian Studies at UCC—both staff and students—has been so approachable and welcoming. Within a few weeks, I felt right at home.

I chose the programme because of the variety of module options it offered. My undergraduate degree was in history, but it focused mainly on the history of Europe and the United States. The Asian Studies, MA provided an opportunity to explore Asian history and culture, while also allowing me to up-skill for my career by studying another language. I chose Japanese, as I’ve always had an interest in the language but had never properly pursued it.

This past year has been incredibly fulfilling, and I feel that I’ve grown personally, academically, and professionally. I’ve always loved studying history and other cultures, but this course has also sparked a new passion for language learning.

I am taking the course part-time and have just completed my first year. Having the option to study part-time has given me the flexibility I needed to return to university without having to take a career break.

In second year, I’ll progress to the next level in my Japanese class and will write my dissertation at the end of the year. After I graduate, I hope to work for the Department of Foreign Affairs or for the Japanese Embassy. I also plan to continue my Japanese language studies and take one of UCC’s Chinese language evening classes in my spare time.

Siún Ní Mhuimhneacháin

Studying for my MA in International Relations was a truly enriching experience. The wide range of modules offered meant I could shape the course around my specific interests and career ambitions. The discussion-led lecture format really played to my strengths, encouraging lively debates and deep dives into weekly readings. This approach sharpened my critical thinking and negotiation skills — tools that have proved invaluable in my professional life.

One of the highlights of the program was a work placement, which introduced me to the world of production. Today, I work as an event producer, collaborating with financial institutions across North America. The clear communication, diplomacy, and nuanced understanding of cross-border policies that I developed during my MA have had a direct and lasting impact on how I navigate complex discussions and build consensus in my daily work.

Nele Krämer

Studying International Relations at University College Cork was an incredible experience. The small class sizes allowed for meaningful and intensive discussions with professors and colleagues from around the world. Our professors consistently supported us in every way, encouraging our research interests and academic pursuits. I particularly enjoyed the focus on U.S. foreign policy, gained valuable insights into Irish history, and explored Europe's role in the global system.

I have always been very interested in the Middle East and its history. The title of my dissertation was: “End of the unipolar moment? Examining US influence on the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia since 2011”.

I always felt very welcomed in class. The open atmosphere encouraged me to share my opinions and thoughts. Even though English is not my mother tongue, I always felt like part of the group and was very grateful for the help and support I received from my colleagues.

After graduating, I worked for a member of parliament at the Bundestag in Berlin, and now I am a research assistant at a foundation in Cologne. Studying International Relations at UCC helped me improve my English, strengthen my analytical thinking, and develop the ability to gain an overview of complex situations.

David Rainsford

Roghnaigh mé an mháistreacht seo mar bhí fonn láidir orm mo chuid Ghaeilge a fheabhsú mar aon le mionstaidéar a dhéanamh ar Dhlí na hEorpa. Bhí neart saoirse agam maidir leis na modúil Ghaeilge agus Dlí a roghnú agus bhíos in ann an cúrsa a shaincheapadh de réir mo shuimeanna féin. Ó thaobh na Gaeilge de, bhí meascán maith ann ó thaobh modúil a bhí dírithe ar Ghramadach na Gaeilge agus Litríocht na Gaeilge. Ina theannta sin, fuair mé tacaíocht iontach ón bhfoireann go léir i Roinn na Nua-Ghaeilge agus bhí mé an-sásta leis an dul chun cinn a bhí déanta agam ar mo chuid Ghaeilge.

Bhí na modúil dlí thar a bheith suimiúil freisin. Bhí na léachtóirí an-chabhrach agus bhain mé an-taitneamh as méid bheag na ranganna mar aon leis an bplé idir na mic léinn agus na léachtóirí. Bhí aoichainteoirí iontacha againn ó shaineolaithe i nDlí na hEorpa amhail Dlíodóirí agus Abhcóidí Ginearálta i gCúirt Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh, rud a chuir go mór lenár bhfoghlaim. Tríd is tríd, táim an-sásta gur thug mé faoin gcúrsa seo mar thug sí muinín dom an Ghaeilge a úsáid agus a labhairt mar aon leis mo thuiscint ar Dhlí na hEorpa a neartú.

