Public Advocacy and Activism University of Galway

Overview

Public Advocacy and Activism from University of Galway is designed for individuals from diverse academic and professional/volunteering backgrounds and activists who are eager to learn more about the area, develop their understanding of the structures and dynamics, and increase their practical effectiveness by learning new skills. Whether you are a recent graduate aiming to build specialist knowledge, a professional looking to advance your career, or someone with a background in volunteering and/or activism, this programme offers space to reflect on the place of advocacy and activism in the world, and the skills and expertise to help you succeed in your goals. 

This course welcomes applicants with a background in any discipline, as well as those with experience in the not-for-profit or community sector. It is equally suited to those looking to enhance their career prospects in local, national, or international NGOs, to those who want to understand their role in a wider context, or those who are interested in developing the foundations for further academic research. 

With a curriculum that emphasises real-world applications and includes both practical skills and theoretical discussion, this programme provides an opportunity for those with an interest in working in the area to achieve a specialist qualification and for experienced advocates for social change to undertake structured studies in order to facilitate critical reflection and practice. 

The important qualification is an interest in social justice and a desire to bring about change. One element of the application is a personal statement, which allows the applicant to describe any relevant work or volunteering experience and express their particular interest in the subject matter of the course. A background in volunteering or relevant work experience is a benefit, but enthusiasm and interest in advocacy and activism are essential. Students’ interests over the years have included: environmental issues, LGBTQ+ rights, rights of people with disabilities, women’s issues, cultural rights, poverty, housing, older people, children, education, and animal rights. 

Applicants often have experience in student politics or activism, or volunteering in their community. Some are already working in the not-for-profit or social care sector, involved in campaigning, or participating in voluntary or community work, and want to improve their effectiveness in these roles. The enthusiasm, and the diversity and variety of backgrounds and experiences the students bring to the group contributes to the learning experience for everyone. 

Students on this programme come from a wide range of backgrounds, leading to a diverse and dynamic class group. Students from every discipline, and with different levels of professional and volunteering experience come to learn new skills, share their experience, reflect on the significance of advocacy and activism in society, and increase their effectiveness in the field. 

Careers

Depending on their interests and motivations, some have sought employment in the not-for-profit sector, working with large organisations such as Amnesty International, SOAR, Trócaire, GOAL, PLAN International, UNOCHA, and PETA, and others with smaller local and community-based organisations, working in areas such as housing, mental health, Traveller rights, animal rights, social care, gender equality, and education.  

Some graduates work with in local politics; two of our graduates were recently elected to the Irish national parliament (the Dáil). Our students have been prominent in campaigns in Ireland, including the City of Sanctuary (and University of Sanctuary), Fossil Free, Marriage Equality, and Repeal. One of our first graduates runs an organic farm; another is an award-winning poet, whose poetry draws on her activism, and interrogates a wide range of social issues. A recent graduate is working with Active*Consent, a growing movement that was developed from research carried out on this campus regarding education and sexual consent. 

Career progression and further education 

Having gained new perspectives on their work, other graduates have returned full-time to their careers after their studies, with new skills and qualified to apply for promotional opportunities. The transferable skills developed during their studies have led some graduates to work in areas such as teaching, while others have continued their studies and progressed to research at PhD level. While employment prospects are good, students are encouraged to gain some experience in volunteering or participating in campaigns to supplement the degree.