Dr Ann Averill

Dr Averill undertook the BA in Adult Learning (part-time) at All Hallows College, Dublin during which she combined her studies with family and home duties as well as working five days a week, and graduated with 1st Class Honours in 2012.

She progressed to University College Dublin where she undertook a Master’s in Social Science – Global Migration and Cultural Differences, and graduated with 1st Class Honours in 2014.  She was awarded the Mary Kelly Bursary in recognition of the high standard of her dissertation, and remained at UCD where she commenced a PhD in Sociology.

Her research focus was on the sociology of nationalism, with particular emphasis on contemporary Irish nationalism. The title of her research thesis is: “Irish Nationalism and Globalised Society: A study of the generation born in Ireland between 1976 and 1986”.  This was a qualitative study examining Irish nationalism through the conceptual lenses of emotions and generational change.

Ann completed her PhD in September 2018. Ann’s post-doctoral research will examine “The Irish University in the 21st century”, based at the NUI building on Merrion Square from February 2019. This study will enquire into the public understanding of the outcomes and value of a university education, in the context of expanding opportunities for post-second level education in Ireland.