Health & Social Inclusion

Introduction
The MSc in Health and Social Inclusion (Level 9 NFQ, 90 ECTS) two-year, part-time, programme.

Many people experience health and social marginalisation as a result of factors such as poverty, ethnicity, sex and gender identification/practice, age, addiction, non-normative behaviour, illness and disability. In contemporary societies, marginalisation and social exclusion have severe and enduring effects on the health and social wellbeing of many individuals and communities; people who are marginalised experience poorer health outcomes and are more likely to encounter social deprivation than non-marginalised populations.

Considering these important health and societal issues, the School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health (SNPCH), Dublin City University is offering a unique, interdisciplinary programme to develop experts to tackle health disparities and social exclusion through practice, leadership, and research.

This programme is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

Programme
The DCU MSc in Health and Social inclusion programme is delivered part-time over two years across four semesters. The course is offered in a blended format to facilitate work life balance. Typically, students attend classes on DCU Glasnevin Campus on two days per month combined with online learning. This unique, interdisciplinary programme aims to develop expertise in tacking health disparities and social exclusion through leadership, practice development and research. The programme is suitable for individuals including but not limited to those working with marginalised people in health and social care settings, community, voluntary and non-governmental organisations.

Topic areas include:
Frameworks and strategies for tackling health inequities and social exclusion
Leadership, management and innovation in health and social care practice
Health promotion for marginalised populations
Research methods and programme evaluation

Many of our students are based in healthcare or social support services and wish to develop professionally within their chosen practice area. Others may want to pursue academic, research or policy development careers. This programme offers students a choice of undertaking a research dissertation or a practice development project, allowing students to tailor the programme for their chosen career path. This two-year, part-time programme is delivered in a flexible, blended-learning format using a mix of face-to-face, online learning activities and learning in the practice context (if appropriate). Our small cohorts make it possible for local and international mentoring from faculty and practice supervisors who have a wide range of expertise in the promotion of health and social inclusion.

Requirements
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.

In line with DCU’s (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, candidates who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL) the policy is available at: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | Dublin City University | recognition-prior-learning (dcu.ie)

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.

Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:

Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2024.
Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2024.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU are advised to apply as early as possible.

All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie

For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie

2 years part-time.

The programme commences in September 2024.

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.