Social Policy - Online

Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Social Policy (online) 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 over one year or part-time over two years.

The course is delivered online. It provides a flexible approach to study for students with employment and/or care responsibilities; as well as those restricted geographically.

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.

Students will study core modules on topics including the evolution of the welfare state, poverty, social exclusion, social policy, and social analysis. Students will be introduced to critical areas of study within the field of social policy including:

- housing and homelessness;
- social professions and social work;
- social groups and social rights;
- social research and ethics;
- identity and self;
- political and economic rights

Students will also undertake a supervised 10,000 word, social research project on a social policy topic of the student's choice (in consultation with his/her supervisor). This will be a desk-based piece of research, involving an exploration of policy and literature.

Why Choose This Course
This Higher Diploma in Social Policy (Online) is a flexible, online programme that accounts for the busy schedules of working students. It allows students to engage with the course material when it suits them. For an online programme, the Higher Diploma in Social Policy (online) offers a great deal of choice to students.

The School of Applied Social Studies is dedicate to providing high quality teaching and learning resources. The academics involved in teaching on the programme have extensive research experience in the discipline of social policy. There is a strong commitment to support students in their study and students can expect ongoing support from staff throughout the year.

The Higher Diploma in Social Policy (online) gives students 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 students 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.

PART I
Core Modules:
SS5101 Social Policy and Social Theory (online) (10 credits) – Semester 1 and 2
SS5102 Contemporary Social Policy Analysis (online) (10 credits) – Semester 1 and 2
SS5108 Poverty and Social Exclusion (online) (5 credits) – Semester 1
SS5106 Housing and Homelessness (online) (5 credits) – Semester 1

Plus
Elective Modules (Students choose 15 credits from the following):
SS5110 Social Policy and Social Work (online) (5 credits) – Semester 2
SS5105 Social Professions and Social Practice IV (online) (5 credits) – Semester 1
SS5107 Education and welfare (online) (5 credits) – Semester 2
SS5109 The Politics of Racism (online) (5 credits) – Semester 2

Part II
Core module
SS5104 Social Research Report (15 credits) – Semester 2.

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 (Online) is open to graduates who do not already possess a BSocSc (Hons) Degree.

This is a conversion course and is designed for graduates of any discipline who may be interested in pursuing further study in the fields of social policy or social work.

The minimum entry requirement is an Ordinary Bachelor's degree (Level 7) or equivalent.

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.
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 detail your computing/technical/IT skills.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please enter the names and eail addresses of two 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

Summative assessment in the taught component of the course consists of essays, portfolios, policy papers, reports, analysis of texts. The research report is a 10,000 word document and is undertaken under the supervision of a staff member. Students are also supported for this project with a series of guiding videos. Formative assessment such as participation in group discussions and collaborative projects are not assigned marks.

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time online.

Start Date: 7 September 2020

Skills and Careers Information
The Higher Diploma in Social Policy (online) gives students 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 students 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.