I chose to study the MA in the Irish language and European law because I believed it provided a great blend of both Irish and European law modules. I had always wanted to improve my level of Irish whilst also building upon my study of European law, something which I had really enjoyed at undergraduate level. This course provided me the opportunity to do both at the same time which I found to be very appealing.

Whether it was in relation to the Irish language modules or the legal modules, I always had a large degree of freedom when choosing what to study which was something I really appreciated. There was a wide and varied selection of subjects to choose from. I also had the benefit of being able to visit the Waterford Gaeltacht for a week as well as writing a legal dissertation in Irish towards the end of the course. The style of teaching, class size, as well as the sense of interaction between lecturers and students were all aspects of the course that I particularly enjoyed. Finally, I received great support and encouragement from my lecturers throughout the year who were always willing to go the extra mile to help you in any way they could.

Overall, I am very happy that I chose to study this masters course. It provided me with a great opportunity to significantly improve my level of Irish as well as to build upon my study of European law at undergraduate level.

Anna Gotsch

Having focused primarily on Shakespearean drama when completing a BA in English and German Studies at Goethe University in Frankfurt, I was drawn to the MA in Medieval and Renaissance Literature because of its broader temporal and geographic scope and its focus on a variety of production and reception contexts.

The MA inspired me to explore areas outside my previous specialisation, with classes providing insight into topics such as manuscript and book production, Middle English lyrics, and the works of Margaret Cavendish.

Throughout the programme, I valued the encouraging and supportive atmosphere inside and outside the classroom and the dedicated support offered by lecturers, library staff and the Skills Centre at UCC.

Stephanie O'Mahony

I chose this MA as I wanted to expand my knowledge in cultural and literary studies of migration, while also including newer and more specialised perspectives. Given the inter-disciplinary nature of the course, it gave me the opportunity to study aspects of migration from both cultural/literary and sociological perspectives, which is quite unique for an MA programme.

One of the main reasons I chose to do the course was also because of the flexibility it provided regarding the dissertation. I knew I wanted to write about Afro-descendent memory in Brazilian and Haitian contemporary literature, and that this course would be an excellent way to do just that. I was welcomed to the course with open arms and immediately felt supported in my dissertation plans. My supervisors are extremely helpful, I couldn’t have asked for any better encouragement.

Overall, the support we received from the course coordinators and teaching staff was excellent, I would highly recommend the MA for this reason alone, as they provided a great environment for sharing ideas and learning from fellow peers. This aspect was invaluable, I learned a lot from my peers due to their diverse professional experiences. I have no doubt that what I have learned from this course, as well as the research and writing skills developed, will stand to me in my future career.

Following this MA, I will continue teaching English as a second language, taking up a position as a lectrice at the University of Besançon.

Andrew Galea

The Master’s in Social Policy and Social Justice (Online) has been one of the most enriching and satisfying educational experiences I've ever had the pleasure of pursuing.

The course covers a wide range of fascinating subjects, from Social Class, Inequality, Race and Citizenship, through to Economic Theory, Political Theory, Human Rights and Conceptions of Well-Being. The passion from the lecturers is infectious, the subject material gripping, and the process is both challenging and immensely rewarding.

It has inspired me to apply for a PhD, and equipped me with the confidence and appetite to pursue work in the policy sector.

If you want to explore better ways of organising society for the benefit of everyone, I can think of no better place to start your journey.

Jess Beaton

I decided to study the HDip in Social Policy Online after hearing from a friend about their own very positive experience. The flexibility of the course and the range of modules enabled me to learn about so many aspects of Social Policy, but at my own pace. However, it really is the incredible teaching and administrative staff which make this course so worthwhile.

