Masters of Social Science (Social Policy)
This full-time one year course provides students with an opportunity to engage critically in social policy analysis of contemporary issues confronting Ireland, Europe and the wider world. It equips students with the theoretical and practical skills to engage in critical social research and policy analysis. As part of this course, students can specialize in a particular social policy area of their choice. The delivery of the programme is participative, discussion led and seminar based.
What does the programme cover?
Students take core modules to the value of 50 credits, as outlined below. In addition, students must submit a 25,000 word dissertation.
Core modules:
SS6306 Contemporary Social Policy Issues (15 credits)
SS6307 Social research: methodology and ethics (15 credits)
Elective modules (20 credits):
SS6308 Mental health and disability
SS6309 Children and young people
SS6310 Critical social policy: the politics of austerity
SS6311 Conflict transformation and peace building
Thesis (40 credits):
SS6305 Dissertation
Specialist pathways
Mental Health and Disability
This module aims to provide a critical understanding of key perspectives in the areas of mental health and disability, and their implications for policy, research and practice. Particular consideration will be given to innovative approaches grounded in the principles of human rights and citizenship.
Children and Young People
This specialist pathway is designed for a wide range of professionals working with children and young people. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on policy and address theory and research relevant to their own interests. Topics covered include: children and young people in society; children’s rights, participation and democratic engagement; and theorising and researching childhood & youth.
Critical Social Policy: The Politics of Austerity
This pathway will analyze the crisis in terms of its social and political impacts. A key objective is to theorize and critically examine the politics of austerity and retrenchment, and to consider the implications for social policy and welfare states.
Conflict, Transformation and Peace Building
This specialist pathway aims to explore the causes and dynamics of conflict in society and grass-roots and governmental approaches to peace-building internationally, using the peace process in the North as a focus.
Structure of the year
- Tuesday & Wednesdays 5.30-7.30 pm
Term 1
Core modules
- Contemporary Social Policy Issues
- Social Research: Methodology and Ethics
(Lectures and online guided seminars)
Term 2
- Specialist pathways
(Lectures, seminars and online guided seminars)
You will love this programme if:
- You are curious about how society is organized and how this impacts on people’s lives.
- You are interested in current debates in Irish social policy and the politics that surround contemporary societal change.
- You are passionate about social justice and committed to human rights.
- You would like to further understand alternative ways of conceptualizing social issues.
- You are interested in linking practice with theoretical and conceptual debates.
- You are interested in engaging in primary research and becoming an autonomous researcher.
- You want to take part in evaluating policy and having an impact on policy agendas.
- You are interested in forms of learning that encourage participative and collaborative processes.
Learning Outcomes
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.
Entry Requirements
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 (e.g. Sociology, Politics and Government, Social care, Early Childhood Studies, Public Health) and/or relevant experience (e.g. community activism, youth work, trade union activism) 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. Admission of such applicants will be subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies, and Social Sciences.
Selection will be based on academic achievement and relevant work experience. Some applicants who do not fulfil the usual entry requirements may be invited for interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme.
Contact Details
For further information on the course, please contact Ms. Eluska Fernandez by phoning (021) 490 3765 or by emailing e.fernadez@ucc.ie .
