Social Science - Rights & Social Policy

Overview

The MSocSc (Rights & Social Policy) provides advanced study in key and often challenging issues facing social 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 optional taught modules on gender rights, child policy, housing policy, education inequalities, health & mental health policy, criminal justice policy and a cross-disciplinary module on human trafficking.



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.

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.

Candidates are required to have: A Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) degree with an overall mark of at least 55% Or a Bachelor of Arts (Applied Social Studies) (Honours) degree with an overall mark of at least 55% Or an Honours degree in a related discipline with an overall mark of at least 55%. Candidates meeting the above criteria will be interviewed. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:

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. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 30 June 2025



Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time. 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.

Commences: September.

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 policymaking 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.