About ICERTS

Research

ICERTS brings together various social science departments at NUI, Galway, in particular their staff members who have rural development as one of their major research areas. These departments include Political Science and Sociology, Geography, Law, Economics, Marketing and Management. It works closely with other research centres of excellence at NUI, Galway such as  ICSG, CISC, Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, ECI and Child & Family Research Centre. It also works closely with RERC in Teagasc and the Irish Marine Institute located in Galway. A significant body of research output on rural society and rural economic space has established an international reputation for NUI, Galway and its researchers in this area. Substantial funding has been secured for research projects from local, national and international sources.   Numerous consulting commissions and studies have been carried out on behalf of agencies at the local national and international levels. Consultancy services in advice and training are provided through collaboration with GDSI   ( http://www.gdsi.ie/) a local consulting company in socio-economic development and sustainable solutions. Conferences, seminars and colloquia have been held in Galway on a regular basis. Staff have sat on various local, national and international committees pertaining to rural development.

The affiliates of ICERTS (Teagasc and Irish Marine Institute) are currently engaged in eight funded projects in the area of rural development with a total budget of approximately EURO4 million. In addition to the permanent academic staff there are 20 PhD students, one M.Phil. student and a senior researcher engaged in the current research activity.

Teaching

While various modules on rural and agricultural development have been taught within undegraduate and graduate programmes, the Master of Rural Development, introduced in 1985 has had the most visible success, with approximately 200 graduates to date. This programme is being reviewed for undating and reorientation at the moment. Currently a Higher Diploma in Rural Development and a B.Sc. in Rural Development are offered through distance learning  in colloboration with the other universities in the NUI.   ( www.nuigalway.ie/commerce/BSC_RD.html);

A M.Econ.Sc in Economic Policy Evaluation and Planning in the Economics Department includes a module in Rural Development  ( http://www.economics.nuig.ie/pgrad/pgrad-meconscience.php).

An MA in Community Development offered by the Political Science and Sociology Department addresses the development of rural communities.  ( http://www.nuigalway.ie/soc/MAcourses/commdev.doc)

Most recently, an M.Econ Sc. in Economic and Environmental Modelling was launched in 2007 ( http://www.economics.nuig.ie/pgrad/pgrad-meconscience-environmental.php).