- Anticipate and plan for problems associated with implementation of policies
- Apply theories and concepts to social issues and demonstrate critical thinking.
- Assess different approaches to managing a team or organisation and finding solutions to simulated events.
- Communicate effectively with peers, academics, policymakers and non-specialists
- Compare and contrast methods and tools for analysing current policies and practice.
- Describe and explain key issues in society, locally and globally, and understand various ways of addressing those issues.
- Interpersonal skills, working in teams
- Manage different aspects of teams and organisations.
- Presentational skills
- Understand a variety of research designs and processes: qualitative, quantitative and comparative designs.
- Understand the relationship between theory and research
- Utilise knowledge to evaluate current policies and practice.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
You will develop an understanding of key issues in society, the relationship between theory and research, and a variety of research designs and processes: qualitative, quantitative and comparative designs. You will also acquire conceptual and practical skills necessary to evaluate policies, while learning how to assess different approaches to managing a team or organisation and finding solutions to simulated events.
- A new flagship programme unique in the Republic in combining these three academic disciplines.
- Experienced Interdisciplinary faculty.
- Proven career track record
- Flexible learning
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 |
SPOL40870 | Adult Services and Health 1 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL40900 | Child and Family Social Work 1 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL41020 | Data & Methods for Policy Analysis | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
GS40030 | Gender, Inequality and Public Policy | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SPOL41030 | Dissertation | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: 30 credits from: |
EQUL40180 | Sociology of Inequality | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: 30 credits from: |
EQUL40310 | Masculinities, Gender and Equality | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: 30 credits from: |
SPOL40470 | Comparing Healthcare Systems | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: 30 credits from: |
SPOL41060 | Public Administration & Policy | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: 30 credits from: |
EQUL40390 | Critical Political Economy | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: 30 credits from: |
SPOL40440 | Housing and Social Cohesion | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: 30 credits from: |
SPOL40450 | Evidence-Based Policy Making | Spring | 10 |
Chunyue He, China
Graduate
The Social Work, Welfare & Justice Master’s programme has provided me with a great opportunity to explore multiple disciplinary areas within social sciences. My specialist area is child protection, but various modules were available across Social Work, Social Policy and Equality Studies and the courses covered a wide range of topics. It allowed me to learn about a field which was different from my undergraduate degree and to extend my knowledge by selecting the topics I was interested in. I joined this programme, longing to find out especially how social systems as a whole work in Ireland.
Faculty members I met always encouraged me to explore more, answered my queries patiently and provided me with various self-learning materials. Seminar sessions were also unforgettable. While discussing social issues with people who have different cultural backgrounds, it was not only an opportunity for myself to learn more, but also a chance to break stereotypes and gain a better understanding of something so distant from my own culture. I very much enjoyed sharing a real taste of Chinese culture with others too!
If English is not your first language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes.
To apply for this programme you will need:
- A minimum of a 2.2 Honours in primary degree in an appropriate field. These include Humanities, Social Sciences or Social Policy or Social Work.
- Transcripts from your primary degree.
- A personal statement of around 4-500 words explaining why you would like to receive an offer of a place on this programme. This should include a brief account of any relevant professional experience.
- Names and contact details for two referees.
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 MSocSc in Social Work, Welfare and Justice is designed for practising social workers interested in refining their analytical and management skills through post qualifying studies, and for those interested in advanced careers in government, nonprofit and other human service areas. This master’s programme will prepare you to implement positive change in your community and beyond, and provide you with the credentials employers often look for when filling administrative and other leadership positions.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Welfare & Justice:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | W585 Welfare & Justice Master of Social Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Closed |
* you can change options at the top of the page