The degree of MSocSc will be awarded on satisfactorily completing a dissertation. Students studying for the MSocSc (specialising in the area of Social Work) will also have to complete a practice learning portfolio. In addition, students are normally required to attend regular research seminars. Students are required to register for the equivalent of one academic year (12 months). Students studying for the MSocSc (specialising in the area of Social Work) are required to register part-time over 24 months, while students studying for the MSocSc (specialising in the area of Social Policy) have the option of registering on a full-time (12 month) or part-time (24 month) basis.

To be considered for registration on the MSocSc Programme an applicant will normally have a primary degree at Second Class Honours level or the equivalent in the social sciences, i.e. BSocSc (Hons); BSW (Hons), BSocSc (Hons) (Youth and Community Work); BA (Hons) (Early Childhood Studies); BSc (Hons) (Rural Development)
or
a primary degree plus a relevant postgraduate diploma, e.g. Higher Diploma in Social Policy; Higher Diploma in Social Science; Higher Diploma in Co-operative Studies. There are special prerequisites in some cases.

Among the regularly recognised equivalences are:
i. For the MSocSc (specialising in the area of Social Policy): a primary degree at Second Class Honours level or the equivalent plus substantial experience in social research or administration;
ii. For the MSocSc (specialising in the area of Social Work): applicants must possess a recognised professional qualification in addition to the BSocSc (Hons) Degree, BSW (Hons) Degree or professional Diploma in Social Work from UCC;
iii. Holders of the Higher Diploma in Child Care and Protection Studies are exempted from the degree requirement on the basis of their professional qualification.

Details of available research areas, courses, methods of teaching, etc. are available from the Department of Applied Social Studies. Students will complete a 30,000 word dissertation. Dissertation submission should be made at least two months in advance of one of the four annual Academic Council Graduate Study Committee meetings.

A candidate for the MSocSc Degree may not simultaneously pursue any other programme except with the permission of the College.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSocSc (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify and locate existing literature on their topic of study;
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the existing literature on their topic of study;
• Identify key methodological and theoretical principles relevant to their research question;
• Apply their knowledge of relevant literature, methodological and theoretical principles to their research question;
• Formulate a feasible and appropriate research design to answer/test their specific research question;
• Analyse the findings generated by their research;
• Communicate and disseminate the findings in an effective manner to their academic peers.