Master of Social Sciences in Social Policy and Social Justice (Online)

In your studies, you will be encouraged to think creatively about complex social questions. You will examine key social policy concepts, welfare state ideologies, and critical perspectives on justice, citizenship, and solidarity. You will explore issues relevant to race and ethnicity, religion, age, genders and sexualities, and class, and develop your personal and professional capacities to work alongside marginalised social groups to promote social justice, human rights, and social inclusion. You will also develop specialist knowledge on themes such as: sustainability and climate justice; disability and mental health; migration and mobilities; childhood and youth; and creativity and well-being.You will also develop valuable social research skills – with the support of your academic advisor – for planning and undertaking ethical, robust, and thoughtful research that promotes social justice and advances social policy analysis.Whatever your background, we welcome applicants who – in an increasingly polarised society – remain empathetic, courageous, and hopeful.

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any of the following relevant subject areas, social policy, sociology, philosophy, politics and government, public policy, social care, social work, early childhood studies, public health, history, law, economics, archaeology, anthropology, theology or have completed the UCC Higher Diploma in Social Policy or the UCC Higher Diploma in Facilitating Inclusion & Disability Studies.Applicants who have a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in subject areas not listed above but who have extensive relevant professional experience such as community activism, youth work, social work, trade union activism and development work will also be considered. Such applicants may be required to attend an interview to discuss motivation, experience to date, and readiness for undertaking study at this level.