Masters Degrees in Public Policy, Ireland

The objective of the course is to develop students' knowledge of comparative politics in contemporary Europe. This includes knowledge of the policies, politics of and public opinion in the European Union and its member states. In addition, the course aims to equip students with the research training required to conduct independent political research. Therefore, in addition to substantive modules on various aspects of comparative politics, the course also includes modules on research methods.

The course provides training in substantive topics relating to governance in the European Union, in addition to developing the research and technical skills needed to undertake political science research. It is ideal for those considering a career that deals with European and global issues. The course offers students the opportunity to study in international department with excellence in teaching and research in the area of European politics and governance.

The course is of twelve months duration, on a full time basis. Teachings starts in September and the M.Sc. concludes with the submission of a dissertation the following August.

The course offers a range of modules that will deepen students' knowledge of politics and policies in Europe and the European Union and help them gain new insight into the EU's role in today's world. The M.Sc. course consists of seven modules:

Government Institutions
Government and Politics of the EU
Principles of Comparative Research
Electoral Behaviour
International Organisations
European Union Policies and
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods.

All modules are taught around a weekly seminar and assessed on the basis of assignments and exams. In addition, students will complete a dissertaion of approximately 10,000 words in length. Students who fail to achieve a satisfactory mark for the dissertation element may be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science.

Admission Requirements

Candidates should normally have achieved an upper second class honour degree, or higher from an established university. GPA scores of at least 3.5 out of 4, or equivalent, will be expected from international applicants. A background in a social science will be an advantage but not a necessity. Applications are expected from candidates with a single or joint honours degree in Political Science, Economics, European Studies, History, Sociology, Business and Law.

Applicants must, in addition to the College requirement to provide academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation, provide a motivation letter and one piece of written work (for example an undergraduate dissertation or essay).

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This course has been designed to offer a broad critical understanding of how society attempts to prevent or respond to problems associated with the use of licit and illicit drugs, as well as a more specific opportunity to develop research, management and policy-making skills in this area.

The course is aimed primarily at those who hold management or policy-making positions in any of the human service organisations which deal with drug and alcohol problems, but it also seeks to attract professionals who might play a leadership role in addictions work within their own professions.

Candidates from the first category might include: middle-ranking or senior civil servants or health board officials; directors or senior workers from voluntary drug and alcohol services; senior officials from the Probation and Welfare Service, the Prison Service or the Garda Siochana; members of Local Drugs Tasks Forces. Candidates from the second category might include: family doctors, community pharmacists, teachers, social workers, public health nurses, and other community care personnel. Candidates must have current or recent experience of either direct service provision, administration or policymaking relevant to the addictions field.

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The M.Sc. in Economic Policy Studies (EPS) programme is a two-year part-time postgraduate programme designed to provide graduates with the skills to apply economic perspectives and approaches to the study of policy issues. There is an in-take of new students every second year; accordingly the next student in-take will be for the academic year commencing September 2014. Staff from the Department of Economics, as well as where appropriate other staff from both within and outside the College, lecture on the programme. The programme's aim is to provide participants with a greater understanding of the economic policy process and the ability to engage confidently in evidence-based economic policy making. It enables graduates to contribute effectively to the processes of economic policy formulation, change and implementation, using various concepts and methods in social science analyses. Policy making in any field requires a range of skills and analytical approaches; while this programme focuses on economic policy and on the economic analysis of other policies, the political economy context, both domestically and internationally, is also explored.

During the two years, students will undertake a number of modules over three ten-week terms and spend the remainder of the second year working on their dissertations. The first teaching term takes place from late September to December and the second from January to April of Year 1. Students undertake four modules in Year 1 as follows: data analysis, modelling and research methods; understanding markets; Irish economic policy issues and context; macroeconomic concepts and issues. The third teaching term takes place form late September to December of Year 2 and in this time students undertake two specialised modules from three possible options; namely economic evaluation, competition and regulation and money and banking. The remainder of Year 2 is focused on completion of the dissertation.

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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 taught modules on governance, equality, ageing and criminal justice.
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.

Course Structure

Modules include writing policy and influencing policy, participative governance and social policy-making, advanced social policy analysis, equality and inclusion, rights and realising rights: case studies, seminars and conferences. 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.

Career Options

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 policy making processes.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHB57 Part-time

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport. Applicants will be required to attend for interview as part of the admissions process.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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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 taught modules on governance, equality, ageing and criminal justice.
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.

Course Structure

Modules include writing policy and influencing policy, participative governance and social policy-making, advanced social policy analysis, equality and inclusion, rights and realising rights: case studies, seminars and conferences. 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.

Career Options

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 policy making processes.

How To Apply

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code
MHB56 Full-time

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport. Applicants will be required to attend for interview as part of the admissions process.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/fees-funding-scholarships

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