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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Overview

The MSocSc (Rights & Social Policy) provides advanced study in key and often challenging issues facingsocial 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.

Commences

September

Course Structure

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.

Duration: 2 years Part-time

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Overview

The MSocSc (Rights & Social Policy) provides advanced study in key and often challenging issues facingsocial policy today. It provides anopportunity 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.

Commences

September

Course Structure

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.

Duration: 1 year Full-time

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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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PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The MSc (Economic and Enterprise Development) gives you a competitive edge for finding employment. The course enables you to develop the skills of an economist by offering you the opportunity to work with leading businesses and policymakers on the competitiveness challenges and opportunities they face. The success of the course is indicated by the employability of its graduates, which has been impressive, despite the recession. For example, within a year of graduation, over 80% of graduates are in relevant employment. 

The unique selling points of the course are:

• projects completed for leading policymakers and businesses
• active support and encouragement by the teaching team
• examination completely by coursework – there are no end-of-year exams
• strong employment record of graduates

PLACEMENT AND STUDY ABROAD INFORMATION

A unique feature of the MSc (Economic and Enterprise Development) is that leading businesses and policy makers sponsor the team projects that are completed during the course. This involves you doing research in order to address particular business problems, such as whether to do business in a country or how to assist SMEs to be innovative. It gives you the opportunity to engage meaningfully with a range of employers

UNIQUE ASPECTS OF THE COURSE

The unique selling point of the MSc (Economic and Enterprise Development) is its focus on acquiring key economist skills through the completion of projects for leading businesses and policymakers, which gives you a competitive edge that is crucial for getting a job in these challenging times.

SKILLS AND CAREERS INFORMATION

The MSc (Economic and Enterprise Development) provides invaluable skills that are transferable to occupations where economics is used to understand change and to think creatively about the future.

On successful completion, you will be able to:

• successfully execute projects to deadline
• plan, conduct and evaluate economic research
• help policymakers and businesses to think creatively about the challenges they face
• apply quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• communicate findings, both in writing and orally, to a high professional standard
• work effectively in teams
• self-direct your career development journey

https://www.cubsucc.com/programmes/postgraduate/msc-economic-and-enterprise-development/

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Overview

The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is a ‘transition’ or ‘conversion’ programme that is open to graduates of all disciplines who wish to acquire honours degree-level knowledge and credentials in social policy. They may wish to do so in order to progress to postgraduate study in social policy or so as to gain sufficient credits in social policy to qualify for entry to certain professional programmes, including postgraduate training in social work. Maynooth University will offer an MSocSc (Social Work) programme from the 2019-20 academic year.

The HDipSP allows a student who already has an honours degree, but has not taken the subject of social policy previously, to acquire 60 ECTS credits in social policy, over one year full-time or two years part-time, by selecting from the existing undergraduate degree programme (Years 1-3) in the Department of Applied Social Studies.

Course Structure

This is a one-year full time course, though it may be taken part time over two or more years.

Duration: 1 Year Full Time

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Overview

The Higher Diploma in Social Policy is a ‘transition’ or ‘conversion’ programme that is open to graduates of all disciplines who wish to acquire honours degree-level knowledge and credentials in social policy. They may wish to do so in order to progress to postgraduate study in social policy or so as to gain sufficient credits in social policy to qualify for entry to certain professional programmes, including postgraduate training in social work. Maynooth University will offer an MSocSc (Social Work) programme from the 2019-20 academic year.

The HDipSP allows a student who already has an honours degree, but has not taken the subject of social policy previously, to acquire 60 ECTS credits in social policy, over one year full-time or two years part-time, by selecting from the existing undergraduate degree programme (Years 1-3) in the Department of Applied Social Studies.

Course Structure

 Duration: 2 year part-time

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