College of Practitioner Doctorates PAC Course Code: CKH71 Qualification: DSocSc Duration: 4 years full-time Closing Date - EU Applicants: Fri, 03 July 09 Closing Date - Non-EU Applicants: Fri, 27 February 09
The next intake of student for this course is expected to be in September 2011. The Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) is a four year, distance learning programme, aimed at social professionals working in the areas of social policy, social work, social research and youth and community work. The DSocSc provides a structured learning environment in which to pursue doctoral study, involving two years of taught modules followed by two years spent conducting independent research. Teaching is delivered through a combination of face-to-face workshop weeks and online learning approaches. The programme provides participants with the opportunity to acquire competency as an autonomous researcher, gain a deeper understanding of theoretical frameworks underpinning social sciences and social policy, and identify the roles of research and evaluation within organisations. There is a particular emphasis in the programme of the conduct of social research, focusing not just on issues of design and methodology, but also the politics and ethics of undertaking research.
The course will be open for applications for another week with a closing date of Friday 3rd July, 2009
In the first two years, participants take four modules per year, each of 15 credits. These modules provide participants with the necessary skills to undertake their own substantive piece of research in years three and four, culminating in the production of a 40,000 word dissertation.
Year 1
Introduction to Social Research
Philosophies of Social Science
Research Methods and Skills
Social Policy Debates and Processes
Year 2
The Politics of Social Research
Organisational Analysis
State and Society
Designing for Research and Evaluation
Year 3
Specialist component (identifying a research topic and initiating a specific research project)
Year 4
Research dissertation (with supervised write-up).
Applicants will normally be expected to have:
· a Masters degree in social science, social work, community work, social policy, or a similar relevant subject area;
· at least five years relevant postgraduate, professional experience
· Basic computer literacy skills and online access.
IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent
Please note that non-EU applicants are not eligible to study part-time programmes
Claire Edwards
Department of Applied Social Studies
claire.edwards@ucc.ie
Professor Alastair Christie
a.christie@ucc.ie
