Program Overview

Overview of the M.Phil. in Race, Ethnicity, Conflict

The M.Phil. in Race, Ethnicity, Conflict is a one-year postgraduate course that examines the techniques used by states and international agencies to manage peoples and conflict, their social and cultural impact, and the responses they elicit. This course applies a wide variety of sociological theories to racialisation, gender, migration, ethnic conflict, and peace-making.

Course Details

• NFQ Level: 9
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Number of Places: 20
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Professor Anne Holohan
• Course Director: Professor David Landy
• Closing Date: 31st July 2025

Admission Requirements

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree at upper second-class level or equivalent (GPA of at least 3.2) in one of the Social Sciences or a degree that has included Social Science as a component. In exceptional cases, candidates without a first degree may be accepted directly into the programme if they can demonstrate they possess the equivalent of a good first degree, have work experience in the fields of population movement, conflict, and/or publications that demonstrate analytical skills.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The one-year full-time M.Phil. in Race, Ethnicity, Conflict focuses on Ireland, Europe (including the Balkans), the US, and the Middle East, with all classes consisting of lecturing, student participation, and formal and informal presentations. The emphasis is on small group teaching and one-to-one support in the preparation of your research-based dissertation.

Course Content

• Core Modules:
  • Race and Ethnicity: Theoretical Concepts
  • Research Methods and Colonialism
  • Conflict and Liberal Intervention
• Optional Modules: (These vary from year to year and may include)
  • International Human Rights Law
  • Gender, War and Peace
  • Race, Ethnicity and Social Policy
  • Conflict Zones: Case Studies
  • Race, Ethnicity and Education in Europe and North America
  • Labour, Migration, Conflict
  • United Nations and Conflict Resolution
  • Rethinking European Citizenship and Contemporary Sources of Conflict
• Dissertation: Students must also complete a 20,000-word dissertation, which they research and write with one-to-one support from an expert in their chosen field.

Career Opportunities

Our recent graduates work for NGOs (national and international), in migrant and Traveller rights, as barristers, playwrights, political activists, researchers, teachers, academics, Gardaí, journalists, social workers. According to figures compiled by the College Careers Service, more than 90% of our graduates from this course are either in employment, internships, or further study.

Is This Course For Me?

The Masters is designed for people with an undergraduate degree, preferably with a social science component, who work or wish to work in human rights advocacy, social research, teaching, journalism, public service, or NGOs, and/or who are thinking of Ph.D. research.

Related Courses

• Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)
• Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)
• Christian Theology (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)
• Divinity (B.D.)
• International Peace Studies (M.Phil.(Peace Studies) / P.Grad.Dip.)
• Master in Theology

Testimonial

This unique programme blends key areas for understanding today’s interconnected world. The small class size creates an enriching, collaborative learning environment with close student-teacher relationships, making the experience truly exceptional. The professors are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also humble, making it clear that teaching is their passion, not just a responsibility.

Jana Schröder

Graduate

Conclusion

The M.Phil. in Race, Ethnicity, Conflict at Trinity College Dublin offers a comprehensive and engaging program for those interested in understanding the complexities of race, ethnicity, and conflict in today’s world. With its small class sizes, expert faculty, and diverse range of modules, this course provides students with a unique and enriching learning experience that prepares them for careers in human rights advocacy, social research, and more.