Course Summary
Are you motivated to contribute to positive social change? Are you committed to working in coalition with others to imagine and realise a more socially just and inclusive future? If so, then you will find Social Policy and Social Justice a fascinating field of research and practice.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
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.
Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet any of the above academic entry requirements.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Vsit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Application Details
Closing Date Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Fees
How To Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.
2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.
3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Our MSocSc Social Policy and Social Justice graduates will achieve a critical understanding of social policy and social justice issues, including advanced knowledge in special interest topics. They will gain advanced analytical, writing, communication, planning, collaboration, negotiation, and leadership skills, which will inform a purpose-driven, empathetic, and creative approach to problem-solving. These human-centric skills are highly sought after in the contemporary and future workplace.
Studying social policy and social justice opens up exciting, meaningful, and impactful career pathways. Our graduates typically will find employment in government, local government, and non-profit sectors, and policy organisations, research institutions, human rights organisations, NGOs, and advocacy groups.