This taught MSocSc programme may be taken full-time over 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Applicants should normally have taken social policy as a subject at undergraduate level and have a degree at Second Class Honours level 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, development work) will also be considered.

Applicants who do not meet the normal academic or experience requirements may also be considered following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the course committee, at which they must satisfy the course committee of their ability to fulfil the academic requirements of the programme. This review will consist of an interview by the course committee and an evaluation of prior relevant experience and understanding and knowledge of social policy. Such applications will be 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 be considered eligible to apply to undertake the M.Soc.Sc. (Social Policy).

Students take modules to the value of 90 credits, comprising taught modules to the value of 50 credits in Part I and a dissertation (20,000-25,000 words) to the value of 40 credits in Part II.

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part I
SS6313 Contemporary Social Policy Issues (10 credits)
or
SS6324 Contemporary Social Policy Issues (Online) (10 credits)
and
SS6314 Social Research: Methodology and Ethics (10 credits)
SS6322 Social Policy Analysis (10 credits)
SS6323 Social Policy Seminar Series (10 credits)

Plus 10 credits from the following*:
SS6315 Mental Health and Disability (10 credits)
SS6316 Children and Young People (10 credits)
SS6317 Debates in Critical Social Policy (10 credits)
SS6320 Conflict Transformation and Peace Building (10 credits)

*Subject to a minimum quota of students

Part II
SS6305 Dissertation in Social Policy (40 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.

Postgraduate Certificate in Social Policy
Students who pass taught modules to the value of 50 credits may opt to exit the programme and be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Policy.

See also Regulations for the Degree of Master.

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

• Understand the major debates in the study of social policy;
• Discuss key contemporary social policy issues and develop students' critical skills, which will allow them to apply theoretical knowledge to analyse them;
  
• Specialize in a policy field of their choice;
• Undertake a piece of research in an area of social policy of the student's choice.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Social Policy (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Identify and distinguish between the major theoretical approaches relevant to the study of social policy;
• Apply theoretical knowledge to the analysis of contemporary social policy issues;
• Identify the major debates surrounding the provision of social services in Ireland.