MSOCSC SOCIAL SCIENCE (RIGHTS AND SOCIAL POLICY)

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.

Commences
September

Candidates are required to have: a Bachelor of Social Science (NFQ Level 8 (or equivalent) honours degree) 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.

Note only applicable from 2026/2027 Entry

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway applies to the Master of Social Science Social Work if you meet the criteria below. Entry requirements differ under RPL, depending on your level of education and experience:

1. Hold an honours primary degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any discipline, and have completed a minimum of twelve months relevant work experience in a social work or social work-related field¿or
2. Hold a primary ordinary degree (NFQ, Level 7) in social science or its equivalent with an overall result of at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 and have completed at least three years experience in a social work or social work-related field¿or
3. Non-graduates with at least five years of professional experience in a social work or social work-related field may also be considered for admission.

The responsibility rests with the applicant¿to ensure that from the outset of their application they provide all required information and documentation to support their RPL application. Applications will not be considered under RPL without the required RPL information provided as part of the application.

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

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore. 

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test  : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section

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. 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.