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Ionad an Léinn Éireannaigh

Centre for Irish Studies

Current PhD Research Students


Anna Cruickshank

Image for Anna Cruickshank

Senior Lecturer

Email: anna.cruickshank@tudublin.ie

Anna is a senior lecturer in the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology in TU Dublin and has taught at third level for over 30 years. Her educational background in Food Science and Engineering Technology gave her a broad base on which she established her career in the food industry in the chilled ready-meals sector.

She lectures in the areas of Culinary Science, Food Innovation & Development and is programme co-ordinator of the MSc in Culinary Innovation & Food Product Development. Within this programme, she works to build on the strong relationships between individuals, society and economy, providing a holistic overview of food innovation from local to global scale. Anna is also a consortium member of the highly successful Erasmus Mundus programme Food Innovation and Product Design.

Title of research project

Exploring the lived experience of postgraduate students undertaking the MSc in Culinary Innovation & Food Product Development from 2006-2022: A Phenomenographic Study

Abstract

The lived experience of postgraduate students undertaking a Master of Science (MSc) programme involves exploring the distinct journey of individuals pursuing advanced knowledge and expertise within their chosen discipline. Studying for an MSc not only requires the acquisition of specialised knowledge but also the development of critical thinking, research capabilities and strong scholarly identity. Central to this experience are the ways in which students’ perceptions, reflections and interaction with peers and faculty influence their engagement and learning experiences in postgraduate education. Students navigate the academic curriculum, collaborate with peers and engage with academic staff while managing the complexities of the various modules within their MSc programme.

This study therefore aims to examine the qualitatively different ways postgraduate students experience and understand their MSc programme and considers how students experience the balance between academic commitments and personal, family, and professional responsibilities. The research seeks to provide deeper insight into the complexities of postgraduate education and the diverse ways students conceptualise their MSc journey.

Supervisors

Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire and Dr Brian J. Murphy

Image for Anna Cruickshank