DkIT launches Ireland’s first MSc in Domestic, Sexual & Gender-Based Violence Studies

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has officially launched Ireland’s first MSc in Domestic, Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) Studies, marking a landmark development in education, research, and professional practice in this critical field.

The programme has been developed as part of the DkIT RiVeR Project, building on the Institute’s established history of leadership in addressing domestic abuse, coercive control, and gender-based violence through education, training, and community engagement.

The new Masters programme was launched by Margaret Loftus, an empowering speaker, survivor advocate, and a leading voice for women navigating life after domestic violence.
Sharing her own personal experience of domestic abuse, Margaret said: “My focus is on improving responses to violence against women and children, and to help strengthen the systems that are meant to protect us. Increasing education around this issue is essential. The development of this masters programme is a massive stepping stone in the right direction when it comes to approaching the issues of DGSBV within Irish Society.”

The event drew strong attendance from across the sector, with practitioners, advocates, educators, and community leaders coming together to mark this significant milestone.
DkIT RiVeR Project lead Dr. Kathleen Nallen said:
 “This MSc programme, developed through the RiVeR Project, represents an important step in addressing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence through education and collaboration. We are honoured to welcome Margaret Loftus to the launch, her voice powerfully reflects the lived experiences that must inform this work.”

The MSc in DSGBV Studies is designed for professionals and practitioners across sectors including social care, education, healthcare, justice, and community development. The programme covers key areas such as coercive control, trauma-informed practice, policy and legal frameworks, and survivor-centred approaches.

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