Social Policy and Practice (Online) (P. Grad. Dip.)

Course Overview

The overall objective of this programme is to provide graduates from all disciplines with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the role of social policy in developing healthy functioning societies. Student will get to grips with some of the ‘wicked problems’ that contemporary societies face. These are complex interdependent problems such as crime and poverty which are often resistant to the solutions put in place by governments. Students will understand the arguments for developing social policy in areas such as social security, health, housing and personal social services, and the challenges of implementing and changing policy in these areas.

This course will provide students with a stimulating online learning experience by creating a structured yet flexible learning approach. The place of study will be totally flexible as online delivery allows students to engage in many learning activities at home or in the workplace.

The Postgraduate Diploma will act as a conversion course for such graduates and would enhance their application to pursue further study on a specialised programme such as the Masters of Social Work. The programme will also appeal to applicants from other countries, especially outside the EU, and in North America who will have the opportunity to study in Ireland’s leading university with expertise in Irish, EU and international social policy.

The programme is open to graduates from all disciplines who are interested in converting to the field of social policy and practice. Successful applicants will hold an NFQ Level-8 degree in any subject at a minimum of lower second-class Honours degree (2.2).

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Our graduates have found employment as social workers in Ireland and internationally, in sectors including TUSLA, Child and Family Agency, Probation Service, Health-Related Social Work, Mental Health Services, Disability Services and Community Development. Others have chosen careers in research, advocacy, service management, and education and training.