Masters Degrees, Graduate Studies and Professional Programs in Ireland

Higher education is highly-prized in the beautiful country of Ireland, and its universities offer a myriad of Master’s degree programs and graduate study opportunities in a number of academic and professional areas.

An island off the northwestern coast of continental Europe, Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island in the world.  Just to its east is the country of Great Britain, from which it is separated by the Irish Sea and North Channel.  From a political standpoint, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland, which covers five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, which covers the remaining area and is located in the northeast of the island.  The population of Ireland totals just fewer than 6.5 million inhabitants, with approximately 4.6 million living in the Republic of Ireland and the remaining 1.8 million inhabiting Northern Ireland.   Dublin is the capital and largest city in the Republic of Ireland, while Belfast is seen as the government seat of Northern Ireland and is also its largest city.

Masters Degrees, Graduate Studies and Professional Programs in Ireland

The higher education system of Ireland is made up of seven Universities, 14 Institutes of Technology, including the Dublin Institute of Technology, and seven Colleges of Education, where many of Ireland’s teachers are educated and trained.  In addition to these major institutes of higher learning, there are a number of tertiary institutions that provide specialist education in fields such as art and design, medicine, business, theology, rural development, music, drama and law.  All of these institutions provide undergraduate education leading to Bachelor’s degrees, while only the universities, universities of technology and colleges of education provide education leading to Master’s degrees.  Doctoral degrees are provided mostly by the county’s universities, where most of the major research centers in Ireland are located.

To qualify for a Master’s degree program in Ireland students must possess a Bachelor degree or its equivalent (under the former system).  In addition, specific programs may have their own entry requirements, including a 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate courses and a passing grade on a faculty-developed entrance examination.  Exceptional students who wish to pursue further education after earning their Master’s degree may apply to one of the universities’ doctoral programs.  Entrance requirements for these programs are developed by each specific university and tend to be very stringent.

In addition to the Master’s and Doctorate degrees available in Ireland, students may also enter one of the country’s advanced graduate study programs, in fields such as medicine, law, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and dentistry.  To qualify for these programs, students must possess a Bachelor degree or its equivalent and earn a passing score on the admissions examination for each particular program.  Some programs, such as law, can be completed in about 3 years, while others, such as medicine, can take 5 to 7 years to complete after the bachelor degree.

Why Study Abroad in Ireland

In addition to its excellent system of higher education and talented faculty, Ireland is loaded with many amazing sites and attractions—things to do and see while students are not busy with their schoolwork.  Some of these wonderful places and activities include:

Carrauntoohil

Located in County Kerry, Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest peak and the central peak of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks range.  Carrauntoohil is 3,406 feet tall (1,038 m), and is topped by a large, 16-foot metal cross.  One of three large peaks in this range, Carrauntoohil is a very popular destination for hikers and tourists.

Beer and Pubs

No trip to Ireland would be complete without making a pub crawl and sampling some of Ireland’s famous beers and mingling with its people. The pubs in Ireland tend to have a historical charm that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the world.  Sometimes referred to as “public houses,” the pubs offer a great way to greet the Irish people and share their culture.  Even if beer is not your “cup of tea,” you can still sip a cold soda pop and refuel from a long day of sightseeing.

O'Connell Street

Located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland, O’Connell Street is the main thoroughfare through the city.  Here you’ll find some of Ireland’s best shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a few landmarks, as well as some of the most unique architectural styles you’ll see in Europe.  Whatever you do, don’t forget to bring your camera.

St. Mary's Cathedral

If you happen to find yourself in the city of Kilkenny, you simply must check out St. Mary’s Cathedral.  Although Ireland is home to a number of old churches and beautiful cathedrals, Saint Mary’s Cathedral definitely takes the prize.  The simplistic splendor of this cathedral is amazing, yet amid this splendor is also the functionality of a centuries-old church that is still home to hundreds of active parishioners.  For those who enjoy architecture, the Early English Gothic design of Saint Mary’s Cathedral will simply have you in awe.