Health & Social Inclusion

Our two-year programme, the first of its kind in Ireland, is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you will need to tackle healthcare inequity and social exclusion, which can devastate community health and social wellbeing.



As Ireland’s population continues to change, we need to promote inclusion and protect our diverse communities. People are often marginalised due to poverty, ethnicity, addiction, gender identity, illness or disability, and are likely to face poorer health outcomes. You will examine inequities, and develop the knowledge and skillset to respond to them. You will also learn how to improve community health engagement and social wellbeing, and lead in the field.



During this highly practical programme, you will be encouraged to volunteer in the sector if you are not already working in it full-time. Most students come from a health or social care background, from psychiatric nurses to charity workers, so you will benefit from group discussion and hands-on learning involving varying disciplines and perspectives.



When you graduate, you will be sought after in a range of sectors including health and social care settings, health promotion, health-related statutory services, non-governmental organisations and policy making. Alternatively, you may choose to pursue further doctorate-level studies.

The core curriculum of this programme, delivered by an interdisciplinary group of experts, gives students the knowledge, skillsets and experiences required to understand and influence health and social inclusion in Ireland and abroad.

Applicants will typically hold a (NFQ) Level 8 Honours Degree with a H2.1 or equivalent in a relevant discipline, for example: nursing, medicine, psychology, social work, public/community health; health and society; addiction studies, nutrition and dietetics or cognate discipline.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.



Prior learning may be formal accredited learning or experiential/uncertified learning which includes the knowledge, skills and personal qualities acquired through life, work experience and study which are not formally attested. Prospective students may apply through the RPL route if they meet one or more of the following entry requirements:



Relevant learning, qualifications and experience within their RPL application

Holding a position or role related to health or social care, health and social inclusion promotion, or a related area

Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain

Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain.

2 years part-time.

Careers

The programme’s graduates will enjoy employment in a range of sectors including health and social care settings, health promotion, health-related statutory services, non-governmental organisations, academic sectors, and/or pursue further doctorate-level studies.