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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Social Policy

Course Fact File

Code	MSOCSP
Duration	1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time, Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Qualifications	MSocSc
NFQ Level	Level 9
Start Date	No longer running. Check www.ucc.ie/msocsj instead

Course Outline

Please check Social Policy and Social Justice course instead at www.ucc.ie/msocsj.

This full-time, one year course analyses social policy relating to contemporary issues facing Ireland, Europe and the wider world. The course gives you the theoretical and practical skills to engage in social research and policy analysis. As part of this course, you can specialise in the social policy area of your choice. The delivery of the programme is innovative, discussion-led and seminar-based to encourage the active participation of the group.

The MSocSc (Social Policy) core modules include:

• Contemporary Social Policy Issues
• Social Research: Methodology and Ethics
• Social Policy Analysis

Students are also required to conduct a piece of social research and submit a 25,000-word thesis.

You will also pursue a specialist pathway from one of the following:

• Children and Young People       

Designed for a wide range of professionals working with children and young people. You are encouraged to reflect on policy, theory, and practice. Topics covered include children and young people in society; children’s rights, participation, and democratic engagement; and researching childhood and youth.

• Conflict, Transformation and Peace Building

Explores the causes and dynamics of conflict in society, and looks at grassroots and governmental approaches to peace-building internationally. Conflict in Ireland and the peace process in the North will act as a focus. ‘Transitional justice’ and ‘nation-building’ in post-conflict societies will also be considered.

• Mental Health and Disability

Helps you understand key perspectives in the areas of mental health and disability, and their implications for policy, research and practice. Issues of human rights and citizenship are given particular attention.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

The part-time option will be taught during evening hours over 2 years.

Course Practicalities

Lectures take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5.30-7.30 pm (for both full-time and part-time students). You are also expected to engage in ongoing online seminar activities and discussions, as well as self-directed learning. You are required to read articles before attending lectures.

Assessment

The MSocSc (Social Policy) course gives you the skills to understand and discuss key issues in contemporary social policy, specialise in a policy field of your choice, and conduct policy research. Our assessment methods enable students to become autonomous social policy analysts and researchers. Assessment includes: writing and presenting a policy report, participating in online discussions of contemporary key social policy issues, theoretical analysis of a current policy issue, and a 25,000-word social policy research thesis.

Who teaches this course

The teaching is delivered by members of staff in the School of Applied Social Studies. Outside speakers are also invited to give seminars that are relevant to each of the specialist pathways. The teaching is strongly informed by research and lecturers contribute to the course in their particular areas of expertise. Students are also active participants in the learning process. For example, the modules are constituted in the form of a series of seminars, and students are expected to read articles that are later discussed in class.

Why Choose This Course

The course gives you the unique opportunity to take a one-year full-time evening course in an era of rapid social change and policy developments. It will give you the skills to:

• engage in social policy analysis
• become an autonomous researcher
• link practice with theoretical and conceptual debates
• address contemporary debates in key social policy issues
• evaluate, and ultimately have an impact on policy agendas

Skills and Careers Information

Our graduates are employed in a variety of posts including the public and voluntary sectors and other services/advocacy groups. The course is ideally suited to those who have worked in this area, or who are interested in working in social policy-related areas such as youth work, community work, social activism, and trade unionism. The specialist pathways also suit various professionals working with children and young people, or in the areas of mental health, disability, conflict transformation, and peacebuilding.

Requirements

To apply for this course you will need a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree in Social Policy (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent. Applicants with other relevant degrees in the broad areas of the humanities and social sciences (sociology, philosophy, politics and government, social care, social work, early childhood studies, public health, history, law, economics, archaeology, anthropology, theology) and/or relevant experience, e.g. extensive experience in the areas of community activism, youth work, social work, trade union activism and development work will also be considered.

Applicants who do not meet the normal academic or experience requirements may also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the course commitee, at which they must satisfy the course commitee of their ability to fulfil the academic requirements of the programme. The review will consist of an interview by the course commitee and an evaluation of the applicant’s prior relevant experience and understanding and knowledge of social policy. Such applications are subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

Students who have gained an award of the Higher Diploma in Social Policy, or the CACE Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion (Disability Studies), will also be considered eligible to apply to undertake the MSocSc (Social Policy).

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants) 

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

• Please enter the names and email addresses of 2 referees. 

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