Social Work Welfare & Justice
• A new flagship programme unique in the Republic in combining these three academic disciplines.
• Experienced Interdisciplinary faculty.
• Proven career track record
• Flexible learning
Course Description
The programme focuses on a range of topics of relevance to policy makers and practitioners. In recent years, the work environment for social work practitioners is becoming globalised. In addition, social justice and equality issues are an increasingly prominent concern in the social scientific research. The MSocSc offers a wide range of topics including housing, health and social care, drugs and alcohol in the community, theory and practice in social work, gender equality, environment, migration and family health management, and social protection. Applicants please note: this programme, on its own, does not provide the accreditation required to practice as a Social Worker.
Vision and Values Statement
The work environment for social work practitioners is becoming more globalised. In addition, global social policy is an increasingly prominent concern in the international social scientific research and social justice and equality issues are also of increasing concern among policy makers internationally.
The MSocSc (Social Work, Welfare and Justice) will provide a range of learning opportunities for both graduates who are interested in pursuing research careers in policy making and analysis and social work professionals interested in refining their analytical and management skills and thereby enhancing their chances for promotion.
We value multidisciplinary exploration, understanding and critical reflection on inequality, poverty and a wide range of social policies. We encourage our students to be critical thinkers, to develop an awareness of ethical issues, and to engage with civil society to achieve greater equality and well-being in societies.
Through individual and group learning, students are provided with a learning environment that supports the development of reflective and analytical skills. Students will learn to evaluate evidence and identify solutions to key issues of social justice, social work and welfare. We teach how to communicate effectively to various audiences. Within a diverse community of lecturers and students, an open and pluralistic discussion culture is nurtured and supported.
We apply a variety of teaching and learning methods. A combination of lectures and seminars are the primary teaching method, delivered by dedicated educators, practitioners and experts in their field. In addition, we use active learning approaches, such as panel debates, data lab work, policy evaluations, poster sessions, field work and group work. Face to face interaction between students, lecturers and tutors is supported by online tools.
Related Programmes
HDip Social Policy FT
MSocSc Social Work FT
Subjects taught
The MSocSc Social Work, Welfare and Justice is a 90 credit taught Masters programme that can either be completed entirely by taught modules or by a mixture of taught modules and a 30 credit dissertation on a subject of your choice.
Core Modules (all 10 credits)
• Social Work in Health and Addictions
• Evidence-Based Policy Making
• Economics of Inequality
• Human Rights Law and Equality
Optional Modules (indicative list, actual modules offered on a year to year basis may vary):
• Group, Community and Policy
• Drug/Alcohol Use, Community & Society
• Comparing Healthcare Systems
• Introduction to Statistics
• Sociology of Inequality
• Disability and Equality
• Reproductive Justice and Sexual Health
• Travellers, Rights and Nomadism
Stage 1 - Core
Human Rights Law and Equality EQUL40070
Adult Services and Health 1 SPOL40870
Child Welfare & Protection 1 SPOL40900
Data & Methods for Policy Analysis SPOL41020
Dissertation SPOL41030
Stage 1 - Option
Sociology of Inequality EQUL40180
Critical Political Economy EQUL40390
Housing and Social Cohesion SPOL40440
Evidence-Based Policy Making SPOL40450
Comparing Healthcare Systems SPOL40470
Public Administration & Policy SPOL41060
Entry requirements
If English is not your first language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes.
To apply for this programme you will need:
A minimum of a 2.2 Honours in primary degree in an appropriate field. These include Humanities, Social Sciences or Social Policy or Social Work.
Transcripts from your primary degree.
A personal statement of around 4-500 words explaining why you would like to receive an offer of a place on this programme. This should include a brief account of any relevant professional experience.
Names and contact details for two referees.
If you have any queries relating to your application please contact the school directly.
Application dates
How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MSocSc Social Work, Welfare and Justice FT (W354)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.
Duration
1 year full-time.
Post Course Info
Careers & Employability
Graduates from our related Master's Programmes work in a wide range of fields including social work, public policy, voluntary and community work, education, journalism, health and social care and human rights advocacy. This programme offers an exciting opportunity to further your career through specialisation in a range of areas that cross traditional discipline boundaries.