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University College Cork

Social Policy

Course Outline

This full-time, one year course analyses social policy relating to contemporary issues facing Ireland, Europe and the wider world. The course gives you the theoretical and practical skills to engage in social research and policy analysis. As part of this course, you can specialise in the social policy area of your choice. The delivery of the programme is innovative, discussion-led and seminar-based to encourage the active participation of the group.

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

Who teaches this course

The teaching is delivered by members of staff in the School of Applied Social Studies. Outside speakers are also invited to give seminars which are relevant to each of the specialist pathways. The teaching is strongly informed by research and lecturers contribute to the course in their particular areas of expertise. Students are also active participants in the learning process. For example, the modules are constituted in the form of a series of seminars and students are expected to read articles which are later discussed in class

Why Choose This Course

The course gives you the unique opportunity to take a one-year full-time evening course in an era of rapid social change and policy developments. It will give you the skills to:
engage in social policy analysis
become an autonomous researcher
link practice with theoretical and conceptual debates
address contemporary debates in key social policy issues
evaluate, and ultimately have an impact on policy agendas

Entry requirements

To apply for this course you will need an undergraduate degree in social policy of 2H2 honours level or equivalent. Applicants with other relevant degrees in the broad areas of the humanities and social sciences (sociology, philosophy, politics and government, social care, social work, early childhood studies, public health, history, law, economics) and/or relevant experience, e.g. extensive experience in the areas of community activism, youth work, social work, trade union activism and development work will also be considered.

Applicants who do not meet the normal academic or experience requirements may also be considered following a review of their individual qualifications and experience by the course commitee, at which they must satisfy the course commitee of their ability to fulfil the academic requirements of the programme. The review will consist of an interview by the course commitee and an evaluation of the applicant's prior relevant experience and understanding and knowledge of social policy. Such applications are subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

Students who have gained an award of the Higher Diploma in Social Policy, or the CACE Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion (Disability Studies), will also be considered eligible to apply to undertake the MSocSc (Social Policy).

If you are applying with Qualifications obtained outside Ireland and you wish to verify if you meet the minimum academic and English language requirements for this programme please click here to view the grades comparison table by country and for details of recognised English language tests.

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Duration

1 year, full-time
Part-time 2 years

Lectures take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5.30-7.30 pm (for both full-time and part-time students). You are also expected to engage in ongoing online seminar activities and discussions, as well as self-directed learning. You are required to read articles before attending lectures.

Careers or further progression

Skills and Careers Information

Our graduates are employed in a variety of posts including the public and voluntary sectors and other service/advocacy groups. The course is ideally suited to those who have worked in this area, or who are interested in working in social policy related areas such as youth work, community work, social activism and trade unionism. The specialist pathways also suit various professionals working with children and young people, or in the areas of mental health, disability, and conflict transformation and peace building.

Further enquiries

Phil O'Sullivan
phil.osullivan@ucc.ie
+ 353 21 490 2228
https://www.ucc.ie/en/appsoc/courses/

Dr Eluska Fernandez
e.fernandez@ucc.ie

Subjects taught

The MSocSc (Social Policy) core modules include:

Contemporary Social Policy Issues
Social Research: Methodology and Ethics
Social Policy Analysis

Students are also required to conduct a piece of social research and submit a 25,000 word thesis.

Children and Young People

Designed for a wide range of professionals working with children and young people. You are encouraged to reflect on policy, theory and practice. Topics covered include: children and young people in society; children's rights, participation and democratic engagement; and researching childhood and youth.

Mental Health and Disability

Helps you understand key perspectives in the areas of mental health and disability, and their implications for policy, research and practice. Issues of human rights and citizenship are given particular attention.

Conflict, Transformation and Peace Building

Explores the causes and dynamics of conflict in society, and looks at grassroots and governmental approaches to peace-building internationally. Conflict in Ireland and the peace process in the North will act as a focus. 'Transitional justice' and 'nation-building' in post-conflict societies will also be considered.

Debates in Critical Social Policy

Gives you an advanced understanding of social policy theory, and the skills needed to analyse key contemporary social policy issues. You will be encouraged to theorise and critically examine the implications of recent trends for social policy and welfare states.

Assessment method

Assessment

The MSocSc (Social Policy) course gives you the skills to understand and discuss key issues in contemporary social policy, specialise in a policy field of your choice and conduct policy research. Our assessment methods enable students to become autonomous social policy analysts and researchers. Assessment includes: writing and presenting a policy report, participating in online discussions of contemporary key social policy issues, theoretical analysis of a current policy issue and a 25,000 word social policy research thesis.

Application date

Closing dates

Closing Dates for Application

Applications for 2018 start dates will open on November 1st 2017.

EU Applicants: UCC operates a rounds closing date system for the majority of postgraduate taught programmes (detailed below).

Some programmes have a specific closing date. Applicants are advised to consult with the postgraduate prospectus for programmes with a specific closing date.

The UCC rounds EU application system closing dates for Postgraduate Taught courses are detailed below. However, we would advise applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Deadline for receipt of Applications: Offers will be made:
For all completed applications received by January 15th 2018 Offers will be made by January 29th 2018

For all completed applications received by March 1st 2018 Offers will be made by March 15th 2018

For all completed applications received by May 1st 2018
Offers will be made by May 15th 2018

For all completed applications received by July 2nd 2018
Offers will be made by July 16th 2018

Late applications may be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for any courses that have remaining capacity for places.

While there is no official closing date for Research courses applicants are advised to submit their application at least two months ahead of their proposed start date. There are four official Research start dates September/October, January, April and July.

Non-EU Applicants:

Please visit the following page for further information for Non EU applicants http://www.ucc.ie/en/international/studyatucc/postgraduateprogrammes/tau...