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2021/2022

Higher Diploma in Social Policy

NFQ Level 8, Major Award

Note: Every effort has been made to ensure that the programme and module content as described in the University's Calendar and Book of Modules for the 2021-22 academic year are accurate. However, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, no guarantee is given that programme/module content, delivery and assessment may not be altered, cancelled, replaced, augmented or otherwise amended. Any changes will ensure the same competencies and Learning Outcomes are met. Programme and/or Module Coordinators will communicate any such changes to students.

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.

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)
SS3051 Critical Perspectives on Disability (5 credits)
SS5020 Education and Welfare (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 2021/2022 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2021/2022.

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.

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