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)
SS3049 Politics and Social Policy IV (5 credits)
SS3050 Politics and Social Policy V (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)
SS3006 Education and Welfare (5 credits)
SS3009 Communities, Activism and Development (5 credits)
SS3010 Social Science and Social Work (5 credits)
SS3011 Youth Policy and Practice (5 credits)
SS3015 The Politics of Racism (Online) (5 credits)
SS3016 Social Perspectives in Mental Health (5 credits)
SS3021 Sexuality and Society (5 credits)
SS3033 Issues in Planning and Sustainable Development (5 credits)
SS3045 Critical Perspectives on Age and Ageing (5 credits)
SS3051 Critical Perspectives on Disability (5 credits)
SS3118 Community Conflict Transformation and Peace Building (5 credits)

Part II
SS5400 Research Report (15 credits)

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2022/2023 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2022/2023.

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.