Masters advice

I am currently doing a masters in planning (MRUP UCD), and was in a similar predicament before I applied. In my experience, your work record counts for at least as much as your education, if not more so. My degrees prior to this were a BA in Art History and Philosophy (3rd), and an MA in Architectural History (2.1). However, I was lucky enough (if that’s the right phrase) to get a job in Duchas as a researcher, from which I graduated up the ranks. I think it was this, more than my education, which got me into the course. That, and enthusiasm. Once you get a foot in the door it should be easy to show how keen you are (you are keen, aren’t you?).
One other thing- don’t limit yourself to high profile courses. There’s plenty out there if you do a bit of detective work. The high profile ones will always be heavily subscribed, but it’s often no reflection of their quality (this is NOT a comment on the MRUP, whose reputation is deserved 😉 ), and vice versa for the less known ones too.
Good luck with the hunt. And if you don’t get it first time round, don’t let it put you off trying again.

I think that a lot of people do a masters to “correct” a previous degree. I majorly fucked up my final project in college, resulting in a pass, so much so that a couple of years later when I wanted to do a MA in History of Art and Design, they forced me to write a 5,000 word essay on a subject – this was despite the fact that in history of art and design (20% of my origfinal degree) I had got a commendation and a very high mark…. wankers was what i said at the time… but they did let me in and I cruised through it….

biggest regret was being told that my external examiner believed the ma thesis to be worthy of a phd….

What did you do your thesis on Paul?

a great way to get a masters in either architecture or urban design is to get into a paid research post…..http://www.jobs.ac.uk list all academic related posts in the uk (inc. northern ireland) most of which are research based in the built environment field…..you can guarantee that the projects you could be working on are the state of the art as they are funded by eu frameworks….good luck 🙂

Assessement Criteria

UCD

Applicants should have an honours degree in a subject relevant to planning such as: geography, economics, public policy, social policy, sociology, politics, business studies, commerce, environmental studies, agriculture, engineering, architecture, architectural science, surveying or law, or some other qualification approved by the University.

http://www.ucd.ie/pepweb/degrees/phdapp.pdf

As you will see from the form the work experience section is as large as the education section.

DIT

MSc in SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

http://www.dit.ie/DIT/study/graduate/courses/ft118.html

Requirements
Honours degree in any relevant discipline at 2.2 grade or higher, or equivalent. Eligible candidates may be interviewed

Most holders of architectural qualifications don’t seek entry to other courses, I wouldn’t see you having a problem,

good luck with it

@tungstentee wrote:

a great way to get a masters in either architecture or urban design is to get into a paid research post…..http://www.jobs.ac.uk list all academic related posts in the uk (inc. northern ireland) most of which are research based in the built environment field…..you can guarantee that the projects you could be working on are the state of the art as they are funded by eu frameworks….good luck 🙂

That is a good point tungstentee. You could also try subscribing to a mailing list. Generally offers of courses are posted on them.

http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/urban-regional-planning.html

@ctesiphon wrote:

I am currently doing a masters in planning (MRUP UCD).

Hey there, I’ve just been offered this masters in ucd and will be starting september. I’m hoping to keep working part-time during the course and was wondering if you could let me know what kind of hours it entails; both in terms of lectures and essay writning etc.?

Thanks.

The structure changes a little every year, but when I was in first year it was 9 to 5 and then some. I think the department is currently changing some of the modules, but I don’t know what or how.
The biggest chunk of your time will be spent on group project work, which is compulsory time. Regarding essays, some people can knock one off in a day, some people ( 😮 ) can need up to a couple of weeks allowing for distractions (damned Archiseek!). Lectures are usually every day, in the am, with projects in the pm.
You might be able to work evenings (depends on your personal time management skills), but I guess days would be a no no.

Best of luck with it.