Maynooth University

Maynooth University is an internationally recognised institution located 25 kilometres outside of Dublin, Ireland, and is the nation's fastest growing university. One of four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth University in 2021 placed #88 in the global top 100 universities under 50 years old in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Maynooth University is now home to the Department of International Development, which is concerned with the development of people all over the world. Offering international development studies at Maynooth University at undergraduate level since 2013 in collaboration with the former Kimmage Development Studies Centre, (providers of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Development Studies since 1974), the absorption of the centre led to the establishment of the Department of International Development at Maynooth University.

The Department of International Development offers academic programmes at undergraduate level as a stream within arts (MH101), and postgraduate diploma and masters levels (through full time, part time and distance options).Postgraduate programmes include:PG/MA in International DevelopmentPG/MA in International Peacebuilding, Security and Development PracticeLevel 9 Certificate in Global Citizenship Education. The programmes focus, in particular, on the relationship between the global North and Global South and the opportunities and challenges people face in a rapidly changing international context. International Development highlights local-global connections and how we need to think globally when acting locally. We explore issues such as globalisation, climate change, food security, poverty, human rights, health, education, gender, inequality and empowerment from an international development perspective.

Programmes highlight local-global connections, the wide range of socio-economic and political factors creating both development challenges and opportunities nationally and internationally, and they examine the performance of international and national development actors (UN, Governments, NGOs and Civil Society groups) in meeting these challenges, and providing a better world for all. Research, Engagement and Capacity Hub (REACH) At the Department of International Development research, engagement and capacity development work are developed through the newly established Research, Engagement and Capacity Hub (REACH). REACH enables us to build on our history of engaged research on development practice through our work at Kimmage DSC. It also builds on our history of working in partnership with others, in Ireland and in the countries of the global South. Actively engaging with the Irish development sector, as well as with networks and other academic institutions, offers us opportunities to enhance the quality, relevance and reach of our work at the Department.

In addition, we continue to engage with development organisations in Ireland and around the world in providing capacity development and continuous professional development supports in areas related to international development. These capacity development services are provided as individual and organisational support and the provision of short-term practical learning opportunities, either through classroom-based learning or open and distance education (KODE)