Social Policy

The Higher Diploma in Social Policy can be used as a transition course for those who need to fulfil the Social Policy credit requirements for access to postgraduate training in Social Work. Additionally it provides a background in Social Policy for students interested in careers in Social Policy or Public Policy.



regular access to academic staff who specialise in a wide range of areas within Social Policy and Social Work

regular seminar meetings which provide academic support through the year of study

Stage 1 Core Modules

SPOL10010 Social Policy Theories and Concepts I Autumn 5

SPOL10030 Understanding Social Problems and Policies Autumn 5

SPOL10180 History of Irish Social Policy Autumn 5

SPOL38190 Child Abuse, Sexual + Domestic Autumn 5

SPOL20260 Social Protection: Security, Work and Poverty Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - B)7 of:

Students should select 7 modules from the list below.

SPOL20050 Economics of Social Policy Autumn 5

SPOL28150 Global Social Policy Autumn 5

SPOL28160 Enviro, Soc & Human Wellbeing Autumn 5

SPOL30010 Policy-making, Implementation & Evaluation Autumn 5

SPOL30360 Drug Use, Society and Policy Autumn 5

SPOL38210 Migration, Racism and Irish Society Autumn 5

SPOL10020 Contemporary Irish Welfare State Spring 5

SPOL18130 Introduction to Social Work Spring 5

SPOL20280 Housing Policies, Neighbourhoods and Homes Spring 5

SPOL28110 Social Work in Practice Spring 5

SPOL28170 Work & the Welfare State Spring 5

SPOL28180 Social Policy & the Lifecourse Spring 5

SPOL30220 Social Policy, Social Justice and the Environment Spring 5

SSJ10060 Inequality and Social Justice in Irish Society Spring 5

SSJ20110 Gender, Power and Politics - Historical Perspectives Spring 5

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



The course is designed to enable students to have the opportunity to pursue further training and careers in Social Work or Social Policy. Successful completion of the programme to good honours standard may confer eligibility to apply for programmes such as the Professional Master of Social Work and the research degree in Social Policy, or the Masters degree in Public Policy. There may, in addition, be non-academic entry requirements for these programmes which must also be met.

60

1 year full-time.

HDip Social Policy (W050) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 6710

nonEU fee per year - € 13270


***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

W050 Social Policy Higher Diploma Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught