The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is a full-time conversion programme running for 9 months from the date of first registration for the programme, providing a foundation in Social Policy for graduates who do not hold a Social Science degree. The programme may also be taken on a part-time basis over two years.

The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is open to graduates who do not already possess a BSocSc (Hons) Degree. Applicants may be required to present for interview where an overall assessment of their suitability will be made.

Students take 60 credits as follows:

Part I
SS3005 Housing and Homelessness (5 credits)
SS3008 Poverty and Social Exclusion (5 credits)
SS5016 Social Policy Analysis (5 credits)
SS5017 Policy and Politics (5 credits)
SS5317 Social Policy and Social Theory (10 credits)
plus
15 credits from the following: (Subject to timetable availability)
AP1023 Lifespan Development (5 credits)
SS3015 The Politics of Racism (5 credits)
SS5020 Education and Welfare (5 credits)
SS5021 Communities, Activism and Development (5 credits)
SS5022 Social Science and Social Work (5 credits)
SS5023 Youth Policy and Practice (5 credits)
SS5025 Social Perspectives in Mental Health (5 credits)
SS5026 Sexuality and Society (5 credits)
SS5027 Introduction to Planning and Sustainable Development (5 credits)
SS5029 Community Conflict Transformation and Peace Building (5 credits)
SS5030 Critical Perspectives on Age and Ageing (5 credits)

Part II
SS5400 Research Project (15 credits)

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

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2018/2019 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules 2018/2019.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Higher Diploma in Social Policy (NFQ Level 8, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Exhibit skills required in writing a graduate research report;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of key concepts, frameworks and theories in social policy;
• Demonstrate the capacity to pursue comparative research in applied social studies;
• Recognise the relation of social policy to the various disciplines in the social sciences;
• Apply social policy concepts and theory to understand and evaluate changes in the contemporary welfare state.