Courses / Module

This module (experience) will offer up to 8 students on the MA (or PG Diploma) in International Development an opportunity to engage in a work experience placement with an international development organisation in Ireland.
It is designed to give students an opportunity to gain practical experience, knowledge and skills of working in an organization focused on international development, and to be enabled to critically reflect on their learning as well as on the structure and functioning of international development organisations in Ireland.

Placements will be identified in the Summer prior to the commencement of the programme in any given year.
Once they register on the programme, students may apply to participate in the work placement module and they will be chosen at the end of October based on their application (see selection criteria below).
Once chosen, students will begin the process with three in-class preparation days in the first semester, facilitated by a core member of staff of the Department (the work placement co-ordinator). During these days, students will reflect on the structure and organization of international development practice in Ireland as well as on policies and practices affecting international development organisations today.
They will also explore career options and professionalization in the international development sector as well as exploring the skills they might bring to, and gain from, work experience in that context.

The work experience will be structured over 12 weeks in the second semester with students working in an international development organisation one day a week over this period.
This will be structured within the curriculum and timetabled to allow for student engagement in this experience, where possible.
A final reflection day will be facilitated by the work placement co-ordinator once the work placement has been completed.
This will allow participants an opportunity to reflect critically on their learning from the experience.