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Social Justice and Public Policy

The MA in Social Justice and Public Policy is a two year part-time programme which gives students a unique opportunity to develop a theoretical framework and the deep capacity for analysis, understanding, knowledge, skills and practices needed to engage meaningfully in social change towards a more just and inclusive society focussing particularly on influencing public policy.  Social Justice Ireland is a key partner in this programme.

The MA in Social Justice and Public Policy will:

Give students the skills to analyse and challenge the existing policy narrative and propose realistic alternatives

Ensure that students understand the theoretical framework which underpins different policies produce graduates with the necessary skills and experience to exercise an effective role in influencing public policy for social justice

Offering a critical social analysis of the current situation, researching and developing evidence based options, negotiating effectively and advocating for change


In taking on this programme students will be able to:

  • learn from expert academics and practitioners in social justice and public policy using case studies from Irish and International contexts
  • study and network with others from a wide range of experiences and disciplines
  • pursue their relevant interests via self-directed learning, assignments and a dissertation

This MA is particularly suitable for students seeking to promote a fairer society, including people from business, community, voluntary, social inclusion, environmental organisations, trade unions, public service and religious sectors.

Many applicants will be working in a voluntary or paid capacity with an organisation, group or office involved with social justice or addressing issues affected by public policy.

Social Justice and Public Policy Course Structure

The MA in Social Justice and Public Policy is delivered part-time over two years normally over seventeen evening and all-day sessions and two block weeks over two years in a convenient Dublin city centre location.

Assessment is via assignments, projects and a dissertation. 

For the award of MA in Social Justice and Public Policy a student must accumulate 90 credits.  Students also have the option of taking individual modules from the programme or the Certificate in Social Justice (30 credits) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Social Justice and Public Policy (60 credits)

Year 1

Semester 1 Semester 2
Social Analysis and Social Change 1 Economics and Social Policy 1
Human Rights and Theories of Social Justice Advocacy, Community Organising andNetworking for Social Justice
Communication Skills Social Justice & the Prophetic Tradition

Year 1

Module Name Semester

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 2

Semester 3 Semester 4
Social Analysis and Social Change 2 Economics and Social Policy 2
Research Methods Communications and Public Policy
Strategic Planning & Social Justice Reflective Practice and Social Justice

Year 2

Module Name Semester

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 3

Semester 5 Semester 6
Research Project

Year 3

Module Name Semester

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Year 4

Module Name Semester

M is a mandatory subject - E is an elective subject

Social Justice and Public Policy Entry Requirements

Applicants for the MA in Social Justice and Public Policy should hold a minimum of an NFQ Honours degree in any area of the Humanities, Economics or Social Sciences.  Candidates should normally have previous relevant experience and are expected to be working in a paid or voluntary capacity in the area.  All candidates are subject to a pre-entry interview.

Applicants who do not hold the standard qualifying NFQ Level 8 qualification criteria, but have relevant work experience and study may be considered for admission to the programme under the Institute's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process and subject to an interview.

Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English.  Please see our website for more details www.setu.ie/englishrequirements

 

Programme fees

Programme fee details are available from the Postgraduate Fee Section of our website at www.setu.ie/pgfees

How to Apply

Applications for this programme are made online by going to www.pac.ie (Code SE21N)

Contact

Course Leader

Dr Paul Clogher

Lecturer in Religious Studies & Theology -

Email: [email protected]

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