- Apply their knowledge in policy and practice to find evidence-based, ethical and creative solutions to social and welfare issues.
- Communicate their knowledge and solutions effectively through structured, concise and accurate presentations and writings.
- Demonstrate an awareness of ethical principles in practice, policy and research.
- Demonstrate an understanding of key social policy theories, concepts and practice and understand the interaction of organisations, culture and actors shaping social policy.
- Synthesise, compare, evaluate and report theories and evidence of social policy in an open, analytical and critical manner to comprehend problems of social exclusion, welfare and redistribution.
- Use appropriate research methods to develop and answer research questions.
- Use professional and appropriate techniques, tools and technologies in their work in order to manage their time and tasks.
- Work effectively and responsibly as an individual and in teams.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The Higher Diploma in Social Policy can be used as a transition course for those who need to fulfil the Social Policy credit requirements for access to postgraduate training in Social Work. Additionally it provides a background in Social Policy for students interested in careers in Social Policy or Public Policy.
- regular access to academic staff who specialise in a wide range of areas within Social Policy and Social Work
- regular seminar meetings which provide academic support through the year of study
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL10010 | Social Policy Theories and Concepts I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL10030 | Understanding Social Problems and Policies | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL10180 | History of Irish Social Policy | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL38190 | Child Abuse, Sexual + Domestic | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL20260 | Social Protection: Security, Work and Poverty | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL20050 | Economics of Social Policy | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL28150 | Global Social Policy | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL28160 | Enviro, Soc & Human Wellbeing | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL30010 | Policy-making, Implementation & Evaluation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL30360 | Drug Use, Society and Policy | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL38210 | Migration, Racism and Irish Society | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL10020 | Contemporary Irish Welfare State | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL18130 | Introduction to Social Work | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL20280 | Housing Policies, Neighbourhoods and Homes | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL28110 | Social Work in Practice | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL28170 | Work & the Welfare State | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL28180 | Social Policy & the Lifecourse | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL30220 | Social Policy, Social Justice and the Environment | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SPOL38200 | Analys Health & Soc Care Pol | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SSJ10060 | Inequality and Social Justice in Irish Society | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)7 of: Students should select 7 modules from the list below. |
SSJ20110 | Gender, Power and Politics - Historical Perspectives | Spring | 5 |
HDip Social Policy (W050) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 7890
nonEU fee per year - € 15070
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.
EU fee per year - € 7890
nonEU fee per year - € 15070
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
The course is designed to enable students to have the opportunity to pursue further training and careers in Social Work or Social Policy. Successful completion of the programme to good honours standard may confer eligibility to apply for programmes such as the Professional Master of Social Work and the research degree in Social Policy, or the Masters degree in Public Policy. There may, in addition, be non-academic entry requirements for these programmes which must also be met.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Social Policy:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | W050 Social Policy Higher Diploma Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
* you can change options at the top of the page