MSocSc Social Policy

at University College Cork

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.
 

You will also pursue a specialist pathway from one of the following:
 

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.
 

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.

To apply for this course you will need a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree in Social Policy (NFQ, Level 8) 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, archaeology, anthropology, theology) 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 under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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).
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

The EU fee for this course is €6,130; €3,130 (Year 1 Part-time); €3,130 (Year 2 Part-time).
 

The Non-EU fee for this course is €16,400.

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.