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MSOCSC SOCIAL SCIENCE (RIGHTS AND SOCIAL POLICY)
This 2-year part-time programme provides advanced study in the key and often challenging issues facing social policy today. It features taught modules on governance, equality, ageing and criminal justice.
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- Qualification
- Master Of Social Science
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHB57
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The MSocSc (Rights & Social Policy) provides advanced study in key and often challenging issues facingsocial policy today. It provides an opportunity for critical study in the application of social policy theory and methodology to policy and practice.
The programme aims to provide students with advanced critical, analytical and research skills in selected substantive areas of social policy, and in the shaping of policy, in contemporary Ireland and more widely. In particular, the emphasis is on the interconnections between the themes of rights, recognition and redistribution. Currently, the programme includes taught modules on governance, equality, ageing and criminal justice.
The MSocSc (Rights & Social Policy) will provide graduates with advanced knowledge in critical social policy theory, studies and perspectives, advanced skills in relation to social policy analysis, high levels of competence in social policy research methods and a thorough grounded understanding in areas of rights, governance, equality, ageing and criminal justice issues. Graduates will develop and demonstrate proficiency by completing a supervised research dissertation in a chosen area of interest.
Commences
September
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part-time
The course is offered on a full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 year) basis. The primary difference between the full-time and part-time options is that the dissertation is undertaken in year 2 of the part-time option.
Students start semester 1 with a module in equality and inclusion, concepts which underpin all aspects of the programme. Following this students develop policy skills, learning about critical social policy theories, political economy of the welfare state, how to write and influence policy and advanced policy analysis. Using these policy skills students choose from a range of optional modules which allow them to apply the social policy skills to topics of interest to them. Indicative optional modules include
- housing inequalities and rights
- children's rights (from international conventions to local level programmes)
- gerontological polices and provision for older people
- gender rights and social policy
- education inequalities and rights in Ireland
- criminal justice studies
- health and mental health policy
- environmental justice and the impact on citizens
- human trafficking - a cross-departmental module in which lecturers and learners from policy, criminology and law come together to learn about policies. perspective and debates
Please note: this is an indicative list of optional modules. Every modules may not run every year and you may be asked to select an alternative module from the list.
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.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
Future career prospects include pursuits in policy analysis and social research organisations, employment in policy development in relevant branches of government, research and policy support roles in third sector organisations that seek to shape policy by engaging with policy-making processes. Former graduates currently hold positions in government departments working in policy capacities, in policy advisory positions in the NGO sector, working for both large and small voluntary sector organisations; graduates work in the statutory sector in state agencies and independent advisory bodies. Former students have also joined the programme from a wide range of professions in order to gain policy knowledge which they can take back to their professional role and expand that role in a policy direction.
Entry Requirements
Applicants who hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) with a minimum of 55% in Social Science or Applied Social Science.
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,
- Academic Reference
- Professional Reference.
Current Students or Recent Graduates of the Department of Applied Social Studies do not need to provide a written academic reference. Academic Referee will suffice.
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.