Social Justice & Public Policy - Waterford

The MA in Social Justice and Public Policy is a two year part-time programme which gives students a unique opportunity to develop a theoretical framework and the deep capacity for analysis, understanding, knowledge, skills and practices needed to engage meaningfully in social change towards a more just and inclusive society focusing particularly on influencing public policy. Social Justice Ireland is a key partner in this programme.



The MA in Social Justice and Public Policy will:

Give students the skills to analyse and challenge the existing policy narrative and propose realistic alternatives



Ensure that students understand the theoretical framework which underpins different policies produce graduates with the necessary skills and experience to exercise an effective role in influencing public policy for social justice



Offering a critical social analysis of the current situation, researching and developing evidence based options, negotiating effectively and advocating for change



In taking on this programme students will be able to:



learn from expert academics and practitioners in social justice and public policy using case studies from Irish and International contexts



study and network with others from a wide range of experiences and disciplines



pursue their relevant interests via self-directed learning, assignments and a dissertation



This MA is particularly suitable for students seeking to promote a fairer society, including people from business, community, voluntary, social inclusion, environmental organisations, trade unions, public service and religious sectors.



Many applicants will be working in a voluntary or paid capacity with an organisation, group or office involved with social justice or addressing issues affected by public policy.

Social Justice and Public Policy Course Structure

The MA in Social Justice and Public Policy is delivered part-time over two years normally over seventeen evening and all-day sessions and two block weeks over two years in a convenient Dublin city centre location.



For the award of MA in Social Justice and Public Policy a student must accumulate 90 credits. Students also have the option of taking individual modules from the programme or the Certificate in Social Justice (30 credits) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Social Justice and Public Policy (60 credits)



Year 1



Semester 1

Social Analysis and Social Change 1

Human Rights and Theories of Social Justice

Communication Skills



Semester 2

Economics and Social Policy 1

Advocacy, Community Organising andNetworking for Social Justice

Social Justice & the Prophetic Tradition



Year 2



Semester 3

Social Analysis and Social Change 2

Research Methods

Strategic Planning & Social Justice



Semester 4

Economics and Social Policy 2

Communications and Public Policy

Reflective Practice and Social Justice



Year 3



Semester 5

Research Project

Social Justice and Public Policy Entry Requirements

Applicants for the MA in Social Justice and Public Policy should hold a minimum of an NFQ Honours degree in any area of the Humanities, Economics or Social Sciences. Candidates should normally have previous relevant experience and are expected to be working in a paid or voluntary capacity in the area. All candidates are subject to a pre-entry interview.



Applicants who do not hold the standard qualifying NFQ Level 8 qualification criteria, but have relevant work experience and study may be considered for admission to the programme under the Institute's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process and subject to an interview.



Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English. Please see our website for more details www.setu.ie/englishrequirements

Application Deadline 28 Aug 2026

2 years part-time.



Delivery

The MA in Social Justice and Public Policy is a two year flexible programme and is delivered normally over seventeen evening and all-day sessions and two block weeks in a Dublin city centre location.

Next Intake September 2026