The Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) is a full time advanced in-service programme running over 48 months from the date of first registration. Students may opt to register on a part-time basis in Years Three and Four of the programme, such students must complete the programme within 72 months of registration for the programme.

Applicants should normally hold a Masters Degree. All applicants are expected to have at least 5 years postgraduate, professional experience in the social professions. In exceptional circumstances, applicants with suitable professional qualifications and substantial practice experience may be considered for entry, subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. All shortlisted applicants will be interviewed. Applicants will be expected to present information on their professional experience and identify their learning objectives and reasons for entering the programme.

Year 1
Students take 60 credits as follows:
SS7001 An Introduction to Social Research (15 credits)
SS7002 Philosophies of Social Science (15 credits)
SS7003 Research Methods and Skills 1: Qualitative (15 credits)
SS7004 Social Policy Debates and Processes (15 credits)
Students will also undertake work on the thesis during Year 1 which meets the satisfaction of the Programme Board.

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module descriptions may be found here.

Year 2
Students take 60 credits as follows:
SS7005 Research Methods and Skills 2: Quantitative (15 credits)
SS7006 State and Society (15 credits)
SS7007 The Politics of Social Research (15 credits)
SS7008 Designing for Research and Evaluation (15 credits)
Students will also undertake work on the thesis during Year 2 which meets the satisfaction of the Programme Board.

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Year 3
Students complete research work, and develop agreed objectives and goals with their supervisor for the year. Progress will be assessed by the Programme Board at the end of Year 3 based on submission of thesis work of approximately 20,000 words (to include elements of the literature review and fieldwork), and a formal oral presentation to tutors and peers.

Year 4
Students complete research work, and continue to develop their thesis in consultation with their supervisor. At the end of the year, students present a thesis of approximately 60,000 words, which will be assessed through a viva voce examination.

Transfer to MSocSc (Social Policy)
In exceptional circumstances, and with the permission of the Head of Department and the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, students may transfer to the MSocSc (Social Policy) provided they have passed second year.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2016 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2015/2016.

Programme Learning Outcomes for DSocSc (NFQ Level 10, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the role of social research and evaluation in society, and identify and formulate research ‘problems’;
• Apply theoretical and conceptual debates in the social sciences to the analysis of social issues and research;
• Critically analyse social policy debates and processes in the context of participants’ own work practices/organisation;
• Design and execute a substantive piece of social research as an autonomous researcher;
• Select and apply appropriate social research methodologies in addressing research problems;
• Effectively communicate research findings in both written and oral formats to a range of different audiences;
• Develop intellectual/professional leadership through the use of research as a method of developing organisations.