Social Care & Social Justice - Sligo

This programme offers students the opportunity to critically analyse social care and social justice and explore its applications to a range of service and user groups to enhance their capacity to act as a force for progressive social change. Through this course, students are required to reflectively interrogate their own identities and positioning, developing practical skills for advocacy, lobbying and activism allowing them to lead and initiate change within a given area. The objective of the dissertation/research project is to provide an independent and critical appraisal of an issue related to social care and social justice.



Who should apply?

This programme provides graduates with expert knowledge in the social care and social justice fields and therefore is suitable for those looking to progress up their personal career ladders in areas such as policy, research, management and leadership within a variety of organisations such as homeless services, disability services, community activism, prison services and many more.

What will I study?

Postgraduate Diploma:

Introduction to Social Justice Theory

Social Transformation

Care Work and Social Justice

Human Rights

Social Policy and Law

Social Locations: An intersectional approach

Management and Leadership in Social Care

Research Design and Development



Master of Arts:

Social Inclusion and Diversity

Final Research Project

Applicants require a 2.2 Honours Degree in Social Care or a cognate discipline. It is also desirable for applicants to have two years of professional practice experience in a relevant field. An entry selection process will include these entry requirements, and submission of a sample of written work.



Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes.

How to Apply

Before you Apply Before you apply for a flexible learning course at ATU, we recommend that you research your course, through this prospectus and by viewing the course webpage. Please ensure to check the entry requirements and time commitment involved, as these vary from course to course. You will find details on entry requirements on the individual course webpage.



When to Apply

Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.



For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpages.



How to Apply

Applying for a flexible learning course is easy, simply visit the webpage of your chosen course and select the ‘apply now’ button, and follow the steps outlined.



Each campus has it’s own application process and for further information on these processes, please visit atu.ie/apply-now

2 years part-time online delivery.



Study Hours

Each module involves 18 hours of online classes and 18 hours of online workshops. It is recommended that students should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to their studies, and 8 plus hours for each 10 credit module.



On-Campus Attendance

Optional attendance of residential workshop is normally available once per semester

Progression Pathways

Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.