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Taught Programmes

For all Arts Taught Programmes the following supporting documentation must be submitted:

  • Official qualifications and exam results (transcripts) to date: required for all non-University of Galway applicants and for University of Galway graduates who did not receive their undergraduate degrees from University of Galway. Applicants who have still to graduate must upload final transcripts on receipt. 
  • English language competency: if necessary, evidence of  English language competency.
  • Personal statement: all applicants must enclose a typed personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining why you wish to undertake the programme(s) of your choice, outlining how it fits into your career objectives, unless indicated otherwise in the table below. 
  • Passport or Birth certificate:—a copy of your passport or birth certificate must also be submitted.
  • IMPORTANT: Some programmes require additional documentation. Please check below for the list of programmes that require additional supporting documents.

Adolescent Health (MSc)

  • Two written references are required (one academic and one professional)

Ateangaireacht Chomhdhála / Conference interpreting (MA)

Applicants to this programme may not have to submit evidence of English language competency: rather their language ability will be ascertained by the programme director during a telephone/ Skype/face-to-face interview.

Child, Youth and Community (MA / PgDip)

Two written references are required.  One should be an academic reference (in the case of applicants currently undertaking studies) OR an employer (in the case of applicants currently in employment).

Clinical Neuroscience (MSc)

  • Two written academic references
  • Current CV
  • Personal Statement which outlines aptitude and motivation for pursuing this course (1 page)

Coastal Marine Environment: Physical Processes, Policy and Practice (MSc)

  • Personal statement requirements - please click here‌ for details.
  • A CV is also required for this course.
  • 2 references should be supplied.

Drama & Theatre Studies (MA)

  • Applicants to this programme must submit a writing sample of 5 - 6 typed pages. This may consist of an academic essay, creative writing, or theatre reviews.
  • A Personal Statement outlining suitability for and interest in the programme is required.
  • Names and contact details of two referees should be uploaded also.

Education (Professional Master of Education [PME])

See below requirements for appropriate documents:

English (MA)

Applicants are also required to submit:

  • A writing sample consisting of a (preferably recent) academic essay they have produced (1000 - 3000 words). In exceptional cases, this requirement may be waived, or an alternative type of writing sample may be accepted, at the discretion of the Course Board.
  • Personal statement (c. 500 words outlining your relevant motivations, experience and interests (academic and other) that makes you feel that you would be suited to a place on this programme.
  • 2 written references are also required. 

Environment, Society and Development (MA)

Applicants to this programme are required to submit a current CV and also a personal statement outlining interest/motivation for participating in this programme and why you feel you are a suitable participant for the programme. For Guidelines for Personal Statement please refer to this document.

2 references written are also required.

Film Studies - Theory & Practice (MA)

Applicants are required to submit a writing sample consisting of either a graded academic essay or a review essay of a recent film (1000 words).

Gender, Globalisation and Rights (MA)

Applicants must submit an academic writing sample such as class or seminar essay.

Global Media and Communication (MA)

Applicants must submit a sample of writing or other media. A CV is also required for this course.

Health Psychology (MSc)

  • There is no need to submit a personal statement for this programme.
  • You must provide the names and contact details of two referees.

Please note that International applicants are required to submit module descriptors, module weightings and a copy of their final year research project.

History (MA)

  • Please submit a personal statement of about 500 words explaining your motivation for further studies in History.
  • Two academic references submitted on the downloadable standard referee form should also be submitted.
  • Applicants with relevant work experience should include a CV. 

Journalism (MA)

  • A copy of your current CV.
  • A personal statement of no more than 500 words detailing your interest in the programme and your career aspirations.
  • And at least one sample of your work; for example, a blog post, student media, short radio or television or other media.
  • References: Applicants are required to supply the names of two referees.

Literature and Publishing (MA)

  • A personal statement of approximately 600 words.
  • A 1–2 page cv listing academic and professional qualifications and achievements.
  • Scanned copies of full university transcripts (informal print-outs of exam results will not suffice). Note: this is not required for applicants who earned their BA from University of Galway.
  • A scanned copy of a passport or birth certificate. Note: this is not required for applicants who were previously enrolled as students at NUIG.
  • Two academic references. This may take the form of: a) scanned letters of support from two academic referees; b) documents listing the names and full contact details for two academic referees who would be willing to provide a letter of recommendation if contacted by the programme director. Note: applicants who are a long time out of the education system and would struggle to find academic referees are advised to contact the programme director to discuss their situation.

Nua-Ghaeilge (MA)

Iarrtar ar gach iarrathóir ráiteas pearsanta c.500 focal a scríobh. Ba cheart go luafaí na nithe seo a leanas sa ráiteas:

Spreagadh an iarratasóra le cur isteach ar an gcúrsa agus na fáthanna a gceapann an t-iarratasóir gur duine oiriúnach é/í le cur isteach ar an gcúrsa.

Oideachas (Máistir Gairmiúil san [MGO])

Féach thíos riachtaisí maidir le doiciméidí cuí:

Practice Teaching, Supervision & Management (PgDip in Arts)

CORU registration number/details are required as well as a personal statement.

Psychology – Conversion (Higher Diploma in Arts)

There is no need to submit a personal statement for this programme.

Psychology (Higher Diploma in Arts)

There is no need to submit a personal statement for this programme.

Public Advocacy and Activism (MA)

Personal statement: applicants must enclose a personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining why you wish to undertake the MA programme, and outlining how it fits into your career objectives. You may use this statement to describe any prior relevant experience. 

Public Policy (MA)

  • Personal statement: all applicants must enclose a typed personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining why you wish to undertake the programme of your choice, outlining how it fits into your career objectives, and discussing your research interests.
  • Referees: you are required to supply two written references. One must be an academic reference (in the case of applicants currently undertaking studies) OR an employer (in the case of applicants currently in employment).

Social Work (MA)

Applicants must provide information on work experience (voluntary or paid) on the following form: Work Experience Details.‌

Two references are required:

  • An academic reference completed on the downloadable Referee Guidelines form.
  • A work-related reference also (i.e,. general reference from employer).

Personal statement consisting of 600 words on why you wish to study social work is also required.

Writing (MA)

Further to providing typical supporting documentation, applicants are required to submit:

- A representative writing sample (max. 5000 words). This can be in any genre or mix of genres. While an academic essay written for a university course is not ideal, if this is the only sample you can provide it will be given full consideration as part of your application.

- A personal statement (max. 600 words). This should specify your area(s) of interest and outline your intent and hopes for development while on the MA in Writing programme.