Social Policy - Campus Based

Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is a conversion course giving a foundation in the field of social policy for graduates who do not hold a social science degree. It can be studied full time as a one year course or part time over two years (by day).

The course sets social policy in the context of the social sciences. The course is particularly relevant to those who want to apply for professional postgraduate courses in social work, e.g. Master of Social Work.

You will study core modules on topics including the evolution of the welfare state, poverty and social exclusion, social policy and social theory, and housing and homelessness. Additionally, you will choose three optional modules from the areas of social science and social work, community development, youth policy, mental health, education, sexuality, planning, and developmental psychology.

You will also undertake a supervised 10,000 word, social research project on a social policy topic of your choice (in consultation with your supervisor). This will be a desk-based piece of research, involving an exploration of the policy and literature around your chosen topic.

Details of the programme content and modules are in the Postgraduate College Calendar.

Why Choose This Course
This is the only Higher Diploma Social Policy course in Ireland that combines intensive seminar immersion with the opportunity for field visits to countries such as France, Italy, Germany, and Sweden.

Modules
Further details on the modules listed above can be found in our book of modules. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar
You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar.

Requirements
The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is open to graduates who do not already possess a BSocSc Honours Degree.

Applicants may be required to present for interview where an overall assessment of their suitability will be made.

English Language Requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university approved English language requirements.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland:
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements.

International/non-EU applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

For more information please contact the International Office.

How Do I Apply

1. Choose Course
Firstly choose your course. Applicants can apply for up to two courses under one application. Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus.

2. Apply Online
Once you have chosen your course you can apply online at the online application portal. Applicants will need to apply before the course closing date. There is a non-refundable €50 application fee for all courses apart from the Education - Professional Master of Education - (Secondary School/Post-Primary Teacher Training) which has a €100 application fee.

Note: Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nursing must apply on the PAC website when the programme opens for applications.

3. Gather Supporting Documents
Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.

- Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC
- Any supplementary items requested for your course.

Please log into the online application portal for more details.

4. Application processing timeline
Our online application portal opens for applications for most courses in early November of each year. Check specific course details.

5. Rounds
For courses that are in the rounds system (Irish and EU applicants), please check the rounds closing dates below.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please enter teh names & email addresses of 2 referees (one from an academic source and the other from a work source - either voluntary or paid).

Deposit
Please note that successful EU applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 on acceptance of their place.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 15 June.

Assessment is by a combination of essay, exams, and social research project.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Start Date: 7 September 2020

Skills and Careers Information
The Higher Diploma in Social Policy gives you a foundation in the study of the welfare state and the social services. It is a conversion course for those who don't hold a social science degree, but wish to apply for the Master of Social Work course. The course also prepares you for entry to other postgraduate courses in the School of Applied Social Studies, UCC, e.g. social policy, planning, youth and community work, social services administration and child care.