Masters of Social Science (Social Policy)
The M.Soc.Sc. in Social Policy is a taught postgraduate course offered by the Department of Applied Social Studies. The programme may be taken over one academic year on a full-time basis or over two years on a part–time basis
Programme Requirements
Students take core modules to the value of 45 credits, as outlined below. In addition, students must submit a 25,000-30,000 word dissertation (SS6300).
Core modules
SS6301 Theorising Social Policy (10 credits)
SS6302 Contemporary Social Policy Issues (15 credits)
SS6303 Applied Social Research (10 credits)
SS6304 Social Policy Seminar Series (10 credits)
SS6300 Dissertation (45 credits)
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally hold either a B.Soc.Sc, B.S.W. or B.Soc.Sc.(Youth & Community Work) Degree at second class honours level or the equivalent. Applicants with other relevant degrees and/or relevant experience (e.g. Sociology, Politics, and Government) will also be considered.
All applicants are required to write a 500 word essay addressing two questions:
1) Why do you wish to take the M.Soc.Sc. (Social Policy) course? and
2) What particular qualities and personal life experience do you consider would be of benefit to you while undertaking this course?
Course Philosophy
The M.Soc.Sc. (Social Policy) is directed at people interested in pursuing a career in social policy or a related area. Students need to be committed to understanding social problems and open to exploring the extent to which welfare systems offer solutions. It is informed by the view that the study of social policy at postgraduate level must be both critical and practical.
The course provides opportunities for people with a degree to develop further competence in social policy analysis. It aims to offer an academic grounding for current or future public service workers, which incorporates an advanced understanding of the theoretical and methodological bases of social policy and the development of policy analysis and research skills. The course design allows students to pursue and further their particular research interests, as well as to discuss social policy issues and debates with other students and researchers of the field.
Contact Details
For further information on the course, please contact Ms. Eluska Fernandez by phoning 4903765 or by emailing e.fernadez@ucc.ie .
