Disability Studies - Sligo St. Angela's

Programme Overview
Disability studies allow us to understand disability in a different way; as a positive social and political identity, rather than a health issue or something to be 'fixed' or arouse sympathy. The study of 'disability' is inextricably linked to the concept of equality. This programme may be of interest to disabled people in Ireland, or people currently working in the disability, community, health and social care sectors. People working for, or living with, disabled people may also be interested in the programme.

Exit routes available at
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (two years)
Postgraduate Certificate (one year)

Programme Outline
The Master of Science / Postgraduate Diploma in Science / Postgraduate Certificate in Disability Studies programme is modular in design and runs in three stages. Students undertake 3 modules in stage one (Year 1) worth 30 ECTS at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) (National framework of Qualifications (QQI 2014)) and 3 modules in stage two (Year 2) worth 30 ECTS at level 9 on the NFQ framework.

Students can choose to exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate in Disability Studies on successful completion of year 1, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Science award on successful completion of year 2, or they can bypass this award, and subject to entry criteria, elect to continue for one academic year, to achieve the award of Master of Health Science at level 9 award on the NFQ for 30 ECTs.

Year 1:
Postgraduate Certificate in Disability Studies
Modules:
- Historical Perspectives in Disability Studies
- The Lived Experience of Disability
- Personal and Social Perspectives in Disability Studies

Year 2:
Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Disability Studies
Modules:
- Disability and the Media
- Advanced Research Skills
- Applied Social Policy and Disability Equality

Year 3:
Master of Science in Disability Studies
Research Dissertation Practicum

Admission Criteria for entry to Postgraduate Diploma in Science / Postgraduate Certificate in Disability Studies.

Applicants will normally have gained:
- A primary degree (level 8) or evidence of equivalent academic credits. Students who do not have the aforementioned will be required to provide evidence of their ability to study at post-graduate level.

- International students will require a degree of fluency in the English language. An overall score of 6.5 in the IELTS Academic Test is required

Criteria for progression onto Master of Science in Disability Studies.

Applicants will normally have gained:
- A Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9) or evidence of equivalent academic credits

And

- Have successfully completed a postgraduate level 9 research module (or equivalent learning)

- International students will require a degree of fluency in the English language. A score of 6.5 in the IELTS Academic Test. This equates to a score of 570 in TOEFL.

Application Process: www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie

Go to Prospective Students and Postgraduate Programmes
4 to download an application form and to view all modules.

3 years part-time.

Further Education
Upon full completion of the programme, it provides a pathway to PhD level education.

Why Choose This Programme?
Career Opportunities
This programme will offer a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates will have the requisite knowledge and transferable skills to work in the areas of or disability at the individual, group or community level. They may pursue a career in the public service, voluntary or statutory agencies or in the private sector.

- Service delivery: actually providing the service that the community/ disability/ health organisation is focused upon.

- Policy research or strategy: keeping abreast of political developments, identifying key stakeholders in the decision-making process at European, national, regional and local government level, researching international trends etc.

- Administration: issues such as managing staff and budgets, and volunteer co-ordination (recruitment, training and co-ordination).

Graduates will be prepared to play leadership roles in such settings as:
- Community Service Agencies
- State and Local Government Agencies
- International Human Rights and Non-governmental Organisations
- National Policy or Advocacy Organisations
- Disability and Community Care Services

The programme is also relevant to the needs of people already employed in these areas who wish to gain a relevant qualification.