Social Science - Research

The DSocSc programme is a four year 'practitioner led doctorate' offered by the Department of Applied Social Studies in Maynooth University. The Departments mission is to contribute to human rights, social justice and equality nationally and internationally. The programme is designed to provide advanced professional and research skills to qualified, experienced practitioners in lead roles in youth work, community work, social work, rights and social change focused organisations.



Aims and Outcomes



The DSocSc programme aims to:

1. further progress the commitment of the Department and the University to combining the highest levels of academic achievement with excellence in professional education by educating flexible, innovative and skilled practitioners who can contribute to development of theory and practice in youth work, community work and the realisation of rights for marginalised groups.



2. enable experienced practitioners to undertake original, rigorous research in youth work, community work and rights based contexts that contributes to the development of their disciplines.



At the end of the DSocSc students should be able to:

demonstrate critical analysis and understanding of complex issues in theory, policy and practice

synthesise theory and practice in a 'unity of praxis'

demonstrate advanced professional research and evaluation skills

take leadership in working towards realising rights in a variety of organisational and policy contexts

undertake, present and defend a rigorous doctoral thesis that contributes to the development of their discipline.



The DSocSc programme is underpinned by four inter-related commitments:

intellectual rigour and critical analysis in all aspects of the programme, from initial engagement in taught modules to the production of a substantial individual research project;

realising rights in theory and practice embedded in all aspects of the programme and across all modules;

development of theory and practice in the disciplines of community work, youth work, social work and associated social professions;

creation of a challenging and participative learning environment embedded in principles of reflexivity, mutuality and collegiality.

The programme combines block modules on campus with self-directed learning off campus, including some online components. There are 4 block weeks (Monday-Friday) plus a summer school on campus each year.



Year 1 and Year 2 : Four 'on-campus block weeks' across two semesters with online sessions between blocks.



Learning blocks in years three and four are designed to support the research process and enable students to complete their thesis. They will be agreed with the thesis supervisor(s) and programme director and may vary somewhat for each student.



Taught modules in years 1 and 2.

Social science, the social professions and the foundations of social research

Social Research Debates & Processes

Participatory and Feminist Analysis and Research

Critical Debates in Practice

Research Design

Professional Practice: Perspectives on Education, Development, Gender, Diversity and Conflict & Mediation Studies

Governance, Organisations, Leadership and Change

Realising Rights: Social Policy Debates & Issues.

Applicants should hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2:1) in a Masters degree or equivalent level 9 academic qualification, ideally in a social science discipline. They should have significant professional experience in youth work, community work, social work, social policy or rights and social change work. Applicant should also have a proven ability in academic writing.



We particularly welcome applications from social professions practitioners working in higher education.



Applicants who meet the above criteria will be invited to attend an interview.



Minimum English language requirements:



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores go to https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 30 April 2026



Online application only.



Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.



To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:



Full academic transcripts of results

Graduation Certificate if you have graduated/conferred

A copy of your passport

Example of academic writing

A personal statement

An academic letter of recommendation

A professional letter of recommendation

Your CV



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

4 years full-time.

While the participants on the DSocSc will be skilled professionals on entry to the programme, experience over the four years will prepare them to further advance in their professional and academic careers in the areas of senior management, policy development, teaching and research