The vast knowledge, understanding and consideration the teaching staff give to creating and executing the modules and assignments blew me away. This meant, when it came to writing my Social Research Report on Fuel Poverty in Ireland, I felt prepared, but I also felt so supported. The support was particularly meaningful to me as I had a challenging year in my personal life, yet I was always treated with such kindness and patience. I know that what I have learned in the HDip will underpin the rest of my academic and professional career as I begin an Apprenticeship in Social Work with UCC and Tusla.

Sofia Gautier

I chose the MA in Translation Studies at UCC because it is one of the only English-taught Master's programmes in Translation available in the EU and also because of its high quality of teaching, certified by the EMT label.

One of the highlights of this academic year was the study visit to the European institutions in Brussels. I also greatly appreciated the constant support provided by the teaching staff throughout the year and the stimulation that comes from working in a multicultural and multilingual environment.

I am currently working on my final year project which focuses on the translation of a children's cookbook inspired by fairytales, from English into French. Looking ahead, I hope to settle in Ireland and find a position that will allow me to put in practise my linguistic and intercultural skills.

Lisa Pedretti

I chose to pursue an MA in Translation Studies at UCC because of my passion for languages and translation. The programme offered an ideal balance of theory and practice, allowing me to deepen my understanding of translation as both an academic discipline and a professional field.

What I enjoyed most about the programme was the supportive and diverse academic environment and the opportunity to engage with lecturers and peers. A particular highlight was the field trip to the EU institutions in Brussels, which provided invaluable hands-on insight into professional translation in an international context.

I am currently working on my extended translation project, translating the Broadway musical script of Wicked from English to Italian. This is allowing me to explore translation strategies in depth while engaging with a complex, authentic text. It has been a challenging but rewarding experience so far.

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in translation while continuing to develop my skills and knowledge in the field.

Ava Ní Loingsigh

Thug an MA sa Ghaeilge agus i nDlí na hEorpa deis dom cur le mo chuid scileanna acadúla chomh maith le páirt a glacadh i saol na Gaeilge san ollscoil. Is léir go bhfuil an Ghaeilge beo i mion-Ghaeltacht Choláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh. Idir An Chuallacht, Roinn na Nua-Ghaeilge agus an post a bhí agam le hIonad na gCuairteoirí ar an gcampus, bhí mé in ann níos mó Gaeilge ná Béarla a labhairt gach seachtain. 

Tá réimse leathan modúl ar fáil ar an gcúrsa seo. Bhí an deis agam staidéar a dhéanamh ar Dhlí na na dTeifeach, ar an mBeartas Iomaíochta agus scríobh mé mion-tráchtas ar Dhlí na Maoine Intleachtúla. Thaitin an tréimhse a chaitheamar i nGaeltacht na Rinne go mór liom freisin - bhí gach duine chomh cáirdúil linn. Thug an chúrsa an deis dom feabhas a chur ar chruinneas agus líofacht mo chuid Gaeilge féin agus táim fostaithe go lán-aimseartha le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta sna Forbacha anois.

___________________________________________________________________

The MA in Irish and European Law gave me the opportunity to enhance my academic skills and participate in the Irish language community at UCC. It is clear that Irish is alive and well in the small Gaeltacht at University College Cork. Between An Chuallacht, the Department of Modern Irish and my job with the Visitors’ Centre on campus, I was able to speak more Irish than English every week.

There is a wide range of modules available on this course. I had the opportunity to study Refugee Law, Competition Policy and I wrote a mini-thesis on Intellectual Property Law. I also really enjoyed our time in Gaeltacht na Rinne - everyone was so friendly. The MA in Irish Language and European Law gave me the opportunity to improve the accuracy and fluency of my own Irish and I am now in full-time post with Údarás na Gaeltachta, na Forbacha.