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HIGHER DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL POLICY
- Qualification
- Higher Diploma
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHB60
- Award Type and NFQ level
- HIGHER DIPLOMA (8)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is a ‘transition’ or ‘conversion’ programme that is open to graduates of all disciplines who wish to acquire honours degree-level knowledge and credentials in social policy. They may wish to do so in order to progress to postgraduate study in social policy or so as to gain sufficient credits in social policy to qualify for entry to certain professional programmes, including postgraduate training in social work.
The HDipSP allows a student who already has an honours degree, but has not taken the subject of social policy previously, to acquire 60 ECTS credits in social policy, over one year full-time or two years part-time, by selecting from the existing undergraduate degree programme (years 1-3) in the Department of Applied Social Studies.
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full time
This is a one-year full time course, though it may be taken part-time over two or more years.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers
Graduates will be well placed to apply for postgraduate education and training programmes in social work and the other social professions, provided they also have the requisite practical experience and aptitudes. They may also progress to postgraduate study and research in the applied social sciences. Like other social policy graduates they will have acquired knowledge and skills that are well-suited to work in management and public administration, the NGO sector, journalism, the media and advocacy.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent with a minimum of Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal statement
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.